Ep 10. The Murdered Party

In The Big Valley season 1, episode 10 titled The Murdered Party, the Barkleys are invited to a neighboring ranch to celebrate a birthday party for the owner's daughter. As soon as they arrive, trouble starts brewing. The daughter has two suitors, and they both seem to have sinister intentions towards her. While the celebrations are taking place, the father and the suitors are nowhere to be found, and it is discovered that the father has been killed.

As the investigation progresses, it becomes clear that everyone has their own motive for the murder. The suitors both had reasons to want the father dead, and even some of the guests have something to hide. The Barkleys work together with the local sheriff to uncover the truth behind the murder.

Victoria Barkley, played by Barbara Stanwyck, takes it upon herself to question all the guests and sleuth out any clues, while her son Jarrod, played by Richard Long, tries to collect evidence to solve the mystery. Nick, played by Peter Breck, and Heath, played by Lee Majors, work together to keep a close eye on the two suitors and play good cop-bad cop to extract valuable information.

As the investigation progresses, it becomes clear that the murder is connected to a long-standing family feud between the two neighboring ranches. The Barkleys and the sheriff must tread carefully as they untangle the web of lies and deceit, and bring the culprit to justice.

The Murdered Party is a classic who-done-it mystery that keeps the audience guessing until the very end. The episode's characters are layered and complex, each with their own secrets to keep and motives for the murder. The Barkley family shines in their roles as amateur detectives, and their banter and interactions add a touch of humor to the otherwise serious subject matter.

The episode also deals with themes of family, loyalty, and tradition, as the feud between the two neighboring ranches is a generational conflict that has lasted for years. The resolution of the murder sparks a change in the family dynamics of both ranches and sets a precedent for a new era of peace and understanding.

Overall, The Murdered Party is a must-watch episode for fans of classic Westerns and murder mysteries. It is a well-crafted episode with a tightly woven plot, engaging characters, and a satisfying resolution. Its themes of family, loyalty, and tradition add depth to the episode and elevate it above your average Western drama.