Ep 27. The Wrong Man

In this episode titled "The Wrong Man," we find Lucas McCain (played by Chuck Connors) being falsely accused of murder and robbery. The episode starts with Lucas returning home only to find his house ransacked and his rifle stolen. Soon after, a rancher named Sam Morley and his wife arrive at Lucas's ranch and accuse him of stealing their money and killing their son. Lucas is taken into custody and imprisoned, despite his repeated protests of innocence.

As the story unfolds, we see Lucas's friend Micah (played by Paul Fix) working tirelessly to clear his name. In the meantime, Lucas is faced with several obstacles. For one, virtually the entire town has turned against him, believing that he is guilty. Moreover, his prospects for release from jail appear grim due to the arrival of a new judge who seems more interested in making a point than in getting to the truth of the matter.

In one scene, Lucas is being interrogated by the judge about the details of the alleged robbery and murder. Lucas calmly tells his version of events, but the judge refuses to believe him. As the scene progresses, we see Lucas becoming more and more frustrated with the injustice of the situation. Despite this, he is determined to clear his name and prove his innocence.

Over the course of the episode, we see Micah piecing together clues and gathering evidence that point towards another person as the true culprit. In one key scene, Micah confronts the real thief and murderer and threatens to expose him if he doesn't confess. Eventually, the guilty party breaks down and confesses to the crime.

In the final scenes of the episode, we see Lucas finally being exonerated and released from jail. His reputation and good name have been restored, and he is able to return to his normal life. Throughout the entire episode, we see Lucas displaying his trademark calmness and strength, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds.

Overall, "The Wrong Man" is a classic episode of The Rifleman that showcases the show's unique blend of action, drama, and moral complexity. By exploring themes of justice, friendship, and betrayal, the episode provides viewers with a memorable and thought-provoking viewing experience.