User Reviews

When an older man, Samuel Gibbs, shows up at the McCain ranch it becomes obvious that there is a history between the old man and Lucas. And true enough Gibbs is Mark's grandfather that is responsible for the death of Mark's mother. Gibbs is at the house asking for help because he has being chased by three outlaw brothers wanting to kill him. But due to the history Lucas refuses to help and throws him off his land.

But Gibbs is not there just by chance, he is also there to ask forgiveness from his only grandson. But it appears his travel will be for naught.

A nice story that gave Mark a more mature role than accustom. John Anderson is great as the grandfather and gives a warming performance. Even though the story was very predictable it is still a tale that will always make the viewer smile. Nice watch.

I think we old codgers know what happened to Patricia Blair. She went back to Kentucky and married Fess Parker a few years after her final Rifleman episode.

"The Rifleman"'s producers must have thought highly of John Anderson, because he appears in 11 episodes, more than two episodes per season. In one case, he was in episodes airing a week apart. In one Anderson was bearded, in the other shaven, so they must have thought no one would notice. (Anderson was a popular actor in 50s and 60s television (not to be confused with comparably popular Richard Anderson); regular TV viewers would have quickly recognized him, regardless of makeup.) "The Rifleman" certainly revealed the range of his acting skills.

The writer apparently had never heard of the "real" Sherman brothers, so when they arrive, you're expecting them to sing "A Gun Full of Bullets".

This is one of those episodes that, like "The Guest" (see my review), is hard to pass rational judgment on. I'm giving it the benefit of the doubt, because it's the sort of story screenwriters are urged to write -- //the most-important story you can tell about your character//. But the whole thing has a "mechanical" quality -- events grind through to their predictable end with nary a surprise or dramatic twist. Anderson's fake beard is beautiful and convincing, though.

Don't let a drunken bum go fetch the medicine. Even if he is your father-in-law. Everyone needs to face their demons and do some soul searching in this one.