Ep 4. The Jackass

Tales of Wells Fargo was a western television series that aired from 1957 to 1962 on NBC. The show starred Dale Robertson as Jim Hardie, a special agent for the Wells Fargo Company who traveled across the American West, delivering mail and protecting stagecoaches from bandits and other dangers.

In season 4 episode 4, entitled "The Jackass," Jim Hardie is on a routine mail delivery when he stumbles upon a group of men trying to steal a herd of mules from a local rancher. Hardie manages to thwart the thieves and bring the mules back to the ranch, earning the gratitude of the owner, a man named Jud Carson.

Carson is impressed with Hardie's bravery and offers him a job as a ranch hand, which Hardie accepts. However, Hardie soon discovers that Carson has a hidden agenda. He is using the mules to smuggle stolen goods across the border into Mexico, and he wants Hardie to help him.

Hardie is torn between his loyalty to Wells Fargo and his desire to help the rancher. He decides to go undercover and gather evidence against Carson, hoping to bring him to justice. He even risks his own life to save Carson's daughter, who is caught in the middle of a dangerous situation.

As the episode unfolds, Hardie must navigate a complex maze of deceit and danger, using all his skills and cunning to stay one step ahead of Carson and his men. Along the way, he meets a colorful cast of characters, including a tough-talking saloon girl, a clever Mexican bandit, and a grizzled old prospector.

"The Jackass" is a classic example of the Western genre, featuring thrilling action sequences, dramatic confrontations, and plenty of suspense. It also explores deeper themes of loyalty, courage, and the struggle between doing what is right and doing what is easy.

Throughout the episode, Dale Robertson delivers a strong and nuanced performance as Jim Hardie, capturing both his physical prowess and his moral complexity. The supporting cast is also excellent, with standout performances from Dick York as Carson and Ellen Corby as the saloon girl.

Overall, "The Jackass" is a must-see episode for fans of Westerns and classic television. It offers a thrilling and thought-provoking glimpse into the American frontier, where life was tough but the people were even tougher.