Ep 22. Incident of the Comanchero

In the Rawhide season 5 episode 22 titled "Incident of the Comanchero," the cattle drive team faces a group of Comancheros who are causing trouble for the locals and travelers in the area. These Comancheros are known for smuggling goods across the border, and they have become a major problem in the region.

Despite being warned about the Comancheros, the crew of Rawhide decides to take a dangerous shortcut through the area to save time. However, they soon realize that they have made a grave mistake as they come across a group of Comancheros who have already robbed and killed a group of travelers. The Comancheros threaten to attack the Rawhide team as well, but the crew tries to make a stand against them.

In this tense situation, the crew realizes that they must find a way to outsmart the Comancheros if they want to save themselves and their cattle. They are aided by a local Apache who knows the area well and is familiar with the Comancheros' tactics. Together, they come up with a plan to divert the Comancheros' attention and neutralize their threat.

However, the Comancheros are not easily outmatched. They put up a tough fight, and the Rawhide crew must use all their skills and resources to survive the showdown. As the two sides engage in a fierce battle, the stakes are high, and every mistake could mean death for the cowboys.

The episode also delves into the complex relationships between the Comancheros, the locals, and the travelers who pass through the area. The team learns that the Comancheros are not necessarily evil, but rather a product of the circumstances they find themselves in. They are forced to engage in illegal activities to survive and provide for their families.

As the episode comes to a close, the Rawhide team emerges victorious over the Comancheros. However, they also learn an important lesson about the challenges faced by those who live on the fringes of society and must resort to unconventional means to survive. The crew of Rawhide takes this lesson to heart and becomes more empathetic towards those who are struggling to make ends meet in their harsh world.

With its engaging storyline, intense action, and insightful commentary on the human condition, "Incident of the Comanchero" is a must-watch episode of Rawhide. Fans of westerns will appreciate the attention to detail and historical accuracy, while those looking for a thought-provoking drama will be captivated by the show's exploration of complex themes and moral dilemmas.