The storyline is pretty contrived, but once again fine production values, a feisty cast, and great location visuals more than compensate. Tod and Buzz transport a killer horse to a Montana ranch, where the critter proceeds to stomp through most of the Bludge family, while the guys try to track him down. Truth is, however, the three brothers pretty much abuse the poor devil. Meanwhile, Pleshette gets to do another of her aggressive personality bits as the wife of Jim Bludge (Evans). Happily she also has a number of half-dressed scenes for us guys. But I am puzzled by headliner Evans' brief appearance. His top-billed status suggests something more. I wonder if something happened to shorten his screen time. Meanwhile, it's really Akins who dominates, his beefy frame and pudgy features perfect for a blacksmith. And catch the grand sweep of the Montana uplands, quite a treat for the eye. Anyway, it's character interest that carries the show along with the visuals, so catch the scenic hour if you can.
(In passing-- note the crowd of ordinary people at the ranch for Blue's arrival. That doesn't add to the plot. But I suspect producers did it as a favor to locals who then got to be on national TV. In fact, the series did a lot of that, which helped lend authenticity to the "on the road" story lines.)
(In passing-- note the crowd of ordinary people at the ranch for Blue's arrival. That doesn't add to the plot. But I suspect producers did it as a favor to locals who then got to be on national TV. In fact, the series did a lot of that, which helped lend authenticity to the "on the road" story lines.)
