This was an EXCELLENT way to begin this WONDERFUL series! It first appeared on Zane Grey's Theater. If you ever get a chance to read information on the background of this episode, you should because it is absolutely fascinating on how Lucas McCain came to carry a rifle and have a son.
Of course, there are so many wonderful scenes in this episode. I couldn't go through every one of them, but I will state that one of my favorite scenes is near the beginning as Lucas and Mark are riding onto what would soon become the McCain Ranch. Father and son side-by-side. Then riding into town and Lucas looking into Mark's eyes before leaving to go do his "thing." Then the hug at the end. It sets up the relationship you will soon find.
Of course, what they don't really tell you is that Lucas' wife, Margaret, died of Small Pox when Mark was only six years old. You get this information over the next four years (the disease isn't named until the fifth season).
Chuck Connors and Johnny Crawford did an excellent job in this first episode, along with all the wonderful character actors! I can not say enough about it.
Of course, there are so many wonderful scenes in this episode. I couldn't go through every one of them, but I will state that one of my favorite scenes is near the beginning as Lucas and Mark are riding onto what would soon become the McCain Ranch. Father and son side-by-side. Then riding into town and Lucas looking into Mark's eyes before leaving to go do his "thing." Then the hug at the end. It sets up the relationship you will soon find.
Of course, what they don't really tell you is that Lucas' wife, Margaret, died of Small Pox when Mark was only six years old. You get this information over the next four years (the disease isn't named until the fifth season).
Chuck Connors and Johnny Crawford did an excellent job in this first episode, along with all the wonderful character actors! I can not say enough about it.