Is the Judge always such a sourpuss?

Not to worry. Encore has canceled The Virginian as of the New Year so you won't have to see his sour face.

With regard to Judge Garth, I think you have to get to know his character before you can really like him. He's an older widower with a teen-age daughter, the richest cattleman around, always looking out for his people at Shiloh and for the town of Medicine Bow. Maybe all that responsibility would give you a sourpuss, too. I think, though, most people would be glad to know you if you were a man as good and friendly as the Judge.

They vary quite a bit, depending on which actor is playing him. So far I like Lee J. Cobb the best, and he's been the least sour.

Yes, he always does seem rather grim, doesn't he? but I think it's mostly the way Lee J. Cobb's mouth is shaped. It is just naturally downturned.