Ep 14. The Surveyors

Lucas McCain, played by Chuck Connors, starred in the Western drama TV series The Rifleman as a widowed father raising his son Mark, played by Johnny Crawford, in a small New Mexico town in the 1880s. Season 2, episode 14, titled "The Surveyors," follows Lucas McCain as he defends his land against a group of surveyors hired by the railroad.

The episode begins with Lucas discussing his land and the looming threat of the railroad with his neighbor Sam Galt. Sam is convinced the railroad will bring prosperity to the area, but Lucas is skeptical, citing the potential damage to his ranch and the danger of strangers moving in. Soon after, the surveyors arrive and begin marking off sections of land, including Lucas's. Lucas confronts them, but they claim to have legal documentation giving them the right to survey and potentially take over his land.

Lucas decides to fight back and hires a lawyer, Granville Thorpe, to protect his rights. Thorpe discovers a mistake in the survey documents, revealing that the railroad company has no legal claim to Lucas's land. However, the surveyors refuse to back down and try to intimidate Lucas into selling his land. Lucas stands his ground and is aided by Sam and other townspeople who support him.

As tension rises, the surveyors resort to violence, attacking Lucas's ranch and causing destruction. Lucas and Mark defend their property and successfully fend off the attackers. In the end, Lucas emerges victorious, proving that justice and perseverance can overcome even the strongest opposition.

The Surveyors deals with themes of land ownership, corporate greed, and individual rights in the face of adversity. It showcases Lucas McCain's grit and determination in defending what is rightfully his, and highlights the importance of community support when facing powerful foes. The episode also features high-action, gun-play scenes, as is typical for the series, as well as emotional moments of Lucas's fatherly affection towards his son.

Overall, The Rifleman season 2 episode 14, The Surveyors, presents an engaging and thought-provoking storyline that will keep viewers on the edge of their seats.