Strong story that doesn't reach an intense potential despite presence of that fine dominating actress Viginia Gregg. Hapless Frank Tillman's caught with stolen horses by ranchers who've been losing them. As the lead rancher, arrogant Bartlett Robinson's eager to apply vigilante justice despite Tillman's assertion of innocence. Unfortunately, interested party Kevin Hagen arrives too late with confirmation of Tillman's story. Now Robinson must inform widow and son of what's happened. You know he's in trouble when it's widow Gregg who takes the news. One thing they agree on-- no one's going to tell the law. Now Matt's got to figure things out without any help.
Writer Meston's penchant for feminist subtexts is again in evidence as Gregg defends son against charges of murder. She's a formidable personality, but the elements don't quite gel the way they should. Perhaps it's the rather tame ending, which nonetheless achieves some pathos thanks to Gregg and vividly appropriate mood music. Part of the unsettling appeal of this early period is how Matt finally views the way things have turned out. Often his reaction is unspoken. But I get the feeling in many episodes that he's disturbed by an inkling that somehow the law and his job are inadequate when measured against the complex human tragedies he's duty-bound to deal with. There's a hint of existential depths to Matt's character that often go beyond his stock role as a strict enforcer of the law. What a fine subtle actor was Arness during this early period.