Marty Blair was SO slick, presumably being oily and slimy just as Lucas described him. Only a child, as a kid of Mark's age should be taken in by his foolery. Yet, the savvy Lou Mallory, Micah the U. S. Marshal, and the town doctor all bought into his fantastical story when he was attempting to commit robbery. So viewer, suspend your sense of realism, sit back and enjoy this terrific episode. Mark Goddard is perfect as Marty Blair, who provides the catalyst for the rift between Lucas and Mark.... a situation which is known to every parent of a teenager. Lucas and Mark resolve their dispute in a way which provides a very satisfying conclusion. Whether or not Mark gets or even keeps said rifle of his own is an excellent vehicle for the story's moral. It shows the audience whether the youth has learned any lesson or is still not yet mature enough to handle the responsibility that comes with owning a rifle. "Mark's Rifle" is one of my favorite episodes.
Review of Mark's Rifle
