Ep 23. The Second Witness

Lucas McCain, a widowed rancher, is known as a fast and accurate shooter, earning him the nickname of "The Rifleman." In season 1 episode 23, titled "The Second Witness," Lucas is accused of robbing the bank in the nearby town of North Fork. He is the only suspect, and despite his protestations of innocence, he is arrested and thrown into jail. The eyewitness, who saw the robber's face through a scarf, cannot positively identify him, but another witness confirms that Lucas was in town at the time of the robbery.

With little hope of clearing his name, Lucas's only hope is to find the real culprit. His son Mark is desperate to help his father and begins investigating himself, much to Lucas's concern. Mark's search for the truth leads him to discover a number of important clues, including a mysterious poster advertising a traveling Wild West show that is in town. Mark manages to track down the owner of the show, who reveals some shocking information that could help clear Lucas's name.

Meanwhile, Lucas's situation continues to deteriorate in jail. He is treated harshly by the sheriff, who is convinced that Lucas is guilty and refuses to listen to his claims of innocence. After several days behind bars, Lucas is pushed to the brink and almost loses hope. However, a visit from his friend Micah, the town's deputy, gives him renewed strength, and he resolves to fight to clear his name no matter what it takes.

As the investigation heats up, it becomes clear that the case is more complicated than it initially seemed. The Wild West show owner, a flamboyant character who goes by the name of "Buffalo Bill" (not to be confused with the historical figure of the same name), is revealed to be a key player in the whole affair. With the help of Mark and Micah, Lucas is able to piece together the events that led to his arrest and uncovers a web of deceit and betrayal that threatens to destroy the entire town.

In the end, justice is served, and Lucas is exonerated of all charges. The real culprit is brought to justice, and the town of North Fork is once again at peace. Lucas and Mark share a heartfelt moment of father-son bonding as they reflect on the events that have transpired. Despite the challenging circumstances, they emerged with a greater appreciation for each other and a stronger bond than ever before.

"The Second Witness" is a thrilling and suspenseful episode that showcases the talents of the show's cast and crew. Chuck Connors delivers a riveting performance as Lucas McCain, imbuing the character with a quiet strength and determination in the face of adversity. Johnny Crawford is likewise outstanding as Mark, conveying a sense of youthful innocence and determination that makes the audience root for him throughout the episode. The supporting cast is also excellent, with memorable performances by the likes of Paul Birch as Buffalo Bill and Robert Bice as the sheriff. Overall, "The Second Witness" is a standout episode that exemplifies the best of classic Western television.