Ep 2. Incident of the 13th Man

The episode "Incident of the 13th Man" is the second episode of the second season of the western television series, Rawhide. The show originally aired on CBS on September 25, 1959, and was directed by Ted Post. The episode follows the story of a group of drovers who are traveling with a herd of cattle to Sedalia, Missouri. However, when one of their fellow drovers is killed under mysterious circumstances, the group must find the killer before he strikes again.

The episode begins with the drovers setting up camp for the night. As they settle in for dinner, they hear a lone rider approaching. The rider turns out to be a rancher named Sam Barbee who is looking for work as a drover. The trail boss, Gil Favor, agrees to take him on board and the group continues their journey.

The next day, a member of the group is found dead. Gil and his men suspect that one of the drovers is responsible for the murder, but they have no way to prove it. They decide to continue on to Sedalia, hoping that the killer will reveal himself.

As they travel through the countryside, tensions run high among the group. Each of the drovers is under suspicion, and accusations fly back and forth. Meanwhile, a ruthless band of cattle rustlers is hot on their trail, eager to steal the herd.

Despite the danger, Gil and his men press on. They are determined to reach Sedalia and bring the killer to justice. Along the way, they encounter a series of challenges, from dangerous river crossings to vicious gunfights. But through it all, they remain resolute in their quest to solve the mystery of the "13th man."

The episode is filled with thrilling action sequences and tense interpersonal drama. The relationship between Gil and his men is explored in depth, showcasing the trust and loyalty that exist among the drovers. The mystery surrounding the murder adds an extra layer of intrigue to the plot, keeping audiences on the edge of their seats until the very end.

Overall, "Incident of the 13th Man" is a standout episode of Rawhide that exemplifies the show's commitment to exciting storytelling and complex character development. Fans of westerns and classic television will surely enjoy this thrilling and suspenseful episode.