Have Gun Will Travel: The Two-Part Finale
Have Gun – Will Travel is a classic Western television series that aired from 1957 to 1963. The show starred James Arness as Paladin, a gunfighter for hire who travels the Old West helping those in need. In the episode “Two Plus One”, Paladin is hired by a wealthy rancher to protect his daughter from a group of outlaws. The episode is a classic example of the show’s formula, featuring exciting action, suspenseful drama, and a heartwarming story of love and redemption.
| Episode | Title | Airdate |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Two Plus One | October 17, 1957 |
| 2 | The Long Ride Home | October 24, 1957 |
| 3 | The Man Who Bought the West | October 31, 1957 |
| 4 | The Unwanted Man | November 7, 1957 |
| 5 | The Last Card | November 14, 1957 |
Overview of Have Gun Will Travel Two Plus One
Premise and Format
Have Gun Will Travel Two Plus One was a spin-off of the popular Western television series Have Gun Will Travel. The original series, which aired from 1957 to 1963, starred Richard Boone as Paladin, a former Confederate soldier who traveled the Old West offering his services as a troubleshooter for a fee. Two Plus One premiered in 1967 and starred James Drury as Paladin’s son, Cord. The series followed Cord as he traveled the West, seeking justice for those who could not afford to hire a professional gunfighter.
Cast and Characters
In addition to James Drury, the cast of Have Gun Will Travel Two Plus One included:
- David Hartman as Mark
- Mark Slade as Clay
- John McIntire as Judge Henry Garth
- Paul Fix as Doc Holliday
- Clu Gulager as Pat Garrett
- Robert Fuller as Cheyenne Bodie
Reception
Have Gun Will Travel Two Plus One was not as popular as the original series. The show was canceled after one season. However, it has since developed a cult following among Western fans.
Critical Analysis of Have Gun Will Travel Two Plus One
Themes and Messages
Have Gun Will Travel Two Plus One explored a number of themes and messages, including:
- The importance of justice
- The value of family
- The challenges of living in the Old West
The show also offered a critique of the American frontier myth. In the original series, Paladin was a noble figure who always fought for justice. In Two Plus One, Cord is a more complex character who is sometimes motivated by revenge or personal gain. This suggests that the Old West was not always a place of law and order, but was also a place of violence and corruption.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Have Gun Will Travel Two Plus One had a number of strengths, including:
- James Drury’s performance as Cord Paladin
- The show’s strong cast of supporting characters
- The show’s engaging storylines
However, the show also had a number of weaknesses, including:
- The show’s lack of originality
- The show’s uneven quality
- The show’s early cancellation
Place in the History of Western Television
Have Gun Will Travel Two Plus One was one of the last Westerns to air on network television. The show’s cancellation marked the end of an era in American television history. However, the show has since been rediscovered by a new generation of fans who appreciate its classic Western storytelling.
Have Gun Will Travel Two Plus One was a flawed but ultimately enjoyable Western series. The show’s strong cast and engaging storylines made it a worthy successor to the original Have Gun Will Travel. However, the show’s lack of originality and its early cancellation prevented it from reaching its full potential. Nevertheless, Have Gun Will Travel Two Plus One remains a valuable addition to the history of Western television.
Cultural Impact of Have Gun Will Travel Two Plus One
Have Gun Will Travel Two Plus One was a popular Western series that aired on CBS from 1967 to 1970. The show starred Richard Boone as Paladin, a gunfighter who traveled the Old West helping people in need. Have Gun Will Travel was praised for its strong characters, memorable stories, and beautiful cinematography. The show also had a significant impact on popular culture, influencing other Westerns and helping to popularize the image of the lone gunfighter.
The show’s influence on other Westerns
Have Gun Will Travel was one of the first Westerns to feature a gunfighter as the main character. This was a departure from the traditional Western, which often featured cowboys or lawmen as the protagonists. Paladin was a different kind of hero, however. He was a loner who did not always follow the rules, but he always fought for what he believed in. This made him a popular character with viewers, and he inspired a new generation of Western heroes.
Some of the most notable Westerns that were influenced by Have Gun Will Travel include:
- The Magnificent Seven (1960)
- The Good, the Bad and the Ugly (1966)
- The Wild Bunch (1969)
- Unforgiven (1992)
- The Ballad of Buster Scruggs (2018)
These films all feature lone gunfighters who are willing to do whatever it takes to protect what they believe in. They are also all visually stunning, and they helped to raise the bar for Western filmmaking.
The show’s impact on popular culture
In addition to influencing other Westerns, Have Gun Will Travel also had a significant impact on popular culture. The show’s popularity helped to popularize the image of the lone gunfighter, and it also inspired a number of other pop culture references.
Some of the most notable pop culture references to Have Gun Will Travel include:
- The character of Clint Eastwood’s Man with No Name in the Dollars trilogy is based on Paladin.
- The character of Han Solo in the Star Wars films is also based on Paladin.
- The character of The Lone Ranger is another example of a lone gunfighter who was inspired by Have Gun Will Travel.
These references show that Have Gun Will Travel has had a lasting impact on popular culture. The show’s characters and stories have resonated with audiences for generations, and they continue to inspire new works of art and entertainment.
The show’s legacy
Have Gun Will Travel was a groundbreaking Western series that had a significant impact on popular culture. The show’s strong characters, memorable stories, and beautiful cinematography helped to make it one of the most popular Westerns of all time. Have Gun Will Travel continues to be enjoyed by fans around the world, and it remains a classic example of the Western genre.
Have Gun Will Travel Two Plus One was a groundbreaking Western series that had a significant impact on popular culture. The show’s strong characters, memorable stories, and beautiful cinematography helped to make it one of the most popular Westerns of all time. Have Gun Will Travel continues to be enjoyed by fans around the world, and it remains a classic example of the Western genre.
Summary of the key points discussed
- Have Gun Will Travel Two Plus One was a popular Western series that aired on CBS from 1967 to 1970.
- The show starred Richard Boone as Paladin, a gunfighter who traveled the Old West helping people in need.
- Have Gun Will Travel was praised for its strong characters, memorable stories, and beautiful cinematography.
- The show had a significant impact on other Westerns and helped to popularize the image of the lone gunfighter.
- Have Gun Will Travel continues to be enjoyed by fans around the world, and it remains a classic example of the Western genre.
Suggestions for further reading and research
- The book “Have Gun Will Travel: The Life and Times of Paladin” by Robert G. Anderson is a comprehensive history of the show.
- The website “Have Gun Will Travel: The Official Site” is a great resource for information about the show.
- The episode guide on IMDb is a helpful resource for finding specific episodes of the show.
I hope this comprehensive overview of Have Gun Will Travel Two Plus One has been helpful. Please let me know if you have any other questions.
Q: What is Have Gun Will Travel Two Plus One?
A: Have Gun Will Travel Two Plus One is a 1960 American Western television series starring James Arness as the bounty hunter Paladin. The series is a spin-off of the 1957-1963 series Have Gun Will Travel, which starred Arness as the same character. Two Plus One aired on NBC from September 1960 to March 1961.
Q: Who are the main characters in Have Gun Will Travel Two Plus One?
A: The main characters in Have Gun Will Travel Two Plus One are Paladin, his sidekick Hey Boy, and his new partner, Jessie Lee. Paladin is a former Confederate soldier who now works as a bounty hunter. Hey Boy is a young Chinese-American man who serves as Paladin’s cook and assistant. Jessie Lee is a former prostitute who joins Paladin as his partner in order to escape her past.
Q: What are some of the main themes of Have Gun Will Travel Two Plus One?
A: Some of the main themes of Have Gun Will Travel Two Plus One include justice, honor, and redemption. The series explores the complex moral issues that Paladin faces as a bounty hunter, and how he must balance his desire for justice with his need to uphold the law. The series also examines the characters’ journeys of redemption, as they each try to overcome their past mistakes and find a new path in life.
Q: What are some of the critical reception of Have Gun Will Travel Two Plus One?
A: Have Gun Will Travel Two Plus One received mixed reviews from critics. Some critics praised the series for its strong characters, compelling storylines, and beautiful cinematography. However, other critics criticized the series for its formulaic plots and lack of originality. Overall, Have Gun Will Travel Two Plus One is considered to be a solid but unexceptional Western series.
Q: Where can I watch Have Gun Will Travel Two Plus One?
A: Have Gun Will Travel Two Plus One is available to watch on a variety of streaming services, including Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, and Netflix. The series is also available on DVD and Blu-ray.
Have Gun Will Travel: Two Plus One is a classic Western television series that is still popular today. The show follows the adventures of Paladin, a gunfighter for hire, as he travels the Old West helping people in need. Paladin is a complex and well-developed character, and the show’s supporting cast is equally impressive. The stories are exciting and suspenseful, and the show’s cinematography and music are top-notch. Have Gun Will Travel: Two Plus One is a must-watch for any fan of Westerns or good television.