Review of Tales of Wells Fargo

The first three seasons of the show earned the series a 10-star rating as they were near perfect. The show had a winning formula with Robertson, a tight filmed 30 minute show and Robertson's to the point narrations at the beginning and end of the show. Seasons 4 and 5 were pretty good but for some reason they dropped Robertson's narrations from most of the episodes. There was also a drop-off in the quality of the teleplays. Season 6, the final season, saw the show expanded one hour, Hardie becoming sort of a part-time employee of Wells Fargo, and the addition of several regulars to the show. The new regulars came abroad to support Hardie's ranch, which became a big part of most episodes. They also a side-kick for Hardie but even the actor playing the part realized there was nothing to the role but holding the rein's of Jim's horse and quit after 13 episodes. All of the changes could not save the show because the 1961-62 season saw hold sale cancelling of westerns, which included Tales of Wells Fargo. It still plays on the Encore's Western channel minus season 6 if you want to see a really good western series from the heyday of Westerns.