I never saw "High Chaparral" when it was originally aired from 1967 to 1971. It was only recently that I found reruns on H & I TV and discovered what a wonderful series it is, quite different from other Westerns of the time. Those featured single male leads and women only showed up in guest roles. All had similar plot lines. In this one, we have not only Caucasian men, but Hispanic men and women as well. All the leads have distinct characters: Big John, the fair but narrow minded boss of the ranch, his tender but strong wife Victoria (played by wonderful Linda Crystal), his inexperienced son Blue, his wandering, hotheaded brother Buck and Mano, Victoria's savvy, always laughing brother. The interaction of these well played characters leads to a variety of stories. The supporting players such as Joe, Sam, Pedro and Vaquero contribute to make this series a notch above others. In this particular episode, Big John seeks an alliance with neighbor Don Sebastian Montoya to protect each other from threats by Indians and other marauders. Recently widowed John gets the alliance but something quite unexpected as well; a new wife. How will she fit in as the new mistress of the "High Chaparral?" How will they deal with numerous plots to take possession of that ranch? Watch this marvelous series to find out.
Review of The Arrangement
