Ep 15. The Hanging Judge

The Life and Legend of Wyatt Earp is a Western TV series that premiered in 1955. The show was based on the real-life story of Wyatt Earp, a legendary lawman who worked in different towns in the American West during the late 19th century. The show ran for six seasons, totaling 226 episodes.

Season 2 Episode 15 of The Life and Legend of Wyatt Earp is called "The Hanging Judge." The episode centers around a conflict between the Judge Roy Bean and Earp in the town of Langtry, Texas.

In the episode, Earp visits Langtry looking for a fugitive named Dave Rudabaugh, who had escaped from custody in Dodge City. However, when Earp arrives in Langtry, he finds out that the town is ruled by Judge Roy Bean, a corrupt and eccentric judge who is known for his heavy-handed approach to justice.

Bean welcomes Earp to Langtry and offers to help him find Rudabaugh, but Earp quickly realizes that Bean has his own agenda. Bean has ordered the arrest of a young man named Billy Langtry, who is accused of stealing a horse. Earp learns that the evidence against Billy is weak and that Bean plans to hang him anyway.

Earp tries to convince Bean to release Billy and let justice take its course, but Bean refuses to listen to reason. The situation escalates when a group of Billy's friends come to town to rescue him, and Bean orders a posse to shoot them on sight.

Earp realizes that he cannot negotiate with Bean and decides to take matters into his own hands. He convinces Bean's deputy, a man named Sam, to help him free Billy and bring Bean to justice.

The episode ends with a dramatic showdown between Earp and Bean, as they face off in a gunfight. In the end, Earp emerges victorious, and Bean is forced to flee Langtry.

Overall, "The Hanging Judge" is a classic Western episode that showcases the conflict between lawmen and outlaws in the American West. Through the character of Judge Roy Bean, the episode explores themes of corruption, abuse of power, and the importance of justice. The episode also highlights the relationship between Earp and his deputies, as they work together to uphold the law and protect innocent civilians.