Ep 4. The Hanging of Roy Carter

Have Gun, Will Travel was a Western television series that aired in the late 1950s and early 1960s. The show followed the adventures of Paladin, a gunfighter-for-hire who traveled the Old West, taking on jobs that required his particular set of skills. Season 2, episode 4, titled "The Hanging of Roy Carter," is one such job.

The episode begins with Paladin arriving in the small town of Cedar Springs to answer a job request. He meets with the mayor and learns that a man named Roy Carter has been sentenced to hang for the murder of a local rancher. The problem is that Carter claims he's innocent, and the evidence against him is circumstantial at best. The mayor is convinced of Carter's guilt, but the man's wife believes him to be innocent and has asked for Paladin's help in proving it.

Paladin's investigation takes him around town, where he interviews witnesses and gathers evidence. He quickly comes to the conclusion that the case against Carter is weak, and that there are several other suspects who could have committed the crime. The main suspect is a rival rancher, who stood to gain from the victim's death, but there are others with potential motives as well.

As Paladin digs deeper, he uncovers a web of deceit that goes beyond the murder case. There are land disputes, family feuds, and personal grudges at play, and all of them have contributed to the current situation. The town is divided, and tensions are high as the execution date draws near.

Paladin's determination to find the truth puts him at odds with the mayor and the local law enforcement, who are convinced of Carter's guilt. He also faces opposition from the victim's family, who are determined to see justice done. But Paladin is undeterred, and he continues to pursue the case even as his own safety is threatened.

In the end, Paladin's investigation pays off, and he is able to prove Carter's innocence. The real killer is revealed, and justice is served. But the episode is not without its share of tragedy, as several characters are unable to overcome the conflicts that have been simmering beneath the surface.

Overall, "The Hanging of Roy Carter" is a classic example of the kind of storytelling that made Have Gun, Will Travel such a beloved series. It's a complex, character-driven drama that puts a unique twist on the Western genre. The writing is sharp and the performances are top-notch, making for an episode that is both thought-provoking and entertaining.