Ep 21. Emperor Norton

Emperor Norton begins with a fictionalized account of Joshua Norton, the self-proclaimed emperor of the United States and Mexico during the late 19th century. In the episode, Norton (played by Harry Townes) arrives in San Francisco after losing his fortune and declares himself the emperor of the United States. Initially dismissed as a madman, Norton soon gains a following among the locals who appreciate his eccentricity and humor.

Meanwhile, a wealthy businessman named Amos Bagley (played by Jack Carter) arrives in town and sees an opportunity to exploit Norton's popularity for his own gain. Bagley convinces Norton to sign a contract that transfers all his property and assets to Bagley in exchange for a small monthly stipend.

Norton's loyal followers are outraged by Bagley's actions and organize a protest against him. The situation comes to a head when Bagley hires a group of thugs to attack Norton and his followers during a parade. Despite being outnumbered, Norton's followers stand up to the attackers and chase them off.

In the aftermath of the attack, Norton realizes that he has been fooled by Bagley and regrets signing the contract. However, he is determined to maintain his dignity and continue his reign as the emperor, even if he has lost his fortune.

Emperor Norton is a lighthearted and entertaining episode that captures the spirit of the Old West through the story of a colorful and eccentric character. The episode's focus on Norton's struggle against the corrupt Bagley reflects the themes of justice and freedom that are integral to the Death Valley Days series. Fans of the show will enjoy the episode's mix of humor, drama, and action, as well as its exploration of an unusual and fascinating historical figure.