Ep 12. The Ballad of Oscar Wilde

The Ballad of Oscar Wilde is the twelfth episode of the second season of the western television series Have Gun, Will Travel. The episode was first aired on December 12, 1959, on CBS and was directed by Andrew V. McLaglen.

The plot revolves around the main character, Paladin, who is hired by a young woman named Lily Fortune to look for her father, who has gone missing after being accused of murder. Paladin takes up the case and sets out on a journey to find Lily's father in the town of Freedom, Arizona. Upon arriving there, Paladin discovers that Lily's father, a poet named Oscar Wilde (not to be confused with the real-life writer of the same name), has been jailed for the murder of a local rancher named Tom Clay.

Paladin tries to uncover the truth about what happened between Oscar and Tom. He learns that Oscar was actually defending himself against Tom, who had been bullying him for a long time. Oscar had finally snapped and killed Tom in self-defense. Paladin seeks to clear Oscar's name and bring justice to him.

In the course of his investigation, Paladin faces resistance from the townspeople who are determined to see Oscar punished for his crime. The sheriff is reluctant to help, and the local judge seems to be biased against Oscar. Paladin seeks the help of a friend in the town, a saloon owner named Pappy French, who provides him with some useful information.

Paladin finally manages to gather enough evidence to prove Oscar's innocence. He confronts the real killer and brings him to justice. However, things take an unexpected turn when Oscar decides to turn himself in for the murder, even though he had acted in self-defense. Paladin is left with a moral dilemma, as he must decide whether to let Oscar take the fall or try to convince him to fight for his freedom.

The Ballad of Oscar Wilde is a thought-provoking episode that raises questions about justice and morality. It explores the theme of self-defense and when it becomes necessary to take a life in order to protect oneself. The episode also highlights the challenges of seeking justice in a society that is not always fair or unbiased.

The performances in the episode are top-notch, with Richard Boone delivering an excellent portrayal of Paladin. The guest actors, including Charles Aidman as Oscar Wilde, are also impressive. The direction by Andrew V. McLaglen is tight and effective, maintaining a suspenseful tone throughout the episode.

Overall, The Ballad of Oscar Wilde is a standout episode of Have Gun, Will Travel. Its engaging storyline, well-drawn characters, and moral complexity make it a must-watch for fans of the western genre.