Ep 3. The Warrior's Return
- TV14
- September 21, 1959
- 25 min
-
8.1 (51)
In Tales of Wells Fargo season 4 episode 3, entitled "The Warrior's Return," we see Jim Hardie, played by Dale Robertson, mentor a young Native American man named White Eagle, played by Edward Platt, after he returns home from studying at the Carlisle Indian Industrial School.
White Eagle is eager to use the knowledge he gained at the school to improve the life of his tribe, but his father and others in the tribe refuse to let him do so. Meanwhile, a group of bandits is terrorizing the area, stealing from local cattle ranchers and threatening the safety of the town and its inhabitants.
As Hardie works to stop the bandits and protect the town, he also takes White Eagle under his wing and teaches him the skills he needs to become a successful lawman. Along the way, Hardie helps White Eagle gain the respect of his tribe and proves to them that he can use his education to help his people, rather than betray them.
The episode tackles themes of prejudice, classism, and the difficulties faced by Native Americans in the late 1800s. It was praised by both audiences and critics for its realistic portrayal of these issues and for its positive representation of Native American characters.
Overall, "The Warrior's Return" is a compelling and thought-provoking installment in the Tales of Wells Fargo series, delving into complex issues while still delivering on the action and adventure that made the show so popular.