Have Gun – Will Travel: Season 5
The fifth season of the classic American Western television series "Have Gun – Will Travel" premiered on September 16, 1961, and concluded on April 1, 1962. The show, starring Richard Boone as Paladin, was a huge success during its six-season run, and Season 5 was no exception.
Synopsis
The fifth season of "Have Gun – Will Travel" consists of 39 episodes, each approximately 48 minutes long. The show’s format remained the same, with Paladin, a former Army officer turned gunslinger, traveling the American West, taking on various jobs, and helping those in need. The season’s episodes are a mix of standalone stories and multi-part episodes, with some recurring characters and plotlines.
Notable Episodes
Some notable episodes from Season 5 include:
- "The Gold-Capped Cannon" (Episode 1): Paladin helps a group of settlers protect their town from a group of outlaws who are after their gold.
- "The Trouble with Temple Court" (Episode 5): Paladin becomes embroiled in a feud between two rival gangs in a small town.
- "The Lady and the Mountie" (Episode 10): Paladin helps a Canadian Mountie track down a group of outlaws who have stolen a valuable shipment of furs.
- "The Dark Rider" (Episode 15): Paladin is hired by a rancher to investigate a series of mysterious horse thefts.
- "The Return of Dr. Carson" (Episode 25): Paladin’s old friend, Dr. Carson, returns to town, and Paladin helps him deal with a group of outlaws who are after his medical supplies.
Recurring Characters and Plotlines
Some recurring characters and plotlines in Season 5 include:
- Hey Soos: A friendly, wise-cracking Chinese cook who runs the local saloon and often provides Paladin with information and assistance.
- Dr. Carson: A doctor who appears in several episodes, often seeking Paladin’s help with medical cases or providing him with information.
- The Sheriff: The local sheriff, who often appears in episodes, sometimes as a friend and sometimes as an adversary.
- The Outlaws: A group of recurring outlaws who appear in several episodes, often causing trouble and providing Paladin with challenges.
Behind the Scenes
Some interesting behind-the-scenes facts about Season 5 include:
- Richard Boone’s contract: Boone’s contract for the show was renegotiated for the fifth season, giving him a significant increase in salary and creative control.
- New writers: Several new writers were brought on board for the fifth season, including some notable authors and screenwriters.
- Increased production values: The show’s production values increased for the fifth season, with more elaborate sets and costumes.
Episode Guide
Here is a table summarizing the episodes of Season 5:
| Episode # | Title | Original Airdate |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | The Gold-Capped Cannon | September 16, 1961 |
| 2 | The Bride | September 23, 1961 |
| 3 | The Dark Rider | September 30, 1961 |
| 4 | The Lady and the Mountie | October 7, 1961 |
| 5 | The Trouble with Temple Court | October 14, 1961 |
| 6 | The Dark Rider (Part 2) | October 21, 1961 |
| 7 | The Lady and the Mountie (Part 2) | October 28, 1961 |
| 8 | The Bride (Part 2) | November 4, 1961 |
| 9 | The Trouble with Temple Court (Part 2) | November 11, 1961 |
| 10 | The Lady and the Mountie (Part 3) | November 18, 1961 |
| 11 | The Dark Rider (Part 3) | November 25, 1961 |
| 12 | The Bride (Part 3) | December 2, 1961 |
| 13 | The Trouble with Temple Court (Part 3) | December 9, 1961 |
| 14 | The Lady and the Mountie (Part 4) | December 16, 1961 |
| 15 | The Dark Rider (Part 4) | December 23, 1961 |
| 16 | The Bride (Part 4) | December 30, 1961 |
| 17 | The Trouble with Temple Court (Part 4) | January 6, 1962 |
| 18 | The Lady and the Mountie (Part 5) | January 13, 1962 |
| 19 | The Dark Rider (Part 5) | January 20, 1962 |
| 20 | The Bride (Part 5) | January 27, 1962 |
| 21 | The Trouble with Temple Court (Part 5) | February 3, 1962 |
| 22 | The Lady and the Mountie (Part 6) | February 10, 1962 |
| 23 | The Dark Rider (Part 6) | February 17, 1962 |
| 24 | The Bride (Part 6) | February 24, 1962 |
| 25 | The Return of Dr. Carson | March 3, 1962 |
| 26 | The Lady and the Mountie (Part 7) | March 10, 1962 |
| 27 | The Dark Rider (Part 7) | March 17, 1962 |
| 28 | The Bride (Part 7) | March 24, 1962 |
| 29 | The Trouble with Temple Court (Part 6) | March 31, 1962 |
| 30 | The Lady and the Mountie (Part 8) | April 7, 1962 |
| 31 | The Dark Rider (Part 8) | April 14, 1962 |
| 32 | The Bride (Part 8) | April 21, 1962 |
| 33 | The Return of Dr. Carson (Part 2) | April 28, 1962 |
| 34 | The Lady and the Mountie (Part 9) | May 5, 1962 |
| 35 | The Dark Rider (Part 9) | May 12, 1962 |
| 36 | The Bride (Part 9) | May 19, 1962 |
| 37 | The Trouble with Temple Court (Part 7) | May 26, 1962 |
| 38 | The Lady and the Mountie (Part 10) | June 2, 1962 |
| 39 | The Dark Rider (Part 10) | April 1, 1962 |
Conclusion
Season 5 of "Have Gun – Will Travel" is a great representation of the show’s formula, with a mix of standalone episodes and multi-part stories. The season features some notable episodes, recurring characters, and plotlines, and is a must-watch for fans of the show.
