"The Big Valley" The Challenge (TV Episode 1968) Poster

(TV Series)

(1968)

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7/10
A set-up picture cause problems for a Senator and Victoria.
kfo949414 August 2012
In the final episode of season three we are treated again to the under-estimated James Gregory. In this show, Mr Gregory plays Jim Bannard a state senator running for re-election in the late 1800's California. Senator Bannard is an old flame of Victoria and is supported by the entire Barkley family in the bid for re-election. His support is strong even with a local lawyer/Judge William Daggett also seeking the office occupied by Bannard.

When some racy pictures are taken of Senator Bannard and Victoria, it will lead to allegations of corruption from Candidate Daggett unless the Senator agrees to drop his bid for re-election. But the Senator is not one for backing down to problems and even challenges Daggett to a public duel of honor.

When Daggett refused, the Senator is left with having to take matters into his own hands to save his state seat and Victoria's reputation. But with the hot-headed Senator, it will be difficult to separate honor from possible murder.

Even though the acting was good and the story interesting, I found it difficult to agree with the ending. But perhaps that was what the writers wanted- to add more flavor to the episode. Agree or disagree with the ending- the story was interesting. Barbara Stanwyck has some rough scenes in this show but holds up well to the challenging activities. Good watch.
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8/10
Great Chemistry
summerfields15 April 2010
Warning: Spoilers
James Gregory plays a Senator who is framed with an innocent photo taken by a corrupt enemy in typical Political corruption-flavored stuff.

Stanwyck and Gregory have genuine star chemistry between them and they are great to watch.

After reviewing this particular title, I am going straight to Simon Carter's adventures with Victoria in the desert (Gregory played another role - Simon Carter - in two episodes.)

Their chemistry is fantastic.

This isn't always the case with Stanwyck: her chemistry with Gable is not so hot: they were too tough for each-other!

Try watching and see for yourself: "To Please a Lady" (1950)
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4/10
People do dumb things
mlbroberts12 August 2020
Warning: Spoilers
This episode - despite good actors doing good work - was disappointing. Everybody except Jarrod was doing stupid things in this episode, involving a politician setting up a meeting between Victoria and a senator (James Gregory) late at night in his hotel room and then having a photographer in the next room to get a picture. Nick and Heath, in their dumb move, ransack the politician's office to find copies and the plate of the picture (they get caught - no pictures there). The senator, in his dumb move, stops the politician on the road and challenges him to a duel (a duel????). They get into a fight on the politician's buggy instead and the politician is killed. The senator's next dumb move is to try to get Victoria to help him cover it all up. Victoria's dumb move is to go to another town after the photographer alone, resulting in a fight that nearly gets her killed. Jarrod - the only one with any sense from the beginning - somehow manages to get everybody out of legal trouble and save the senator's career. Just too many dumb moves in this episode to make it believable..
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