MovieChat Forums > The Rifleman (1958) Discussion > Your favorite episode and why...

Your favorite episode and why...

posted 12 years ago by rixrex
19 replies | jump to latest

What's your favorite episode and why?

There's so many good ones, but I particularly like the two-part episode WASTE, where he and Mark and the Marshall are trapped in a Mexican ghost town by bandits, written by Robert Culp.

The Mexican stereotypes notwithstanding, it's a well-done and suspenseful episode and it's an hour long too. Plus in this one Mark is much more mature and independent.

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The Eyes of the City are Mine! Mother Pressman / Anguish (1987)

[–] vestdennis 12 years ago

Some of my favorites are "Requiem at Mission Springs"; "Waste"; "Two Ounces of Tin"; "The Assailants"; Obituary" and "The Patsy".

Two other excellent episodes are: "Grasshopper"; "Woman From Hog Ridge" and "Strange Town". And one of the best for sure (a two-part episode like "Waste") is "The Wyoming Story". It's got some action and very emotional parts between Lucas & Mark.

There are so many great ones it's hard to settle on just two or three.

[–] janet-conant 12 years ago

My all time favorite is The Vision when Mark gets Typhoid fever and I also loved Ordeal when Lucas and Mark are stranded in the desert without water. I love that scene when he sends Mark on alone. There are so many well written episodes and I also liked Waste which I remember watching as a child when it first aired. I was so afraid of the banditos and Alfonzo he was well played by Vito Scotti. If you asked what were your least favorite episodes I would only have about 4.

[–] rixrex 12 years ago

Right, but favorite by definition can only be one. See if you can settle on one episode for your favorite and why it is your favorite.

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The Eyes of the City are Mine! Mother Pressman / Anguish (1987)

[–] vestdennis 12 years ago

Wow! That is almost impossible b/c I know I'll change my mind. I guess I'd go with "Requiem at Mission Springs" followed by "Two Ounces of Tin" (with Sammy Davis Jr).

For loyal fans we have to be able to make a top ten list otherwise it's just not right!

[–] Shilohbloo 11 years ago

Impossible to name just one. Simply can't do it. Some examples of my favorites: "The Pet", "The Angry Gun", "The Wyoming Story", "Short Rope for a Tall Man", "The Vaqueros", "Waste","The Guest"... just to name a few of the incredibly long list! Basically any and all of the shows that emphasize the love and closeness between father and son. Tissues anyone???

[–] junetenbrown 11 years ago

My favorite episode is (drumroll): The Boardinghouse! The wonderful, soulful, charismatic Katy Jurado is excellent in this episode. Her presence, comfortability and expertise is mesmerizing. Also, I loved when she slapped Lucas McCain. Her whole body went into that slap. I don't think it was fake with sound effects added after.

Also, I loved that Mark McCain was innocently rude to a dinner guest and his father "hauled" him out by the scruff. Tee Hee - Poor Mark!

Also, the awesome Sam Peckinpah directed this episode.

[–] joeparkson 10 years ago

'Waste' was a good episode. I liked the ending. Sometimes cultural differences cannot be bridged with good intentions.

Soy 'un hijo de la playa'

[–] vastuntitled 10 years ago

The challenge......Jake, Jake Pardee...some day he'll hang!...

[–] fonte-2 10 years ago

Probably my favorite (although I just love so many...this show is awesome) is the one where the old southern rebel meets Gen. Richard Sherman. No matter how many times I see it, the waterworks start - especially after he says, "Lord....it looks like it ain't gonna hurt anymore." This show, especially in the early years, was built like the finest movie. Amazing writing, directing, acting. and I just love the relationship between dad and son.

[–] janet-conant 10 years ago

The Sheridan Story was Top notch. I always loved Royal Dano in The Rifleman but I think his Johnny Reb, Blanden, was his best character. The exchange between Gen. Sheridan and Blandon was so amazing I can't explain it. The writing was exceptional and love when Sheridan says "I am carrying out the last and greatest order of my war-time Commander-in-Chief, bind up the nation's wounds!" I was also surprised to find there was a General Sheridan at Missionary Ridge so it was all true. Fabulous episode.

[–] w22nuschler 9 years ago

Bob Sweeney as always been a favorite actor of mine. I loved the 2 episodes he appeared in:"The Pitchman & "Assault".

I also love any episode that Millie appeared in. I loved her on the show. She was beautiful and was a good fit as Lucas Mccain's girlfriend.

[–] vgarci2003 8 years ago

My ABSOLUTE favorite...has to be The Sheridan Story.

[–] anthny_platt 9 years ago

Miss Bertie. Because whether it's Bewitched or Citizen Kane, Agnes Moorehead never gave a bad performance.

Ever hear Rod Serling complaining about the special effects budget of the Twilight Zone? He brings up the cheesy toy robot spacemen in the episode where tiny spacemen encounter a giant woman in a cabin. Yet that is one of the best of the series--because Agnes Moorehead.

[–] abcpc1 9 years ago

"Lost Treasure of Canyon Town" & "The Sheridan Story".

[–] ericn2274 9 years ago

Just watched this episode and it was great. This was the first 2-part episode I have seen from "The Rifleman" series. It seemed more darker and suspenseful than any previous episodes. The directing and acting was superb as usual. I was almost convinced Micah was going to die. When the Mexican woman slapped Lucas, I did not see that coming. Neither did Lucas. Except for the scream she gave, she was silent throughout the entire show, yet, somehow she was the star. She was very pretty. I like the "look" she gave Lucas when he first met her. "The Rifleman" had beautiful quest actresses. One of the many reasons I enjoyed the show. Despite the hardships, Lucas McCain was able to save the day, only this time he did it without his rifle.