Ep 4. Murder Arena (1) (or The Concrete Corral)

McCloud is a classic crime drama television series that first aired in 1970s America. The show follows the adventures of a country lawman, Marshal Sam McCloud, who is sent from his hometown in Taos, New Mexico to work with the NYPD in New York City. McCloud season 1 episode 4, titled "Murder Arena (1)" or "The Concrete Corral", is an intense and action-packed episode that takes place in the gritty world of underground fighting.

The episode begins when McCloud and his partner, Sergeant Joe Broadhurst, are called to investigate a case of illegal boxing in the city. They soon discover that a young aspiring boxer named Johnny, who recently quit his day job at the docks to pursue his dream of becoming a professional fighter, has been murdered in what seems to be a staged boxing match. As the investigation continues, McCloud and Broadhurst find themselves immersed in the underground world of illegal death matches, where fighters battle it out in a deadly arena made of concrete.

The lawmen's investigation takes them to various parts of the city, including a seedy gym run by a former boxer named Stumpy, and an abandoned factory where the underground fights are held. They also meet some of the key players in the illegal boxing scene, including a charismatic promoter named Julian and a dangerous fighter named Slade. As they dig deeper into the case, McCloud and Broadhurst realize that Johnny's murder is just the tip of the iceberg, and that there is a much larger and more sinister operation at play.

The tension builds as McCloud and Broadhurst work tirelessly to unravel the mystery and bring those responsible to justice. Along the way, there are several intense action sequences, including McCloud engaging in a brutal fistfight with one of the fighters in the concrete arena, and a dramatic car chase through the streets of New York. The episode also showcases McCloud's signature cowboy charm and his ability to blend his small-town sensibilities with the fast-paced, high-stakes world of the big city.

Ultimately, "Murder Arena (1)" is a gripping and engaging episode of McCloud that will keep viewers on the edge of their seats from beginning to end. With its thrilling action, compelling characters, and intricate plot, it is a shining example of the classic crime drama genre and a testament to the timeless appeal of this beloved television series.