DECISION AT LOS ROBLES
Episode First Shown:
Ben and Joe are in Los Robles where they see local landowner
John Walker, bullying a waitress. Ben comes to the woman’s defence and,
outraged,
I can't praise
this episode too highly!!
Michael's script is based on the classic frightened townspeople (needing a
leader) in the grip of a dictator - first John Walker and then his deranged son
Jed.
I liked the dramatic build-up from the opening Ben/Joe camaraderie to Ben's
killing of John Walker in self-defence (real athleticism from Lorne) to the
scene where Joe is tenderly caring for the wounded Ben
in the hotel. The drama then builds to a climax when Jed Walker tells Joe that
if he doesn't hand over Ben,
So comes Joe's decision. (Indeed decisions for the townspeople too.)His
powerful retort to Padre Xavier that he won't sacrifice his father for a bunch
of cowards is terrific. From there it's up to Joe to mobilise the fearful townspeople
into supporting him and overthrowing Jed Walker and his bullies. An excellent
twist is the fact that initially the doctor was going to let Ben die to save
the rest of the people so a great sub-plot there.
I thought that the constant thread of Padre Xavier's presence was a very clever
part of the script as Joe uses the Padre's influence to contact the
townspeople. But in the end it is Maria from the canteen who is responsible for
turning the tide. When the padre cannot get sufficient help, it is her words
that save the day. I liked the fact that this gave a woman an important role.
Even in the midst of the drama there are some really humorous snippets. When
Maria lures two of the gang to the back room their "assignation" is
to be captured by Joe and his helpers! There is a wonderfully funny scene when
Padre Xavier brings coffee to three of the gang in the belltower, knocks out
one with his coffee pot, then looks heavenwards and says "Forgive
me!"
Of course Joe and the redeemed townspeople win the day and the very powerful
ending where the shot Jed Walker is still shouting that he owns the town is reminiscent
of the ending of "The Hunter".
Two scenes that I found moving were when Ben (great "injured Ben" acting
by Lorne) regains consciousness and Joe touches him and speaks to him as gently
as those Pa/Joe scenes where Joe has been hurt - now a role reversal. The other
scene is the final one where Joe gives warm handshakes to the men, a platonic
kiss to Maria and an emotional hug to the padre. Ben's final words complete
this fantastic episode
perfectly: "Let's go home."
There were many things that I loved about Michael's writing and direction in
this - his celebrated camera angles e.g. having the camera at ground level when
Ben is shot so that we see events from Ben's level, having the camera near to
Joe so that we see Joe's view from the hotel balcony as he awaits Jed and the
gang.
Michael uses changes of pace in the action, surprises (as when Joe is disguised
in the padre's habit) a lot of different indoor and outdoor locations etc. to
really grip the viewer with tension and see what will happen next.
It is difficult to single out any of the guest stars/supporting cast as they
were all so good but I thought that Joe de Santis was wonderful as Padre Xavier
and Ted Cassidy was very good as the foreman Garth.
I thought that this was immensely satisfying episode, beautifully written and
directed by Michael and with terrific performances from all involved.
Hilary
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