Original air date: October 8, 1968
Synopsis – Used to living on his own and not answering to anyone, Johnny finds the structured life at Lancer a bit stifling. In his own words he even states: “the only way to beat the system around here is to get ahead of it”. After capturing a wild stallion instead of completing his work, Murdoch chides him and tells him that shirking his responsibilities has repercussions. Johnny feeling the pressure decides to leave Lancer.
Now for my thoughts, as I watch the episode – which has always been one of my favorites.
So mount up, here we go —
The Fence sequence
- The episode opens with Johnny putting in some fence posts. Yes he is shirtless, and yes he is sweaty. I will say no more…
- Helping Johnny is Wes, a ranch hand that sounds like he may have known Johnny before, or at least knows him fairly well at this point. He’s trying to get Johnny to slow down – it’s a hot day and he’s about done in. But Johnny keeps pounding away at that fence post. He wants to finish quickly so he can have some of his own time. Wes is a bit of a whiner and starts to get in Johnny’s head.
The Wild Horses sequence
- In the meantime three men, Sam Stryker and his two sons Davie and Eli, are wandering around looking for some stray cattle – obviously up to no good. In the distance, they see a few wild horses and a beautiful black stallion. Just as they figure how much the horses would be worth, Davie takes his rifle and shoots at the stallion, thinking it would help them round up the horses if the stallion was brought down – not even realizing that the stallion is worth the most. Thankfully he misses and the horses, including the stallion run off. He’s not playing with a full deck – and his father is quick to remind him of that. They go after the horses, even though they know it’s Lancer land. Sam Stryker – father of the year!
The Watch sequence
- Back to the fence, Murdoch rides up and smiles when he sees Johnny working so hard. He’s impressed with the work that’s been done.
- Johnny’s pretty pleased with the compliment from Murdoch, but that quickly turns a bit sour when Murdoch tells Johnny that some problems have come up and he needs to help Scott at 2:00, and later that evening some bookkeeping needs to get done. When Johnny asks how he’ll be able to tell when it’s 2:00, Murdoch gives Johnny his pocket-watch. It’s a sweet gesture, and Murdoch starts to say something, but Johnny’s a little bit sharp with him, so he just tells him to be back by 2:00 and rides off.
- As Johnny resigns himself to finishing up his work, the black stallion makes an appearance, and Wes convinces Johnny to go after it.
The Confrontation sequence
- Johnny has the stallion, so of course now here come the Strykers – attempting to thank Johnny for catching “their” herd. But of course Johnny isn’t about to give up the horses, and he tells them he knows they’re lying about how they tracked the horses. Stryker is not pleased.
- I’m not a fan of whiny Wes, but I do love him in this scene.
The Lancer Ranch sequence
- We’re in the Lancer great room, and Murdoch is looking at the clock. It’s 3:00 and Johnny is late. Murdoch is not pleased, but Scott tries to cover for him. Then they get the bad news that at least 50 head of cattle got loose and are stuck in the gully where Johnny was working – and never finished the fence. Uh-oh!
- Here comes Johnny and Wes with the horses, and of course the coveted stallion. Not knowing the problems that were caused by the fence not being completed, Johnny seems pretty sure that Murdoch will be fine that he comes bearing gifts…..oh boy.
- Johnny and Murdoch butting heads again, very reminiscent of their conversation in the pilot, and Murdoch loses his cool. Teresa, a cool voice of reason, tells Murdoch that he’s never run his life by a clock before.
- Here comes trouble – the Strykers are now at Lancer, and I can guess what they want. Stryker gives Murdoch a story about how Johnny stole the horses from him; Murdoch tells him to take the horses, but leave the stallion.
- Of course Eli goes for the stallion, and Johnny jumps in and a fight ensues. When Johnny’s back is turned Eli goes for his gun – but he’s no match for Johnny Madrid, um.. Lancer.
The Leaving sequence
- This is a tough scene. I felt so bad for both Johnny and then Murdoch. They both seem so at a loss with each other – and it’s heartbreaking. Again, reminding me of their one-on-one conversation in the pilot. Desperate to find some common ground. Murdoch telling Johnny he needs to figure out who he is and what he wants.
- So now Johnny is asking Wes to get his gear – what – doesn’t he have anything else? Not gonna pack a bag or anything? I know he arrived with only his saddlebags – but didn’t he at least drop his stuff in a dresser somewhere? Oh, that’s television land – where everything is off somewhere we can’t see.
- Oh my goodness – everyone’s heart is breaking. Where is my box of tissues?
- And then we find out that Eli has died. Sorry, not wasting my tissues on Eli – I have better use for them later in the episode.
The Scott and Murdoch sequence
- Scott is always at his absolute best when he calls bullshit on both Murdoch and Johnny. He is the glue that holds them together – because Murdoch and Johnny are so similar in their temperaments. A short scene, but one with great impact on the story.
The Second Watch sequence
- So now Johnny and Wes are in town at the livery to bed down their horses, including the stallion. The owner of the stable offers to buy the stallion, but Johnny is adamant – the horse is not for sale. But Wes, once again in Johnny’s head, convinces Johnny to sell the watch that Murdoch gave him earlier. Johnny is reluctant, and agrees, but his heart just doesn’t seem to be in it.
- After some time in the saloon, Johnny goes back to the livery stable and hunches down in deep thought – you can tell he is torn up about everything that transpired earlier in the day. Tissues please…
- A drunken Wes comes in and interrupts Johnny’s thoughts. Wes – turning up like a bad penny.
Next Day Lancer Ranch sequence
- Here comes Stryker and his men. He tells Murdoch Eli has died, and he wants Johnny – he’s looking out for a little revenge. When Murdoch tells him that Johnny is gone and not coming back Stryker doesn’t believe him and he gives the order for Davie to shoot Walt – a Lancer hand.
- Stryker and his men are staking out Lancer waiting for Johnny to return.
The Saloon sequence
- This scene is just priceless. One of the best scenes between Scott and Johnny in this episode, and in my opinion probably one of the best scenes between the two of them in the entire series. Scott as the older brother, and likely the more level headed of the two, took the step to make an effort to dissuade Johnny from leaving. The dialogue is perfect; the acting is perfect; and the emotion is perfect. These two together are always a goldmine – and it’s just sweet!
- And here comes Wes again – that darn bad penny. Johnny kind of tells him to take a hike – finally. But dumb-head Wes, he decides he’s going to break that stallion. But that stallion has a different idea, and winds up killing Wes instead.
- Johnny comes running from the saloon and jumps the fence into the corral. Johnny takes out his gun and points it right between the eyes of the stallion – but thankfully doesn’t shoot. Instead he asks if the owner of the livery stable still wants the horse. They come to an agreement that if Johnny breaks the horse he’ll trade it for Murdochs’s watch. I always knew it was killing him to give up that gift from his father.
Johnny’s Return sequence
- Scott has arrived back at Lancer, and Teresa tells him that Stryker’s son has died. Scott sets off to get help, but before he even gets a few yards, he’s shot. Luckily he’s only injured.
- In the great room, Murdoch reaches for his rifle and is about to go after Scott, when Teresa sees Johnny riding in. Murdoch wants to keep him away, but Johnny hearing a shot sneaks in from the side.
- This is where it gets ugly. Murdoch, in some weird sense of protecting Johnny by getting him away from the ranch tells him to leave, that he’s not wanted. A cruel way to protect someone. As Johnny is leaving, by yet another door, Scott stumbles in.
- Murdoch doesn’t want Johnny to know what’s going on – but thankfully Teresa tells him the truth. Teresa seems to be the one that sets the record straight when no one else will. I really wish they had done more with her in the series (oh but wait, that’s for future episodes, and we’re not there yet).
- Johnny goes out to see if he can sneak up on Stryker and his men. As he makes his way across the yard, Murdoch and Scott come out of the house shooting – to cover him.
- Stryker and Davie see Johnny, and Davie sneaks around behind him. As he yells “Lancer” with his gun drawn, Johnny turns, draws and shoots him in the shoulder. Stryker takes aim at Johnny, but Johnny’s too quick and makes his way to Davie, where he holds a gun to his head. He tells Stryker to have his men drop their guns and ride out. They comply. Davie the sniveling coward whines and asks Johnny what he’s going to do. Johnny still has his gun to Davie’s head, when Murdoch just says “Johnny”. He releases Davie, who rides out with his father.
The End sequence
- Johnny is back digging post holes, not shirtless this time (damn it). Murdoch rides up and, well, it looks like they have come to an understanding.
Guest Stars
- Robert J. Wilke as Sam Stryker
- James Gammon as Wes
- Paul Carr as as Davie Stryker
- Vaughn Taylor as Dan Spencer
- Bobby Clark as Eli Stryker
Some final thoughts:
- One of the best episodes of the series, but I feel like it was completely out of place. In the last scene of the pilot, Johnny signs his name as Lancer, not Madrid. But dropping the mantle of Johnny Madrid shouldn’t be easy. Notice I said “shouldn’t” and not “couldn’t”. He was after all fairly well known as Johnny Madrid up to that point in his life. As we see in future episodes, just the mere mention of that name made people nervous. In the pilot, we saw the inner turmoil that went through Johnny’s mind from the very beginning of the episode to the end. That same turmoil is even more visible in this episode – which makes it appear as a progression that takes place over time. In the second episode, “Blood Rock”, Johnny isn’t seen very much but he is seemingly already ingrained in the Lancer family lifestyle. Again, this is based only on my opinion, and the fact that we don’t see much of him at all. Why would the second episode of a TV show, where the pilot focused so much on putting this family together, change gears and focus on a kid and his outlaw father? And yes, I do see a correlation of Ben and Morgan Price with the two sons who should have known their father as well. I just don’t see that episode as putting their best foot forward after such a fabulous pilot episode. Of course, no one has any insight into the powers that be at CBS, or any other influence, but it seems like a misstep in the episode order.
- I just noticed for the first time – after watching this episode numerous times – that Scott only takes off one glove to have his drink. A bit odd maybe, but I’ve come to think of Scott and his gloves, like Johnny and his spurs. Functional, but not really needed – other than to make them look cool!
- In the scene where Scott is riding in to town, there are 2 women that pass behind him as he brings his horse to the livery. Both of them look very “Little House on the Prairie” with their bonnets. The one bonnet looks exceptionally large. I don’t think I recall seeing women wearing bonnets on Lancer. It just looks a bit odd to me. But then again, a lot of the women in the show wear their hair and make-up very 1968, so who am I to question.
- OK, not to sound gross or anything, but let’s talk about Johnny and sweat. I’ve always felt that some of the older westerns of the 50s and 60s were a little too clean. What I mean by that is, the clothes always looked too clean, too ironed and buttoned down (with a few exceptions, like Festus in Gunsmoke). I like how Johnny is allowed to look hot and sweaty – a lot. It shows a grittier side and it works very well. Today’s westerns – the few that there are – tend to be a lot grimier and grittier, and likely more true to how a cowboy would look back in those days.
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I don’t remember much about the individual episodes, except from reading them in fanfic. And no, I’m not going to watch them again. But I like your use of clips. The nice-to-have-met-you scene was a really great one – really showing that Johnny didn’t want to leave, hoping perhaps for his father to call him back. What strikes me, watching it now, is that Johnny is sitting in the middle of the saloon, with people moving about behind him. I guess that was how they had to show he was in a saloon. But surely he would have had his back to the wall – I kept feeling someone was going to sneak up on him!
Anyway, you’ve done a great review of the episode. Thank you for the reminder.
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Hi Annie – I’m glad you’re enjoying my commentary on the episodes. That’s actually a great observation about where Johnny is sitting in the saloon – especially since Wes was at the table behind him, which you would think was the best spot for an ex-gunfighter. I love making the clips – I get to watch my favorite scenes over and over as I work with them. Thanks so much for you comment.
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I totally agree that Johnny’s costuming is much more realistic. He’s often dirty and sweaty. He also has a great affinity for water. He’s rinsing off at a horse trough, pouring a bucket over his head, getting a drink, falling in the water, etc. And I notice this in other Stacy roles (The Monroes)
One important distinguishing part of Scott’s costume is his gloves, which are supposed to show his Eastern affinity, but with all the rough work they do, every person would have been wearing gloves. Costumes and women’s hair and makeup are never historically accurate. I’m always noticing how they wear gun belts and spurs everywhere— which allows James Stacy to make good use of the props.
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Hi Mari – Yeah it seems the James Stacy must have liked getting cooled off. Maybe he really was over heated, and we got to reap the rewards of seeing him cooling off LOL! I loved Scott’s gloves – very functional working on a ranch, and it gave him something that was just part of his “look” – like Johnny’s gun-belt and spurs. Thanks for commenting!
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I watched the clips you included. The blocking and framing add so much to the emotional reading of the scene. Soundtrack too. In the scene of Johnny’s decision to leave:
1. Murdoch (M) walks into the scene from behind the masts of the ship model—their relationship is broken, fragmented.
2. Johnny (J) acts like a teen and M plays the stern teen’s father. At first M walks slightly away from J and is framed by the arched door, directing the viewer’s attention to him. The he walks to the window, even farther away from J. J is tightly framed in comparison to M who is moving about the room. M decides to over-do the tough love, trying to teach J a lesson in responsibility, but he delivers a mixed message. He quickly says ‘maybe [the ranch life] is not for you’ but then stresses ‘WE lost the cattle.’ So J hears—you’re not part of the family vs You are part of the family. M exaggerates and insists he has ‘no time to break you in,’ forcing J to make a snap decision.
3. At this point Wes enters and gives J an easy out. Otherwise things might have ended differently.
4. Now M and J are tightly framed, back to back. The decision has been made.
5. Next M remembers to give J his wages. [What about Wes’s?] This offer is also full of double meanings. M wants to give J something, continue to care for him, yet it is also a monetary end to a contract. In the end, J feels he is nothing more than a hired hand to M. [I hope he still has some of that initial $1000 left.]
6. The money on the desk is also a replay of their initial meeting, which is strongly restated when M tells him to count the money. ‘Sign it!’ ‘Count it!’ Also having J sign the book is a repeat of J’s signing the paperwork at the end of The High Riders. The contract is ended. Plus there is the glaring difference between $1000 and $12.
7. We see M’s facial regret a few times throughout the scene, but he won’t back down. J shows his regret the moment he’s out the door and out of M’s sight. He doesn’t want to leave.
8. We know it will work out because they are the main characters, but also because J still has M’s watch. They are linked like links on a watch chain. It is what’s going to remind J of their father/son bond and it will be the symbol of his choice to not end that bond.
9. The score and soundtrack do their emotional reinforcement jobs. The Lancer theme plays as the scene begins. We hear J’s loud spurs reinforcing his walk out.
So much to see with multiple viewings. Script, directing, acting, sound—so well done.
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Mari – I loved your analysis and breakdown of that scene – all spot on. All of your points are part of the main reason why this is one of my favorite episodes. You really know how to get into the psychology of the scene. Great insight. Thanks!
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This is the episode I remember from seeing the show the first time round. I was disappointed in it, as I felt Murdoch should not have been so quick to let Johnny leave. That is, I felt he should have tried to make him stay, as Scott said he should have done. All those years of longing to have his boys back and then within a few short weeks, he is happy to see him go. It was obvious that Johnny didn’t really want to leave and it only needed his father to ask him to stay and I am sure he would have done.
I do like the scene in the saloon when Scott goes to talk to Johnny, but once again, Johnny is upset, as he was hoping Murdoch had sent Scott to get him.
I also thought Murdoch handled it very badly when Johnny did return to the ranch. I understand he wanted to protect his son, but talking to him the way he did and then sending him away didn’t seem the right way to go about it. Thank goodness Teresa told him the truth.
I really wanted to see some more emotion from Murdoch, but I suppose I was trying to make him into something he wasn’t. After all those years of living alone, he wasn’t going to suddenly know how to be father of the year, but then Johnny wasn’t going to suddenly know everything about ranching, either, and so they both needed to cut each other a bit of slack
Lancer lives on!
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Hi Lynne – it was frustrating to see how Murdoch handled the conversations with Johnny. You are right – he had to know how hard it was for Johnny to conform to ranch life after having so much freedom. And I think he should have known how hurt his son was all those years thinking that Murdoch threw his mother (and him) out. And then to say that he didn’t want/need him there – ugh, that was way too harsh. Luckily he softens up in the end. Thanks for commenting.
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S1 E:3 – To Chase a Wild Horse: This is one of my top Lancer Episodes. Never mind that the title and Johnny Madrid Lancer are a perfect paring to match the character with the title for this Episode. The writing and acting were just superbly executed all the way through the show. The writer – Paul Playdon (also penned Julie) was one of the better writers at that time. He was both Writer and Producer for many well-known Network TV dramas. Instead of listing them I’ll let readers check him out on IMDB to see the others (under both Writer/Producer).
What Made CAWH an Outstanding Ep & I Loved Most:
#1 -James Stacy with his shirt off – no further discussion necessary.
#2 – Murdoch gifting Johnny the gold watch:
When Murdoch gave Johnny his gold watch, the tightly wound father figure cannot bring himself to state the obvious- a gift with meaning – that it was a family heirloom. Andrew Duggan artfully displays that same hesitation in the Pilot just before he says, “We were married”, leaving the viewer to believe in the possibility that baby Johnny more than likely came first.
#3 – Johnny Madrid shows his stuff:
In what becomes one of the few official gunfights during Lancer from Madrid – Eli is left alive. It all happens so quick, and Murdoch is not happy getting a live & up close personal view of Madrid in action. His forthcoming displeasure and ultimatum forces Johnny to painfully decide his life in minutes. Johnny, disappointed in Murdoch’s reaction decides to take off with the ever-convenient appearance of Wes. Murdoch just pays him and lets him go.
#3- Johnny’s leaving: He takes a heartbeat at the wall to consider what he’s done then quickly pulls himself together and says goodbye to Scott & Teresa. First time I saw this scene I wanted to cry with Teresa.
#4 – Scott & Johnny at the Saloon: Perfection. Thus, displaying the terrific connection – spark – whatever you want to call it – these two actors had with each other when the writers finally put them together in a more dramatic scene. This tells me that Lancer writers could have easily written more drama filled episodes (where they didn’t always agree) with these two opposing each other. Which is what the series was supposed to be in the first place. Every minute I’m worried the photo – bombing Wes is going to come in and screw it up.
#5 – Johnny Retrieves his Father’s Watch:
The entire scene – Johnny taming the wild horse as well as the moment he gets the watch back was like reclaiming his old life. The horse breaking editing was so superb I could barely tell if there were stunt doubles or not.
#6 – Johnny Splits His Pants:
In the scene where Johnny stands the Lancer sign up (another part of reclaiming his life). He peers out over Lancer land to take in all that he threw aside. And when he gets back on that horse you can tell somewhere in the process of the production’s obsessive retakes he split his pants.
One of the interviews James Stacy had he mentioned that he’d filled a lifetime’s worth of getting on and off a horse for Lancer. We never think about how many times the actors perform then re-do it for any number of reasons.
#7 – Johnny Dodges Striker’s Bullets:
What’s not to like – we know the Lancers will win this one. Johnny Madrid’s courage and timing on full display while he dodges a barrage of bullets from the icky lowlife family Striker.
#8 – Johnny & Murdoch go Chase Wild Horses:
An unexpected ending. I don’t think Murdoch had yet flushed out a smile that wide in 3 episodes until that ending. When he states, “Maybe there’s a time when the most important thing is to go after a wild horse.” Murdoch signals that his son is more important than any work or a bunch of post holes on his beloved ranch. Johnny looking back at Murdoch as they start slowly matching each other’s smiles which grow with each camera shot back and forth. Johnny then matching his father’s enthusiasm as they ride off into the Sunset.
Unfortunately, there are a few instances that don’t add up. But for a Network western in the late 60’s I still think CAWH held its mustard.
What Doesn’t Add up:
Totally agreeing with Linda – My biggest pet peeve – is that CAWH should have been the Episode following the Pilot. Or – At the least there should have been a first Episode beyond the Pilot that established their relationships. Blood Rock just never did it for me and just confused the direction of the show. While CAWH put everything back on track.
#1 – Johnny had worked faster than a 3-man crew to get that fence completed (with lazy Wes of all people). If Johnny had been working at a normal pace – the job still would not have been completed because Murdoch was sending him elsewhere. The missing cows would have still needed to be rounded up whether Johnny chased the horses or not.
#2. Murdoch sending Johnny right back out into the Striker firing range makes little to no sense. If Johnny had left as Murdoch instructed – he would have been taken by surprise and been gunned down. Plus Murdoch’s words were way too harsh – I at least wish there had been a few lines of Murdoch maybe just trying to start an apology – Johnny sensing that and then shutting it down with an “I understand”. Not trying to diminish the last scene, I just feel like after such horrible words something needed to immediately be said.
Again, one of my favorite Lancer episodes even with the few missteps. I totally agree with our blog author. Especially the part about Blood Rock.
Linda, I love the way you are bringing some of the little touches like Scott and his gloves which he uses throughout the series taking them on and off again. Try watching this thing Scott does with his horse. Sort of a technique he uses over and over again. He backs up a few steps – makes a turn and moves forward – backs up again and then goes trotting down the road.
Johnny and his sweat – well he certainly had probably the hottest costume on. Literally and figuratively. He almost always used a jacket and leather pants are HOT. Throw in the thick leather gun belt with metal bullets, leather boots and you have at least a quarter of his weight in costume. Filming outside in July in California – they couldn’t just run indoors into the AC.
If I hadn’t mentioned it before – I love that you are doing this blog.
Cathie
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Hi Cathie – There is a lot to unpack here – and I’ve read it 3 times over the past couple of days – I wanted to seriously think about all of the great points you made. First up – I don’t think I ever realized that we really don’t see a lot of Johnny in a one-on-one gunfight, so to speak. He’s usually just defending himself or someone else (or trying to kill a fish – but that’s for another day). As far as what doesn’t add up – literally – the timing of the fence sequence and what follows, as you point out. That never even occurred to me. And I also agree that Murdoch’s harsh words just don’t seem right. He had to know that Johnny was going to run right into them. But maybe more importantly how it would just add to Johnny’s initial insecurity that Murdoch never wanted him. Never made sense.
I love your comment about the James Stacy interview about getting on and off his horse – I never read that one. I’m sure he would have gladly kept getting on and off his horse, rather than see the series be cancelled. I know I could watch him getting on his horse all day – he had that cute little bit of a hop when he got on. And I am definitely going to take a better look at how Scott moves around on his horse – again something I never noticed. Glad to have a second pair of eyes pointing out some of this fun stuff.
As far as sweaty Johnny – I honestly don’t know how he did it in all that heat with everything that he had to wear. But then may be you become acclimated over time. Looked good on him though!
The next episode is “Foley” , another one where you see more of the Madrid persona – so again, I think it seems like “Black Rock” should have been much, much farther down the episode list.
Thanks for taking the time to add your thoughts, and I look forward to more of your analysis.
Appreciate your kind words!
Linda
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Linda another wonderful in-depth review of one of my favourite episodes.
I loved the start where Johnny gave his 3 reasons for the horses belonging to him. He was so secure with dealing with Stryker and his sons (to me a bit of Madrid coming through) and I also loved how Wes was there in the background at just the right time to support Johnny…. As if he had done this before at some stage in their past.
I do not understand the hurried need of Murdoch when he states…he needs to know NOW if this life is for Johnny..!!!
I love that once Wes is killed and the Stallion is tamed, Johnny never had to think twice about heading back to his home and family at Lancer. I only wish we had heard the conversation that Johnny wanted to have with Murdoch…but unfortunately he was interrupted so brutally when Murdoch tells him to leave….
I want to add how I have loved reading everyone’s insightful comments about this episode… Thankyou Linda and I look forward to your next episode review.
Regards Jenny
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Hi Jenny – I totally agree – Murdoch presses Johnny about making a decision not only early in his new life at Lancer, but also at a highly emotional point in the conversation. Johnny’s turmoil was so evident to everyone, except Murdoch. But I guess the writers knew what they were doing, because the emotion and conflict in Johnny is what makes this episode so great – and keeps us talking about it many, many years later! James Stacy was so good at showing us how vulnerable and conflicted Johnny was just by his face (oh, that gorgeous face!) and mannerisms – a perfect portrayal of this complex character. I believe that’s why this character has stayed with us for so very long. Thanks so much!
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At times, like in this scene, Johnny seems so young, almost like a boy. I’m sure part of it he is trying to somehow relate to the father that was absent all his life. But at other times, in other shows, he seems so much older. I just watched Warburton’s Edge and he seems much older and more mature. I prefer the fan fiction stories that portray him as older, maybe early twenties rather than the ones that show him as a teenager.
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I agree – I don’t read too much of the fan fiction where they portray him as a boy; or when stories always refer to them as boys. They were grown men. Sometimes it’s OK, if it’s a back story – but I love the stories that keep in line with canon. The character of Johnny sure did go through some changes from season 1 to season 2. Thanks for the comment.
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This was an excellent commentary on CAWH. I loved your insight, and I especially agree that Blood Rock should have been shown later. Also, I never understood the storyline in Blood Rock. The sheriff wanted to catch someone famous; it would have added a lot of tension to have him recognize Johnny Madrid. I’m sure he was crooked enough to trump up some charge. Anyway, Blood Rock was not a favorite episode of mine, and I do believe it was the placement. I enjoyed seeing Scott as ‘big brother’ to Ben.
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Hi Sherry! I have to say I was feeling a little guilty that I didn’t reply right away, but now I’m really glad I waited. I just read your story “The Road to Morro Coyo” and loved it! You not only wrote a great story that fills in a gap, but you actually made me really like Wes! Not that I hated him, but never understood his ability to sway Johnny so easily. Now of course we’ll never know what the Lancer writers had in mind for the backstory of that character – but my goodness, you did it proud! Keep writing – I’m enjoying your stories, but I’m moving through them quickly – LOL! Thanks so much.
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