Ep 12. A Time Remembered

The Virginian season 2 episode 12, titled "A Time Remembered," takes viewers on a journey into the past as two old friends, Judge Garth and ranch hand Belden, reminisce about a famous outlaw's last visit to the Shiloh Ranch. The episode centers on the theme of memory, as each character struggles to reconcile their present circumstances with their recollections of younger days.

As the episode begins, Judge Garth is faced with a difficult decision. A wealthy cattleman has offered him a significant sum of money to sell off a portion of the Shiloh Ranch, but Garth is hesitant. He remembers a time when the land was different, when he and his friend Belden spent long days riding across endless plains and cattle drives stretched for miles. Garth is torn between his commitment to preserving the land and his desire for financial stability.

Belden, too, is struggling with memories of the past. He tells Garth about the time he met the infamous outlaw Kid Curry, who stopped at the Shiloh Ranch for a brief respite on the run from the law. Belden remembers Kid Curry as a young man with a quick wit and charm, a far cry from the hardened criminal he would become. But as Belden recounts their encounter, he also reflects on the choices he made in his own life, and wonders if he missed his chance to make a mark on the world.

As Garth and Belden spend time together, their memories begin to blend together. They reminisce about old friends and shared experiences, and talk about the way the world has changed since they were younger. Throughout their conversations, we see glimpses of what life was like on the Shiloh Ranch in its early days. We see cowboys riding out to round up stray cattle, and we see Garth and Belden working side by side to build fences and tend to the land.

As the episode progresses, we see Garth and Belden come to terms with their memories. Garth decides not to sell off any of the Shiloh Ranch, recognizing that his connection to the land is too strong to be sold off for a quick profit. Belden, in turn, realizes that he still has time to make a difference in the world. He decides that he wants to catch Kid Curry and bring him to justice, using his own experiences and knowledge of the outlaw to track him down.

By the end of the episode, Garth and Belden are sitting together, looking out over the Shiloh Ranch. They talk about the future, and about what they hope will happen to the land they have worked so hard to care for. The tone is hopeful, and viewers are left with the sense that despite the challenges they face, Garth and Belden will continue to find ways to preserve their memories, their land, and their legacy.

Overall, "A Time Remembered" is a poignant and reflective episode that focuses on friendship, memory, and the passage of time. It is an excellent example of the way The Virginian used its weekly stories to explore larger themes and ideas, and it is sure to resonate with anyone who has ever looked back on their life and wondered how they got to where they are today.