Ep 45. Ep 45 - The Lonesomest Man In The World
- January 1, 1956
As the second season of The Life And Legend Of Wyatt Earp continues, episode 45, titled "The Lonesomest Man In The World," sees the titular character, played by Hugh O'Brian, facing some tough choices.
Wyatt has always been a man who stands up for what he believes in, even when it means going against popular opinion. In this episode, he finds himself at odds with his friends and fellow lawmen as he tries to do what he thinks is right.
The episode opens with Wyatt and his friend Doc Holliday (played by Douglas Fowley) sitting in a saloon, discussing their plans for the upcoming cattle round-up. Wyatt is convinced that a notorious outlaw named Billy the Kid (played by Chuck Courtney) will try to steal some of the cattle, so he wants to take extra precautions to protect them. Doc, however, thinks that Wyatt is being overly cautious and insists that they don't need to worry.
Wyatt's concerns turn out to be well-founded when Billy the Kid does indeed try to steal some of the cattle. Wyatt and his deputies manage to capture the outlaw, but he insists that he was only trying to take enough cows to feed his hungry gang. Wyatt is torn between his sense of duty as a lawman and his sympathy for Billy's situation.
Meanwhile, Wyatt's friend and former deputy Bat Masterson (played by Mason Alan Dinehart) arrives in town. Bat is now a famous writer, and he's come to Tombstone to research a story about Wyatt's life. Wyatt is flattered, but he's also reluctant to talk about some of the more controversial aspects of his past.
As if these conflicts weren't enough, Wyatt also finds himself falling for a new woman in town, a schoolteacher named Margaret (played by Marjorie Lord). Margaret is smart, kind, and beautiful, and Wyatt is smitten with her. However, he's hesitant to pursue a relationship because he knows that his job as a lawman puts him in danger and he doesn't want to risk her safety.
All of these challenges leave Wyatt feeling lonely and isolated, hence the episode's title "The Lonesomest Man In The World." Despite his many friendships and admirers, he feels like no one really understands the difficult choices he has to make every day.
As always, O'Brian gives a nuanced and compelling performance as Wyatt Earp. He captures the character's strength, intelligence, and determination, as well as his vulnerability and emotional complexity. The supporting cast is also excellent, particularly Fowley as the witty and charming Doc Holliday and Lord as the warm and sympathetic Margaret.
Overall, "The Lonesomest Man In The World" is a strong episode of The Life And Legend Of Wyatt Earp. It offers a compelling exploration of the challenges and contradictions of a lawman's life, as well as some compelling character development for its lead. Anyone who enjoys Westerns, historical dramas, or well-crafted character studies should find plenty to enjoy here.
