Ep 1. The Thin Rope

Tales of Wells Fargo is a classic western series that aired from 1957 to 1962. In season 1 episode 1 titled "The Thin Rope," the audience is introduced to the show's lead character, Jim Hardie, played by Dale Robertson. Jim is a special agent for the Wells Fargo stagecoach company tasked with protecting its assets, including mail and passengers, from bandits, robbers, and other criminals.

The episode opens with Jim arriving in the town of Diablo, where he meets a fellow Wells Fargo agent, Tom, who is tasked with taking a shipment of gold to the bank in the neighboring town of Furnace City. Tom is hesitant to take on the responsibility, as he has been injured in a previous robbery attempt, but Jim assures him that he will be there to support him.

As Tom sets out on his journey, he encounters a group of bandits who have commandeered a wagon carrying a woman named Karen. Tom is able to rescue Karen and bring her along on the journey, but the bandits are not far behind. Jim catches up with them and together they fend off the attack, but not before one of the bandits is killed.

The group arrives in Furnace City, and Tom successfully delivers the gold to the bank. However, he is met with suspicion by the bank's president, who accuses him of being involved in the robbery of the Devil's Canyon bank. Karen vouches for Tom's innocence, and Jim sets out to investigate the robbery himself.

Jim learns that the robbery was conducted using a thin rope, which was used to lower the robbers down into the bank's vault. He also learns that the bandit who was killed during the ambush on the wagon was the son of the town's sheriff, who is now out for revenge.

Jim manages to gather enough evidence to clear Tom's name and identify the true culprits behind the robbery. In the end, justice is served, and Tom is able to continue his work without suspicion.

Throughout the episode, the audience is treated to a classic western tale filled with moments of danger, heroism, and suspense. The setting and period details are also well done, transporting viewers back to a simpler time when stagecoaches were the primary means of transportation and law and order was maintained by fearless individuals like Jim Hardie.

Overall, "The Thin Rope" is a solid introduction to the world of Tales of Wells Fargo and sets the stage for the many adventures yet to come. It is a must-watch for fans of classic westerns and anyone who enjoys tales of the old west.