THE POWER OF LIFE AND DEATH

 

 

The Power of Life and Death - first shown October 11th 1970

 

'Fugitive killer Davis is stranded at a water hole with a badly wounded Ben, while Joe, alone and on foot, strikes across the desert in search of help.'

 

Guest Stars: Rupert Crosse as Davis, Larry Ward as Sheriff, Ted Gehring as Matt, Tina Menard as Mexican Woman.

 

 

*****

 

A great dramatic episode in which a man called Davis is on the run after shooting someone in self defence and fearing he will not be believed.

Ben and Joe offer to track him on behalf of a posse and then the drama begins. No sooner do they find Davis by a water hole than marauding Indians steal their horses and shoot Ben in the leg.

Joe must go for help and trust that the injured Ben can cope with Davis. This is all action Joe ranging from being soaked from head to foot falling in the water hole to sweating it out through the dusty desert!

There is excellent interplay between Ben and Davis with all Ben's wisdom of people standing him in good stead and Davis's shrewd assessment of his chances of justice.

Eventually Davis gives Ben the medical attention that he needs and Ben arranges to help Davis seek legal justice. By this time Joe and help arrive and eventually a local court acquits Davis.

The welcome inclusion of a Black actor, with Rupert Crosse playing Davis, adds the dimension of race to the fugitive scenario. There is great chemistry between Rupert and Lorne and also between Rupert and Michael and of course, the Lorne/Michael relationship is brilliant.

So there are two adventures - the central plot being the mental adventure between Ben and Davis and the sub-plot of Joe's physical adventure to get help.

A very good story and excellent acting by all concerned. Very watchable.