A young man named Darryl Thompson (Ben Cooper) surprises Jenny Breckenridge (Vera Miles) and her husband
Harlan (Adam Williams) while they're resting en route to Oregon. Thompson has exceedingly polite manners, but he 's concealing a revolver beneath the hat he doffs. That paradoxical act sets the tone aptly and immediately for an unhinged character.
"Miss Jenny" is startled to see a gun, but she's far from hysterical. She asks Thompson what he wants and when he requests a cup of coffee, she replies that no gun is needed for that. This also sets the tone aptly and immediately for a woman who breaks stereotypes of the era by displaying exemplary grace and courage under extreme duress throughout the episode. Yet her actions are completely believable. This is a wonderful point about the episode that really shines.
Considering the circumstances, Miss Jenny's husband is also relatively composed even though he's understandably irritated. He clearly loves her and she's clearly devoted to him, which they both prove through their actions. Another wonderful point about this episode is the reminder that one of the most costly things in life can be underestimating another person, especially one with a fertile imagination.
As obsessed young man Darryl Thompson, the talented Ben Cooper turns in arguably one his best performances by walking the tightrope of a believable illusion or dream he has sold himself. Adam Williams also does a fine job, although he doesn't get nearly as much screen time as Cooper and Miles, who is absolutely a tour de force-not just for how she concludes the episode but for how she handles Thompson and even manages to understand him.
The inimitable Jack Elam even makes an appearance. As reviewer kfo9494 mentions, this is indeed an "all-star" cast and it's the individual performances of the cast that make this episode so special.
"Miss Jenny" is startled to see a gun, but she's far from hysterical. She asks Thompson what he wants and when he requests a cup of coffee, she replies that no gun is needed for that. This also sets the tone aptly and immediately for a woman who breaks stereotypes of the era by displaying exemplary grace and courage under extreme duress throughout the episode. Yet her actions are completely believable. This is a wonderful point about the episode that really shines.
Considering the circumstances, Miss Jenny's husband is also relatively composed even though he's understandably irritated. He clearly loves her and she's clearly devoted to him, which they both prove through their actions. Another wonderful point about this episode is the reminder that one of the most costly things in life can be underestimating another person, especially one with a fertile imagination.
As obsessed young man Darryl Thompson, the talented Ben Cooper turns in arguably one his best performances by walking the tightrope of a believable illusion or dream he has sold himself. Adam Williams also does a fine job, although he doesn't get nearly as much screen time as Cooper and Miles, who is absolutely a tour de force-not just for how she concludes the episode but for how she handles Thompson and even manages to understand him.
The inimitable Jack Elam even makes an appearance. As reviewer kfo9494 mentions, this is indeed an "all-star" cast and it's the individual performances of the cast that make this episode so special.