Ep 1. The Patsy

Lucas McCain, a widower and single father, is a skilled marksman with a reputation for being the fastest gun in the West. In "The Rifleman" season 2 episode 1, titled "The Patsy," Lucas must clear his name when he becomes the prime suspect in a murder investigation.

The episode starts as Lucas attends a town meeting to discuss the upcoming election. The town is divided between two candidates, and tensions are high. One man, Martin Howe, is particularly agitated and interrupts the meeting, accusing Lucas of being in league with the other candidate, Sam Brausen. Lucas calmly denies the accusation and insists that he has no preference in the election.

Later that night, Brausen is found dead in his home, and Lucas becomes the prime suspect. The sheriff, who has never been fond of Lucas, is quick to jump on the case and arrest him. Lucas is forced to go on the run, but he is determined to clear his name and find the real killer.

Lucas enlists the help of an old friend, Micah Torrance, who is now a U.S. Marshal. Micah has some information that could clear Lucas, but it requires him to go undercover and pose as a member of Martin Howe's gang. Lucas hesitates at first, knowing that it's dangerous, but he ultimately agrees.

Lucas infiltrates Howe's gang and gains their trust. He learns that Howe was the one who killed Brausen and framed Lucas for the murder. Lucas sets a trap for Howe, but things go awry when one of his own men, a young gunfighter named Billy, is killed in a shootout.

Lucas is devastated by Billy's death but remains determined to bring Howe to justice. He finally confronts Howe in a tense standoff, and with Micah's help, is able to bring him to justice. Lucas is exonerated of all charges, and the town finally realizes that he was telling the truth all along.

In the end, Lucas gives a moving speech at the town meeting, urging the residents to put aside their differences and come together as a community. The episode ends with Lucas and his son, Mark, walking off into the sunset, ready for whatever adventures the Wild West may bring.

Overall, "The Rifleman" season 2 episode 1 is a thrilling and action-packed installment that showcases Lucas McCain's bravery and skill as a marksman. It's also a powerful commentary on the dangers of prejudice and misinformation, reminding us that sometimes the truth is not always what it seems. Fans of Westerns and classic TV dramas will undoubtedly love this episode and the show as a whole.