Ep 27. The Lariat

The Lariat is an episode from the second season of the classic Western television series The Rifleman. The show aired from 1958 to 1963 and starred Chuck Connors as Lucas McCain, a widowed rancher and gunslinger, and Johnny Crawford as his young son, Mark. The show was known for its action-packed shootouts, memorable characters, and heartfelt family drama.

In this episode, Lucas and Mark encounter a young drifter named Billy Mathews, who is traveling through town with a lariat and a keen ability to use it. The boy is looking for work and a place to stay, but Lucas is skeptical of his intentions and suspects that he might be involved in a recent string of cattle thefts that have been plaguing the area. However, Mark takes a liking to Billy and convinces Lucas to give him a chance to prove himself.

As the episode unfolds, Lucas and Mark find themselves embroiled in a dangerous plot involving a local rancher named John Beaumont and his ruthless son, who are planning to steal the neighboring ranch's cattle in order to gain more land and power. The Beaumonts are assisted by a group of hired gunslingers, and Lucas realizes that Billy may be their secret weapon.

Despite his misgivings, Lucas agrees to work with Billy and trains him in the use of the lariat, which turns out to be a surprisingly effective weapon. Together, they hatch a plan to stop the Beaumonts and their accomplices from carrying out their sinister plan. Along the way, they encounter a number of obstacles and setbacks, and Lucas must rely on his quick thinking and sharpshooting skills to stay one step ahead of the villains.

The episode is notable for its thrilling action sequences and the chemistry between Connors and Crawford, who were known for their close relationship on and off the screen. It also features a number of memorable guest stars, including Claude Akins as John Beaumont and Robert F. Simon as Doc Burrage, the town's resident physician.

Overall, The Lariat is a classic episode of The Rifleman that showcases the best of the series' action, drama, and heart. It is a must-see for fans of Westerns and classic television, and remains a beloved part of the show's legacy more than 60 years after it first aired.