Ep 26. The Deadly Wait

Lucas McCain, a skilled marksman, returns to his ranch in North Fork, New Mexico, after a long trip. Upon arrival, he meets Mark, his son, who is planning to take his new goat to a fair in another town. Lucas decides to accompany him to avoid any possible danger, especially since his wife passed away years before, and he is left alone to raise Mark.

On their way to the fair, they encounter Jack Slade, a notorious criminal, who tells them that he is on his way to North Fork to seek revenge on a man who put him in jail. Lucas realizes that he is the man Slade is after and he tells Mark to return home, while he stays behind to deal with the threat.

Lucas arrives in North Fork and finds out that the sheriff has already taken measures to protect him by gathering a group of volunteers to guard the town. Lucas joins the group, but realizes that there is little that they can do to stop Slade, who is a ruthless killer, known for his quick draw and skills with a gun.

As the days go by, tension rises in the town, and everyone is on edge, waiting for Slade to arrive. Meanwhile, Lucas tries to prepare himself mentally and physically for the confrontation with Slade. He spends his time practicing his shooting skills, studying Slade's character, and analyzing his weak points.

Finally, after days of waiting, Slade arrives in North Fork, and Lucas and his group are ready to face him. The confrontation is intense, but Lucas is able to hold his own against Slade. Using his skills and intelligence, Lucas is able to outsmart Slade and ultimately win the showdown.

After the dust settles, Lucas returns to his ranch to reunite with his son and reflect on his experience. He realizes that being a marksman comes with great responsibility and that sometimes it requires more than just physical skill, but also strategy and careful planning.

The Deadly Wait is an episode that showcases the Western genre at its best. It features memorable characters, intense action sequences, and thoughtful themes. The episode is a testament to the show's ability to blend entertainment with substance and to engage viewers on multiple levels. It is a must-watch for fans of the show and of Westerns in general.