We have progressed into the fifth season and we, as the viewers, know that when Lucas McCain has an opinion, people should listen. But in this story it appears that the person that knows Lucas the best, Mark, has trouble heeding the words of his father.
It all begins when a quick-talking handsome young man named Marty Blair rides into town demonstrating his shooting skills. He advises that he is in town to promote the arrival of a circus that will be in town in a few days. Mark likes the young skillful man and begins a friendly relationship where it almost feels like Mark is being mentored by the traveling drummer.
One evening when Lou and Lucas are out on a buggy ride, they hear someone trying to open the hotel's safe. Lucas comes in just in time to see a shadow close and door. He shoots through the door. On the other side of the door lays Marty Blair with a gunshot to the shoulder. Marty claims he tried to apprehend the crook but was shot when passing the door.
Of course Lucas believes this is hogwash and says that Marty was the one trying to open the safe. But for some reason, it appears that the entire town is taken in by the slick-talking Marty and is giving him the benefit of the doubt. And the people on Marty's side include Lucas's own son, Mark.
This was a fine western story that was played out well by all involved. Mark Goddard was perfectly cast as the young, easy-likable character that charms Mark with his skills. But the entire episode will again come down to the relationship between father son. When will Mark learn?