| Production Notes Produced by : Dennis Stuart Murphy Written by : Frank Q. Dobbs, Chris Black , John Watson , Pen Densham Directed by : Geoff Murphy Original Air Date: 3 January 1998 Full Cast and Crew may be found here |
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This is where it all starts. Right from the beginning, you can feel the tension.
A group of soldiers who refuse to accept their side’s defeat in the civil war, ride into an Indian village and terrorize it. Upon discovering a gold amulet, they provide the villagers with a chest and an ultimatum -- fill the chest with gold within a week or pay the consequences. The soldiers ride out and the village elders, Tastanagi and Eban, decide they need to fight.
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Comment: Yes, our boys are on the way!
Next is arguably my favourite part of each episode -- the opening credits. Is it just me or does your heart begin to pound too? (G) The music… the short sharp images of the boys being introduced one at a time and the increasing pace of the images just causes my adrenaline to pump. I love it.
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Four Corners - a dusty town where law is an infrequent visitor. A trail herd ‘all liquored up’ and in the mood for a lynching, shoot up the town. Their selected victim is the Negro healer (Nathan) who tried to help their trail boss.
Unfortunately the trail boss died of gangrene despite Nathan’s efforts. Members of the community duck for cover, none prepared to stand up to the mob….Don’t worry. They’re coming. (g)
In the saloon a man dressed in black (Chris) stands drinking, apparently unperturbed by the events taking place around him. When a bullet shatters the bottle he’s drinking from, Chris takes one final drag and then turns, clearly unimpressed his morning has been interrupted. Click to view video of Chris' drinking being interupted.
This scene certainly tells us a great deal about Chris. He is totally unrattled by what is going on around him. Others are ducking for cover, but not Chris. How tough is he? He pours from a broken bottle. (bg) Love the look in his face when he turns toward the camera and then how he strolls across the room while everyone else is cowering under tables. When he emerges from the saloon, with duster swirling in the breeze, my heart misses a beat. A great image of our gunfighter.
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It is obvious Chris doesn’t like what is going on in the town, for he asks where the law is. Is he contemplating doing something at this stage? Probably not.
Meanwhile, Nathan is bound and dragged along a landing and down some stairs before being shoved into the back of a wagon. He puts up a good fight considering he’s outnumbered and his captors are armed.
Mary Travis strides out into the middle of the street with a rifle, her eyes determined and red.
Hmmm. Great courage or great stupidity?… or just a woman who has reached the end of her tether and hasn’t thought the consequences through? Clearly she knows Nathan for she calls him by name. So is she acting from a justice stand point or a friendship one… or a combination of both?
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The camera sweeps the town showing the reactions of the town’s people… one of which is very, very cute. (G) Yes, the appearance of the Vinster. In an apron and looking very young and very thin. One thing I found really interesting is Vin is unarmed at this point, unless he can use a broom handle like Jackie Chan. (g) No doubt he is carrying his knife. I find this interesting because I question if Vin would be without a gun considering he has a bounty on his head.
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Mary stands firm but is knocked to the ground by the leader of the mob. The lynch mob continues on its murderous journey to the graveyard where Nathan is to be lynched. Helplessly, Mary gets to her feet and shouts at those cowering “Are you just going to let this happen?” and then races after the mob.
Vin actually watches, not only the action, but studies the reactions of those around him.
Vin turns and disappears into the store and reappears with a rifle.
Clearly disgusted, and unable to live with what is going on, he decides to take action. Was Mary being stuck a catalyst? Perhaps. We get a reaction from Chris when Mary is pushed to the ground too.
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Chris watches Vin intently.
What was Chris thinking? We know that he makes it his business to know who is in town, but did he know anything about Vin? Perhaps Vin had been doing some tracking jobs around the place? All of which begs the question, why on Earth would Chris go into battle with someone he didn’t know? I mean, the man in the apron didn’t look threatening - gorgeous, yes. Threatening? Chris had to be asking himself if Vin was just a good man who couldn’t stand by… or a good man who couldn’t stand by with the talent to back up this actions.
The pair exchange a glance. Chris inclines his head in the direction the mob has taken. Vin nods. The pair set off down the street striding shoulder to shoulder. Click to watch video of this section.
I have to believe that when Chris and Vin’s eye met, both summed the other up. Something needs to be done… I’m going to do it… I’ll join you --- but there had to be more than that. Was it Chris didn’t care if he died that day? I think not. In only the next episode he says he chooses his fights carefully these days…so he wasn’t looking to die. Was Nathan’s fight one he was ready to choose? I think he was certainly considering it. I think seeing Vin and sensing something about Tanner changed the odds in Chris’ eyes. Perhaps the way Vin handled the rifle told Chris he knew how to use it. Me, I like to think that in that one single look, two souls recognized each other. But hey, I’m like that. LOL
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When I started writing Vin and Chris way back at the beginning of 2000, I wanted to give them something that was beyond friendship. My sister and I share this sort of relationship... we call it a sense of knowing about each other - the ability to know what the other is thinking…even sensing when something is wrong with each other and calling on the phone just when needed. It is so much more than coincidence. I
knew Danielle was in labour at the same moment she did and I was at work! As children we used to share the same dreams. I wanted to give that to Vin and Chris. This idea is something I've woven through all of my writing since 2000… and is something others do now too.(G) It is now accepted by most of the fandom that Vin and Chris share this added dimension to their friendship. Others have taken it much further of course giving the boys full on telepathy. I have never taken it to that. I have always kept it true to what my sister and I share.
Ooops. Off track. I was rambling.
Striding down the street shoulder to shoulder just exudes confidence -- two men who knew they could handle what was to come. I really don’t think it was two men who felt they had nothing to lose. Vin was certainly trying to protect his life… otherwise he would have ridden back to Tascosa long before this point. Chris, as I pointed out earlier, had decided to choose his fights carefully… or did he only decide that after the battle at the Indian village. Did having Buck back in his life and finding a friend like Vin (and the rest of the boys) change his perspective? As a die-hard believer that Vin and Chris are soul brothers just as my sister and I are soul-sisters, I’d like to believe this had something to do with it, but I’m sure that wasn’t the writers’ minds at the time. <g>) Oh, and where is Buck at this point? Otherwise engaged. (bg) All that shooting etc going on and Buck just continues with his… um… activities. And Ezra? Obviously he was busy setting up his opponents for we don’t see him either.
Vin and Chris arrive at the cemetery where the lynch mob is preparing to hang Nathan.
This was an amazing visual. Two men against the odds.
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The stage rumbles into town and a young man in a bowler hat (J.D. ) alights. Excited at the prospect of witnessing the West at its best/worst, he races after the mob. Click to view J.D.'s arrival.
J.D.’s excitement at seeing a ‘real’ gunfight –“This is the reason I came west” perfectly introduces his character. Naïve, green and with no idea of what he is getting himself into. Very clever writing.
The lynch mob ties the rope around Nathan’s neck. Vin and Chris emerge from the crowd and Chris orders them to cut Nathan loose. The leader of the mob laughs. Vin suggests it would be better if they just rode away.
Another wonderful scene. Chris gives the mob an instruction. His voice is soft. There is no evidence of anger or fear, just a sense of expectation. Vin backs Chris up… standing ever so casually with his rifle over his shoulder. Chris has assessed his opposition well. “Shot a lot of holes in the clouds back there. Anyone stop to reload?” Oh, yeah. He hasn't entered this without thought.
Chris pulls back his duster and sitting on his hip is a professional gunfighter's revolver. He and the leader face off. Vin cocks (does something with) his rifle and then the battle begins.
Wow. Our boys in action. Right from the first shot, we can see Chris is fast. The battle is wonderful. I would just like to point out that all those ‘sightseers’ were crazy. It was obvious bullets were about to fly and they were all standing around watching. Loved J.D. though - crouched behind his saddle, his eyes alive with excitement.
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During the battle, Nathan is able to steal a knife, despite having his hands tied. Then the wagon he is standing on moves and he begins to hang. Vin turns his aim to the rope and shoots it. Nathan falls to the ground.
The battle is over. Click to view battle.
Here we get a glimpse of Vin’s sharpshooting abilities.
Those members of the mob still standing turn and run. J.D. rushes out and pulls his gun shouting,” I got it.” Chris fires at his foot growling, “You don’t shoot nobody in the back.”
J.D. running out to shoot the man in the back was something of a shock. Both Vin and Chris’ reactions are classic. As is J.D.’s reaction when Chris stops him. He’s just watched these two men shoot the hell out of the mob and yet, they have a code of honor. Love it.
One of the mob rises to shoot at Vin and Chris, but Nathan flips the knife in his hand and throws with great precision. Nathan certainly knows how to use a knife!
I would now like to raise the issue of personal space. Personal space tells you a lot about a person. If someone allows you to stand close to them, they are comfortable with you . If you are happy to stand close to someone then you feel comfortable with them. Vin and Chris have only just met. Have a look at this picture.
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I think this says a lot. These two were comfortable with each other from the outset. Trust is something they just seemed to sense.
Oh, and another thing. When Chris gives Vin his name, he only provides his Christian name. Vin, on the other hand, provides his full name. I find this interesting as Vin is a wanted man. Again, there just seemed to be an understanding and a sense of trust between them.
Vin and Chris release Nathan and help him up. Mary strides out and introduces herself as a reporter. She asks where Vin and Chris have come from. Their response, “Saloon”.
Mary, Mary, Mary. Loved the boys’ response to her. Chris dismisses her. He isn’t about to speak to a reporter. Oh, and we know that Mary knows Nathan… she was prepared to risk her life to save him, but now she doesn’t even ask how he is?
Chris, Vin and Nathan stride off, Mary following them. Tastanagi and Eban, who have come to town looking for help, walk into the centre of cemetery gazing at the aftermath of the battle.
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The image of them standing amongst the carnage is just brilliant. “Yep, Vin and Chris have been here.”
The town returns to normal. Vin attempts to return the rifle to the store owner (Vigil), but he tells Vin to keep it.
Great little scene. Vin tips his hat to the older man. Our boy has beautiful manners. (G)
Mary asks Virgil if he knows Vin and Chris and Virgil responds with “Don’t you recognize that stranger in black?”
So Chris is known in these parts and yet Mary, who is a reporter, doesn’t know him? Hmmm
Chris, Vin and Nathan go into the saloon for a drink.
At the bar Vin looks back over his shoulder… habit? Love how Vin insists Nathan is given a drink. We see here Vin has seen all of this before and has a strong sense of justice and fair play.
The two villagers enter the saloon and stop behind the trio, blurting out the words, “We want to hire you.” Click to view this scene.
It is Vin who spots the approach of the villagers -- again, habit of needing eyes in the back of his head? Oh, and look at this pic. Doesn’t he look young?
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The villagers produce the amulet and have it weighed. It is worth about $35 dollars.
Chris purses his lips stating, it’s enough for 7 men at $5 a man. Nathan immediately agrees to help. Vin needs to think about it, but he too agrees.
Vin’s line “I wasn’t plannin’ on dyin’ with a broom in my hand anyway,” produces a smirk on Chris’ face. Almost like… yeah, I knew that. (G)
The trio agree they need more men. Nathan says he knows one and so does Chris… “if we can get him out of bed.”
I love how the writers of the show gave us these tidbits that said so much about each character. Earlier with J.D – “this is why I came west” and now with Vin and not dying with the broom in his hand. Click to view this scene.
We cross to a man (Buck) who is in bed with a woman. There is banging on the door of the room and someone shouts, “Are you in there with my wife?”
LOL One has to wonder what the conversation between Vin and Chris was before this scene. “You go and bang on his door. I know Buck’s MO. He’ll dive out the window.“
Our first look at Buck is classic -- a frilly bedspread draped on his head and in bed with another man’s wife. Ohhhh, Buck. As I mentioned, during all of the shooting earlier, he must have just continued to enjoy the fruits of his animal magnetism. (G)
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Believing the person outside to be the woman’s husband, Buck makes a hasty exit out the window, but not before sweeping the woman off her feet.
This scene -- with Buck sweeping the woman off her feet before climbing out the window in his underwear -- is just brilliant. The fact Chris is standing directly below the spot he falls shows these two have a history. Buck’s reaction to seeing Chris is heart-warming -- genuine happiness. We know Buck wears his heart on his sleeve, but his reaction to seeing Chris is unrestrained joy.
Buck falls from the window where Chris greets him. Buck is overjoyed to see him and hugs his old friend.
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The line… “Easy big fella. Folks will talk”… cracks me up as much as it cracks Buck up. The thought of these guys being that way inclined just doesn’t work for me.
Chris : “I make it my business to know who’s in town. Live longer that way.” So, Chris knew Buck was in town when he set off up the street with Vin to save Nathan. Granted there wasn’t a lot of time, but a decent shout from the middle of the street and surely Buck would have heard him.
Chris invites Buck to join them and despite the low ‘wages’, he agrees.
The discussion of finances highlights Buck isn’t joining Chris for the money. If you watch his face his eyes never leave Chris. I really believe Buck sees this as his chance to ride again with someone he cares about.
Personal space moment. Vin stands really close to Chris. Now, is this just a camera shot… you know “Eric get closer. We want the two of you in the same shot” or…
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As the scene fades we see a little nod between Vin and Chris. Ahhhhh. Click to view the video of Buck's introduction.
Chris, Vin, Buck and Nathan ride out to the ruins of a church where a very large man (Josiah) is trying to rebuild the structure stone by stone. Nathan asks Josiah to join them.
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So, are Nathan and Josiah friends or just casual acquaintances at this stage? Nathan has heard about Josiah “rumor has it he’s killed a lot of men.” This was never explained in the series. Maybe it would have in series 3.
And so begins Vin’s eating. Yes, Vin is chewing in many of the following scenes. One wonders if EC has low blood sugar. (g) It was probably just chewing tobacco, but in a lot of the following scenes, Vin is chewing. Click to view the introduction of Josiah.
Josiah refuses and so the boys ride back into town. As they enter, they hear shots from the saloon. They investigate and discover two men in a shooting competition with a large amount of money at stake. One of the men (Ezra) appears drunk and is able to convince his opponent to increase the pot until he produces a seemingly amazing shooting display.
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Our introduction to Ezra. Once again, the writers do a fantastic job. We get a real sense of Ez following this scene. One of my all time favourite quotes is in this scene. “Nonsense. I was encumbered by the debris on the floor.” He really set them up.
And what a dazzling smile on Ezra’s face when all bullets go in the one hole… supposedly. He is sooo pleased with himself. Interesting when Ezra is threatened, Vin actually places his hand on his gun… see pic. Or was Vin just preparing himself in case he ended up being threatened himself. Hmmm
Ezra wins the money causing the loser and his companions to threaten him. He fights them off and then starts to make his exit.
We quickly learn Ezra can look after himself. He takes on the crowd and wins. Vin’s little comment… “Nice shot, pard.” And Ezra’s response, “Dreadful. I was trying to kill him but the mirror was cracked”, is great banter between these two and sets up the later scene.
Chris calls Ezra’s bluff, which, of course leads to that famous quote, “Well, Sir. I abhor gambling and as such leave nothing to chance.”
That Chris knows what Ezra has done also sets up another of the great relationships in the series. Chris ‘understands’ Ezra.
Chris invites Ezra to join them and shows him the gold amulet.
Yes, that is greed in those green eyes of Ezra’s.
Ezra asks if Nathan will be riding with the group and upon an affirmative answer, declines.
This is an interesting point. I have heard some Ezra fans claim that his declining to ride with the boys at that moment had nothing to do with Nathan’s colour, but I have to say, it looked like a cultural clash to me. As a matter of fact, this cultural clash and how Ezra overcomes it (let’s face it, Ezra is a product of his culture at this stage) is one of the truly fantastic themes in the episode…and the series. And it isn’t all one sided. Nathan shows just a hint of prejudice in “Chinatown.” True, Ezra has been acting like an ass (in the nicest possible way <g>), but still, Nathan should have known Ez well enough by then to know he would never take advantage of a defenseless girl. Ooops. Off-track again.
And can I just mention Ezra’s lovely foot work as he exits the saloon? LOL I love it.
Chris finishes by telling Ezra if he changes his mind he can meet them at dawn outside the livery. Ezra departs and Nathan asks Chris why they would want a cheater. Chris replies, “we may need one.”
I wonder what Chris meant? How could a cheater be of use to them? Perhaps the ability to con an enemy?
Click to view Ezra's introduction.At dawn, only Vin, Chris, Nathan and Buck are collected. As they are preparing to leave Four Corners, they are interrupted by J.D. who has high hopes of joining the gunfighters. Unfortunately, his efforts to impress the older men fail miserably. The youth's pride is damaged and he races off on foot after his escaping horse. Click to view the introduction of J.D.
During J.D.’s display of ‘talent’s’ Ezra arrives. He presents Chris with a copy of the local paper. Enraged by what is written Chris confronts Mary. Not to be intimidated by the gunfighter, Mary explains she will do anything to keep the 'bad element' out of Four Corners.
This is another scene I find interesting. Does Mary have a death wish? Is she incredibly naïve, or brave… or stupid? She knows Chris is a gunfighter. She’s just seen him in action. How did she believe he was going to react to being front page news? All of which is a mute point I guess, for when he enters the Clarion News that day it is obvious he is unimpressed. I think any normal person would have had the good sense to be terrified and yet Mary is more than just confident. She is almost superior in her tone and attitude. There would have been many gunfighters around at the time who wouldn’t have thought twice about shooting her.
Chris’ parting remark, “Lady, I am the bad element” is another that has been immortalized by Mag 7 fans. In some ways it is almost sad. This is how Chris views himself - The bad element. Click to view this scene.
When the boys ride passed the crumbling church, Josiah has packed up and is ready to join them… thanks to a dream and a crow. (g)
As the boys make their journey, they are followed by J.D. As they enter the village, Buck sneaks up behind J.D. and captures him.
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This is a really endearing scene. When Buck says, “If you're trying to stay hid, it's best to remove your hat.”… makes me giggle every time. This is the beginning of the unique relationship between these two.
Chris and the boys are greeted in the village by some very intense glares. The people don’t trust white men and aren’t afraid to show it.
I just love the exchange between Tastanagi, Chris and Vin.
TASTANAGI : Welcome. We greet you with hostility.
CHRIS turning to comment to Vin : I think he means hospitality.
VIN, glancing at the hostile villagers : No, I think he means hostility.
Click to view this scene.Buck arrives leading a bound J.D. who insists he had ridden along to watch their backs. Chris is amazed J.D. arrived before them. J.D. wants to help and claims he is ready to fight. This leads Buck to launch into a verbal attack – accusing J.D. of having read dime-store novels and thinking that is what the west is like. Chris tells J.D. to go home… he isn’t the type.
Chris actually speaks really softly and gently. It isn’t what J.D. wanted to hear, but Chris is far gentler with J.D. than Buck.
Hurt and angry, J.D. leaves.
The boys make their plans and set about training the villagers to defend themselves. Vin teaches some to shoot.
The scene between Eban and Vin is another that tells us a great deal about Vin. He accepts a person for who they are. He speaks so gently it is quite remarkable. Click to view this scene.
Ezra organizes the children to make dummies.
Ezra is really good with kids. Kids read people better than most adults. The children like Ezra and I think that says a great deal about Ezra’s character.
Josiah builds a wall that is “high enough to make a sensible horse think twice about jumping.” Nathan collects firewood so he can boil water for the coming battle. While searching for firewood, Nathan is snared in a trap. He has been captured by the young women of the village who have been sent away for their own safety.
The women follow Nathan back into the village where Buck is ecstatic.
“The wind blew. The clouds parted. And out came the sun.” You just have to love Buck.
Chris promises no harm will come to the women. Nathan and one of the young women (Rain) feel an attraction for each other.
If you look in the background, Vin is actually quite amused by all of this.
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Buck, who is out on watch is attacked by Imala, Tastanagi’s son who all thought was dead. J.D. dives out of the bushes and bushwacks Imala. Buck leaps up and punches J.D. in the mouth stating J.D. almost shot him. (G)
The trio return to the village where Imala is greeted warmly. Buck then gives J.D. a lecture on not using the butt of his gun as a weapon and tells him to get a new hat. Vin interprets – “What Buck means is thanks, Kid.”
J.D. goes to Chris, again pleading his case to stay. Finally, Chris agrees.
J.D. actually offers his hand to Vin, but Vin doesn’t appear to take it. I’m not sure if this is just the camera angle, but I’ve watched it several times and I really don’t think Vin accepts the offered hand. Ezra does. However, as J.D. turns and walks away, Vin pats J.D. on the back. In some ways, this shows Vin sees J.D. as Chris does – just a kid. Not an adult/equal. A pat on the back rather than offering his hand. Then again, offering a person your gun hand was, at this time, a sign of great trust. So that may have been the reason. What do you think?
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The sun sets with Vin and Chris seated overlooking the valley. Vin studies the area with his spyglass. The pair talk and it is now Vin tells Chris if he is killed to take his body to Tascosa. When Chris asks why, Vin reveals he is a wanted man worth $500.
Click to view this amazing scene.
For me, this is ‘the’ scene that sets up Vin and Chris’ friendship. Basically these two are strangers and yet, Vin opens up to Chris. Vin does give us a reason at the end… “if a friend collects, I get the last laugh’. So was it this that prompted him to reveal his secret? Or, did he tell Chris because he is wise enough to know that secrets get men killed. Vin’s outlook on life is revealed to us here too. He is philosophical, almost resigned, but behind it all, there is great sadness there too. I love Chris’ reaction. He looks down. He feels for Vin. And then when Vin comments about a friend collecting, we get one of Larabee’s rare smiles – though, I have to say Chris actually smiles far more often in the series than Vin… which is such a shame because Vin smiles so beautifully. (bg).
Evening has fallen and we cross to Ezra who asks Josiah why he signed on.
I have to wonder if Ezra didn’t do this with each of the boys… just to find out what he was dealing with.
We learn Josiah was once a priest, but he had ‘trouble turning the other cheek.’ Ezra then enlightens us about some of his cons wearing the cloth.
A short scene that develops both characters and gives us some details about their backgrounds. We found out that Nathan had been a slave, earlier. We’ve just found out about Vin’s background. The writers very cleverly wove this into the story.
The time of judgment arrives when the Ghosts return earlier than the deadline. One by one the boys rise to reveal themselves and they ‘politely’ ask Andersen to leave. Naturally, he refuses and the battle begins.
We see each of the boys abilities during the fight. I love the scene where Ezra signals the kids. During the battle, J.D. breaks cover fanning his guns. Buck is there to watch over him…and this is a theme that continues through the series.
The boys and villagers get the upper hand and the Ghosts retreat… but Vin isn’t certain for how long. Buck gives J.D. another lecture – concerning fanning his guns this time.
That little smile J.D. gives Buck shows he understands Buck’s motivation.
Ezra assists some wounded into the tent area where Nathan is treating the injured. He is obviously hurt, but refuses Nathan’s offer of help. Nathan ignores him and puts his dislocated shoulder back in.
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The look on Ezra’s face at this point says it all. All of the sudden he sees Nathan for who he is... an equal. We also get to see Nathan at work. A qualified doctor he may not be, a doctor he certainly is.
When praying over a fallen villager, Josiah is verbally attacked by Imala and collapses. He too has been shot, but as no one ‘asked’, he didn’t tell anyone.
I thought Chris’ comment about Josiah’s crows being wrong was very clever. Loved Josiah’s response. “We shall see.”
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Night descends and the villagers celebrate. J.D. is doing some very heavy ‘celebrating’. He is suffering a bit of shock --killing people wasn’t quite the exciting adventure he thought it was going to be. Chris warns him to slow down and J.D. tells him to back off.
When J.D. explodes at Chris, Chris immediately looks at Buck. He has a decision to make and I believe he decides to leave J.D. in Buck’s capable hands.
Chris leaves. Buck then tells J.D. Chris once had a wife and child who died in a fire and that losing them burned half the soul out of him.
Another clever way to introduce more about a character’s background.
We cross to Ezra who, once again, is entertaining the children.
Ezra’s… “There are two kinds of people in this life, my friend: those who seek battle and seem not to fear death-- like them-- and those who avoid battle but will stand and fight to the death if their loved ones are threatened-- like them. That is true courage”…is very telling. Ezra is a far deeper person than he allows people to see.
Ezra then has the children reveal the location of the gold mine while Chris reflects on the fact that family and a home are things worth fighting for.
I honestly believe Chris is re-evaluating his life at this moment and perhaps this is the catalyst for the comment in the next episode – “I need to choose my fights carefully these days.” While I’m not sure Four Corners is home at this stage, nor are the seven a family yet, Chris certainly has Buck and his affinity with Vin is there. Food for thought.
In the morning, Ezra leaves his post to go in search of the mine. While he is away, the Ghosts return and attack the village using their cannon. The remaining boys do their best to protect the villagers by collecting them in a cave, but the cannon fire is relentless and Eban, Rain’s father, is killed.
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Buck’s comment about riding out and leaving them is one that doesn’t fit for me. I’ve decided to look at it as just him sounding off, but I don’t see Buck turning and leaving women and children in trouble.
Ezra hears the cannon fire and looks over the ridge where he witnesses the attack. Torn, he turns and rides away commenting, “and then there’s a third kind.”
The Ghost’s second in command, Captain Corcoran, appeals to the colonel to stop firing, but Andersen wants to annihilate the village.
The boys know they have to get to the cannon and with Imala’s help, they climb up the face of the cliff.
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Fantastic scene between Buck and J.D. where J.D. says, “Buck, you’re full of crap.” LOL Also a nice exchange between Vin and Chris.
VIN: You remember why we’re doing this?
CHRIS: Does it make any difference?
Vin: Guess not.
When they reach the top, Imala is killed by the Ghosts and the boys are surrounded and taken captive.
Vin and Chris are up the front and close together in this scene. This continues to cement in my mind that they shared an immediate trust and friendship. Vin’s comment, “I’ll take that five dollars now,” shows he has a somewhat dry sense of humor and basically resigned to what is happening. Click to view this scene.
We cross to Ezra who stops his horse and then turns around.
The agony on Ezra’s face is palpable. Yayyyy, Ez! Now we see the real Ezra. One has to wonder if Ezra has ever risked his life for another before this moment.
The boys are bound and readied for execution. J.D. tells the others of his background -- the son of a chambermaid who taught himself to ride and shoot. His mother recently died leaving him some money to go to college, but it wasn’t enough.
Corcoran pleads for the colonel not to execute the prisoners as they surrendered. This puts him at odds with Anderson who orders him executed with Chris and the boys. When the flag reaches the top of the pole, the cannon is to be fired, blasting the boy into the next world. Anderson and most of his men go down into the village to raise the flag, while the boys are left atop the cliffs to meet their fate.
Chris works on his bonds, gradually freeing one hand. One of Andersen’s men goes to relieve himself and is captured by Ezra.
Yayyyy, Ez.
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Ezra dons the other’s clothes and enters the camp. He pulls a gun on the guards but this doesn’t seem to frighten them, so he aims at a keg of gunpowder – unfortunately empty. All the while, Chris continues to work his hand free. Realizing he doesn’t have a choice, Ezra throws down his weapon.
Ezra’s… “I know. I can't imagine what came over me,” always makes me smile.
Ezra's derringer snaps out of his sleeve at the last minute and he shoots Darcy, who was left in charge. Chris frees himself and attacks. Vin grabs a rifle that falls near him and the boys are back in control above. Ezra and Chris set about freeing the others and we have Chris confront Ezra –“don’t every run out on me again.”
Again, Chris uses a very quiet voice but there is plenty of intent. BTW, while the others are being freed, Vin is standing keeping their prisoners covered, and then the next shot shows him bound on the ground again. A bit of a blooper. (g)
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Anderson becomes agitated when the cannon isn’t fired as ordered. He sends a troop of men to investigate, but Ezra captures them. Then, Ezra lights the fuse on the cannon, blowing up the flag and providing cover for the other boys who emerge though the smoke.
Amazing scene.
The boys fight well. Each plays his part. Realizing the only way to end the fighting quickly is to kill Anderson, each of the boys aim at him. Vin wounds him first, but Andersen doesn’t fall. One after the other the boys each fire off a shot that hits the colonel, but he is so high on laudanum that he won’t go down.
Frustrated, J.D. breaks cover, firing his guns until he runs out of bullets. Anderson turns and drawing his sword, rides toward him. Buck shoves J.D. out of the way and is wounded. Josiah rushes out to drag Buck to safety, but others attack and so Josiah dives over Buck, using his own body to protect his wounded friend. When Andersen turns and heads for the two wounded men, Nathan steps forward and plunges a knife into his leg. Finally the colonel goes down. However, he isn’t out and climbs to his feet ready to attack the unarmed Nathan.
Chris and Vin approach. Before they do anything, Corcoran shoots the sword from Andersen’s hand. Andersen is stunned and when he threatens Corcoran, it is obvious the former captain is unable to fire on the man he loves and respects.
Corcoran’s character is an interesting one. He shows high morals and his love for Andersen truly endears him. He was, of course, supposed to join the Seven. Buck was supposed to die in the final battle and Corcoran was supposed to take his place. While I like Corcoran’s character, I can not imagine the Seven without Buck. Rumor has it the dynamic between Andy and Dale was so powerful they just couldn’t kill Buck off. I’m very pleased they didn’t.
Each of the boys risks his life at some stage to save one of the others. Vin and Chris at the beginning to save Nathan. Buck, twice to save J.D. Josiah to save Buck. Nathan to save both Buck and J.D. Ez when he returns.
Just before Andersen is able to kill Corcoran, Chris kills Andersen. He then goes and retrieves the torn flag and holds it up to the remaining Ghosts and tells them to go home – the war is over. They leave.
Chris goes to Buck’s side where J.D. is crouched and Nathan is working. Believing he is dying, Buck gives J.D. his hat, but Nathan assures everyone Buck will be just fine.
I guess I was a little disappointed in this scene. I know these aren’t new age sensitive guys, but I would have liked to have seen more emotion from Chris. I guess we have to leave this to Fanfic writers. (G) Poor J.D. He is devastated with guilt. This was supposed to be Buck’s death scene.
Chris leaves Buck in Nathan’s capable hands and returns Imala’s knife to Tastanagi.
The battle is over and the cleaning up has started. The boys are readying themselves to leave. Chris asks Vin where he is heading.
Very poignant moment. Chris is interested. He asks. He is not someone who butts into other people’s business and yet his friendship with Vin appears so easy. This is a really warm moment. They are so relaxed and there is so much being said that is unsaid.
Vin says he needs to ride to Tascosa to clear his name. Chris agrees to ride with him. They are interrupted by Tastanagi. Chris returns the amulet and tells him to use it again if threatened. Tastanagi tells them there will be no need for he is keeping the cannon. Click to view this scene.
Great play on words – the hostility and hospitality. (g) Love the smiles on Vin’s and Chris’ face.
Swaying in the saddle, a bandaged Buck rides up to J.D. and asks for his hat back. J.D. is overjoyed to see him.
Ezra, who has redeemed himself, asks Nathan if he would consider riding, “with an old Southern boy?” Nathan declines saying he is going to stay for a while.
Ezra’s apology was perfect and Nathan’s acceptance of it subtle. Great scene.
Vin grabs a scrap of flag from a tree as he rides by and comments to Ezra, “you shoot a cannon pretty well, pard.” This return to their original exchange rounds up the scene nicely.
When Josiah rides passed Nathan, hunched in the saddle, Nathan tells him to get down because he’s lost too much blood. Rain, who is in love with Nathan, understands and tells him to go.
Rain is a fantastic character. Her understanding of Nathan and her love for him is so strong she is able to put into practice the old proverb, if you love him enough, let him go and if he loves you, he will return. Nathan actually smiles with relief. He wants to go. He is a part of something special and I think he knows it.
Nathan mounts and he and Josiah join the boys who are waiting… in a straight line. Then the music builds and our boys ride off into the sunset… off to save the day somewhere else.
Fantastic ending to the opening episode of this outstanding series. Click to view the final scene.
