Ep 9. Show of Force

Paladin takes on an unusual and dangerous job in "Show of Force." The episode opens with him arriving in a small town that has been terrorized by a group of toughs led by a man named Wheaton. The locals are afraid to stand up to Wheaton and his gang, but Paladin has been hired to put a stop to their reign of terror.

As he talks to the frightened townspeople, Paladin quickly realizes that Wheaton is more than just a common thug. He is a former military man with extensive training and resources at his disposal. Paladin knows that to take him on, he will need to use a different approach than he typically would with a simple outlaw.

Paladin begins to put his plan into action, starting with the acquisition of a large number of firearms. He uses his connections to get his hands on everything from pistols to rifles to even a small cannon. The townspeople are skeptical of his plan, but they are desperate for someone to step up and protect them.

As Paladin and the townspeople prepare for the showdown with Wheaton and his gang, tensions run high. One of the townspeople, a young woman named Jenny, is particularly nervous about the plan. She confides in Paladin that her father was killed by Wheaton's men and she fears for her safety.

Paladin reassures Jenny that he has everything under control and that the plan will work. But as the day of the showdown approaches, Paladin can't shake the feeling that something is off. Sure enough, when Wheaton and his gang arrive in town, things go awry.

Without giving away too much, it's safe to say that the showdown between Paladin and Wheaton is intense and action-packed. The episode ends on a surprisingly emotional note as Paladin reflects on the cost of violence and the importance of finding a different way.

Overall, "Show of Force" is a standout episode of Have Gun, Will Travel. It showcases Paladin's unique blend of cunning and physical prowess as well as his capacity for empathy and compassion. It also offers a nuanced exploration of the use of violence as a means of solving problems, a topic that is still relevant today. If you're a fan of classic Westerns or just enjoy a good old fashioned tale of bravery and adventure, this episode is not to be missed.