Ep 1. The Executioners

In The Virginian season 1 episode 1, titled "The Executioners," viewers are introduced to the main character, the Virginian, played by James Drury. The episode begins with the Virginian arriving in Medicine Bow, Wyoming, where he has been hired as the foreman of the Shiloh Ranch, which is owned by Judge Garth (Lee J. Cobb).

Upon arriving at the ranch, the Virginian quickly becomes embroiled in a conflict between the judge and a group of local vigilantes known as "the executioners." The executioners are a group of men who are taking the law into their own hands, hanging suspected criminals without a trial.

The conflict between the judge and the executioners comes to a head when the executioners hang a man who has been accused of stealing a horse from the Shiloh Ranch. Judge Garth is outraged by the execution and wants to see the executioners brought to justice.

The Virginian is recruited by the judge to help put a stop to the executioners' vigilante justice. With the help of a local schoolteacher, Molly Wood (played by actress Diane Roter), the Virginian sets out to gather evidence against the executioners and bring them to justice.

As the episode progresses, it becomes clear that the conflict between the judge and the executioners runs deeper than just the issue of vigilantism. The executioners are led by a man named Morgan Starr (played by actor John Dehner), who has a long-standing feud with Judge Garth and wants to take over the Shiloh Ranch.

As tensions escalate between the judge and the executioners, the Virginian finds himself caught in the middle. He must navigate the complex political landscape of Medicine Bow and try to bring the executioners to justice without inciting further violence.

Overall, The Virginian season 1 episode 1 is a gripping introduction to the series. The episode sets up the main conflict of the series (the tension between law and order and vigilante justice) and introduces viewers to the main characters. With its strong performances and engaging storyline, "The Executioners" is a must-watch for fans of westerns and classic television.