Have Gun – Will Travel: A Nostalgic Look Back at Classic Episodes
Since its premiere in 1957, "Have Gun – Will Travel" has been a beloved Western TV series, captivating audiences with its mix of action, drama, and wit. The show, starring Richard Boone as Paladin, followed the adventures of a charismatic gunslinger who offered his services as a hired gun in the Old West. Over the course of six seasons, the show spawned a staggering 225 episodes, leaving a lasting legacy in the world of Westerns.
Episode 101-150: Early Days of Paladin
The early seasons of "Have Gun – Will Travel" saw Paladin navigating the wild frontier, taking on jobs and confronting outlaws in small towns and dusty deserts. Some notable episodes from this period include:
• "Pilgrimage" (S1E2): Paladin arrives in a town ravaged by a family feud and must mediate between two warring sides.
• "Return to Gun Hill" (S1E5): Paladin returns to a town from his past and faces an old nemesis, seeking revenge for past betrayals.
• "Guns, Gussied Up" (S2E4): Paladin takes on a job protecting a stagecoach, but things take a deadly turn when bandits ambush the coach.
Episode 151-200: The War Years**
As the war years arrived, the tone of the show shifted slightly, incorporating more military plots and references to the Vietnam War. Some standout episodes from this period include:
• **”The Hunted” (S2E17)**: Paladin must take down a Confederate agent causing trouble in California, and **”Chase Morning” (S2E20)**, where Paladin helps a captured soldier evade capture.
• **”The Outriders” (S4E16)**: A team of Confederate scouts target a key Union supply route, forcing Paladin to protect the critical route.
**Episode 201-250: Late Seasons and Final Chapters**
The final stretch of the show saw some changes, including the departure of creator and writer, Frank Froest. This led to a slight change in the tone and storytelling. Despite this, there are still some notable episodes, including:
• **”Bounty Hunter” (S5E2)**: Paladin takes on a job hunting down an escaped fugitive, who’s using his freedom to terrorize a small town.
• **”Elegy for a Gladiator” (S6E20)**: Paladin meets an aging gladiator fighting for scraps in a Roman circus.
**Episode Awards and Trivia**
The show racked up numerous award nominations, including three Emmys, and won multiple honors. Some notable **Awards and Nominations** include:
* **”Have Gun – Will Travel” was the 13th most watched TV series in 1961.**
* **Paladin’s iconic hotel, where he often sat by the fire, writing his own epitaph in chalk.**
* **”The Ballad of Paladin,” the show’s opening credits theme, remains an instantly recognizable tune today.**
* **Show creator, Frank Froest, appeared in several episodes, mostly as a lawyer, due to his admiration for Paladin’s character.**
* **Richard Boone was notoriously picky about the types of episodes and stories the show tackled.**
Where Are the Episodes Now?
While some early episodes are harder to come by, many **have been made available on streaming platforms, DVD, or are included in various boxed sets**. Some options for binge-watching your favorite “Have Gun – Will Travel” episodes include:
| Platform | Price |
| — | — |
| Amazon Prime | Various Episodes (Season 1-6) ($19.99-$69.99) |
| HBO Max | All Episodes (Season 1-6) (Free trial, $14.99-$19.99/mo.) |
| Apple TV+ | Select Episodes ($14.99-$49.99) |
| YouTube Premium | Select Episodes (Ad-free, $11.99-$29.99/mo.) |
Conclusion:
“Have Gun – Will Travel” left a lasting impact on Westerns and television. Its combination of action, humor, and memorable characters has captivated audiences for generations. Take a nostalgic trip back with us through the 225 episodes that made this series so unforgettable.
