Ep 18. Dead to Rights

Cheyenne season 3 episode 18, titled "Dead to Rights," takes the audience on a thrilling journey as Cheyenne Bodie, played by Clint Walker, is accused of a crime he didn't commit.

The episode begins with Cheyenne riding into town and stopping by the local saloon. As he begins to order a drink, a man named Emmett Flood accuses Cheyenne of drawing a gun on him, a crime that carries the death penalty in that particular town. Cheyenne is shocked by the accusation, as he has no recollection of ever meeting the man.

Despite his protests, Cheyenne is arrested and brought to trial. As the evidence is presented, it becomes clear that a case is being built against him. Witnesses claim to have seen him draw his gun, and Emmett Flood himself is adamant that Cheyenne threatened him.

But Cheyenne knows he is innocent, and he is determined to clear his name. With the help of his friend Smitty, played by L.Q. Jones, Cheyenne begins to investigate the case.

Their investigation leads them to a group of outlaws who are using the saloon as a front for a counterfeiting operation. The outlaws are led by a man named Lucky Hayden, played by Harold J. Stone, who has a personal vendetta against Cheyenne.

As Cheyenne and Smitty dig deeper, they discover that Lucky has framed Cheyenne in an attempt to eliminate him as a threat to their operation. But with Lucky determined to see Cheyenne hang, Cheyenne must outsmart him to prove his innocence and bring the true culprits to justice.

The tension in "Dead to Rights" is palpable, with the stakes raised high as Cheyenne faces the gallows. The episode is a showcase for Clint Walker's acting talent, as he imbues the character of Cheyenne with both strength and vulnerability.

The action scenes are expertly staged and choreographed, with a horseback chase and a shootout adding to the excitement. The narrative, with its twists and turns, keeps the audience guessing until the very end.

Overall, "Dead to Rights" is a standout episode of Cheyenne, elevating the series beyond its Western genre roots. It is a testament to the talents of the cast and crew, who bring the story to vivid life. Fans of the show will not be disappointed, and newcomers will find much to enjoy in this thrilling hour of television.