Ep 13. Jesse James

Tales of Wells Fargo was a Western drama television series that ran from 1957 to 1962. It followed Wells Fargo agent Jim Hardie as he traveled throughout the American West, solving crimes and bringing criminals to justice. Season 1 Episode 13, titled "Jesse James," is a thrilling adventure that sees Hardie crossing paths with one of the most infamous outlaws in American history.

The episode begins with Hardie arriving in the town of Liberty, Missouri, on the trail of a gang of train robbers. As he investigates, he hears rumors that Jesse James and his gang are also in the area, planning a daring heist. Hardie scoffs at the idea of James being in town, thinking that it's just a local legend designed to scare people. But as he continues his investigation, he realizes that the rumors are true - Jesse James and his men are indeed in Liberty, and they're planning something big.

Hardie knows that he needs to act fast to stop James and his gang, but he's hampered by a lack of information. He doesn't know where or when the robbery will take place, or who the gang's accomplices are. Desperate for leads, he turns to the town's residents for help. He interviews shopkeepers, saloon keepers, and even a local schoolteacher, hoping to glean any information that will help him stop the robbery.

As he digs deeper, Hardie discovers that James has a network of loyal supporters in Liberty who are helping him plan the robbery. They're keeping a close eye on Hardie's movements, trying to thwart his investigation at every turn. Undeterred, Hardie presses on, determined to catch James and his gang before they can strike.

As the tension mounts, Hardie finds himself in increasingly dangerous situations. He's ambushed in a dark alley by a gang member, narrowly escaping with his life. He's forced to bluff his way out of a tense confrontation with James himself, pretending to be on the outlaw's side in order to gain valuable intelligence. And he even has to face down a menacing lynch mob, who are convinced that he's in cahoots with James and his gang.

Despite the danger, Hardie refuses to give up. He knows that the fate of Wells Fargo and the people of Liberty rests on his shoulders, and he's determined to see the mission through to the end. His dogged pursuit of James and his gang eventually pays off, and he's able to capture the outlaws and restore law and order to the town.

Throughout the episode, Hardie's courage and determination are on full display. He's a true hero, willing to risk his life to protect the innocent and uphold the law. And his encounter with Jesse James is a thrilling showdown that will keep viewers on the edge of their seats.

Overall, "Jesse James" is an excellent episode of Tales of Wells Fargo, showcasing the series' strengths as a Western drama. With engaging characters, high-stakes action, and a compelling plot, it's a must-watch for fans of the genre.