I was rather disappointed by this episode. The summary gave me the idea it would feature Hell's Angels causing mayhem and terrorising the local community. Instead I got wild-eyed Bruce Dern with perfect diction leading a gang of rather mature, clean cut All-American guys and gals astride shiny British motor cycles. In fact the bikes were the best things in the episode.
Briefly Kimble, on the run from a sheriff's posse, is rescued by a biker gang who then keep him prisoner for their own amusement. Leader Hutch (Dern) decides to frame Kimble for the planned murder of a Mr Benson, who had turned in gang member Tommy-Joe who was given the choice to go to jail or enlist for Viet-Nam where he was killed. The resulting action didn't quite convince the viewer that Kimble and Mr Benson were in real danger. Certainly the "bikers" weren't as scary or threatening as the thugs in Landscape With Running Figures. Not a leather jacket or denim in sight! Since Dern had featured in some of the biker gang movies of the sixties, he would surely have been able to bring some gravitas to his role? Perhaps it was the director's fault?
As usual it turns out that Hutch isn't as tough as he appeared to be after henchman Don (Lou Antonio) intervenes, telling everyone the truth about Tommy-Joe taking the rap for their gang leader. The disillusioned bikers disperse and Don helps Kimble get away with the help of the grateful Mr Benson. A plus point with the episode being in colour is the oppotunity to view the bright sixties fashions sported by the cast. That and the Triumphs and BSAs made it tolerable.
Review of The Devil's Disciples
