Reviews

Always loved this one, especially for the message it sent comparing Johnny to the Wild Horse.

The first scene is one of my favorite watching Johnny pound those fence posts bare-chested. His father coming up to check on the job and tell Johnny he has more work.

One of the best two lines comes from Scott: "It's the best thing that's ever happened to you. and you are going to throw it all away."

The other - Johnny's last line: "A wild horse will move on."

James Stacy does a terrific acting job especially in those scenes from the time he starts to shoot the horse. He makes the decision it's worth saving - just like his life at Lancer. The scene where he takes back the watch - he basically does it with no dialogue.

Then there is our pants splitting scene - no need to ask: Boxers or Briefs? Again, no words but you can tell exactly what he is thinking when he comes upon that work site and picks up the Lancer Ranch sign.

The last scene with Murdoch telling his son that life might not be measured in a line of fencing. Lancer had a way of ending the show without tying that bow completely up. Instead of having the scene with Murdoch apologizing to Johnny for his thoughtless comments. We have a father trying to connect with his wild boy through chasing wild horses. Something Murdoch should have been able to do a long time ago when Johnny was growing up.

The above things alone make this one of my favorites. However, there were some issues that keep this from being the outstanding episode it should have been.

Here's where I have a problem. The Johnny Madrid character was not easily led. All of a sudden this friend Wes has him chasing after wild horses instead of working, leaving his new family at Lancer, and selling his father's gold watch (which he clearly did a good deal of hesitating about) all in one day.

But - I guess they had to create a reason for Johnny to leave.

Another hole in the story:

I never understood how Johnny could have worked so hard to "get done early". His father pulls him off the job before 2pm. Then he is being penalized for not getting the job done and leaving a hole in the fence. A fence that would not have been completed anyway if Johnny had not worked so hard. That part made no sense what so ever to me.

When Johnny comes back - hat in hand to talk to his father, Murdoch practically crucifies his son telling Johnny to get off his land - sending him out to be virtually ambushed. Striker already knew he'd come in the back. Murdoch didn't even tell him to go out the back - he just assumed Johnny would come in the way he came. Great story - but a whole lot of holes.

Additionally - CAWH should have been Episode #2. Blood Rock made no sense after the pilot.

This is a Johnny Madrid Lancer show all the way - and the way I see it - Jim Stacy's hips and that silver studded belt with the addition of his gun belt was the absolute sexiest thing on TV in 1969 - period.

This is one of my favorites where Johnny just sparkles with both his comedic as well as dramatic sides. We also learn a whole lot more about how Johnny Madrid actually operates; Madrid's range war tactics as well as his Madrid persona.

The episode shines because it's comical, has loads of good location shots, a great supporting cast including an older Billy Mumy who could hold his own against any actor. The supporting cast included a young Mary Frann (who later became Newheart's wife) as the plain suffering sister. Dabbs Grier as the comical town sheriff. And most importantly - there was no real "Damsel in Distress of the Week" or real slimy bad guy to play off of in this one.

From the beginning when "The Kid" tries to steal Johnny's horse, I could see Stacy having a ball the whole time through his scenes. We hear him call Barranca by name for the first time showing it's truly bonded to Johnny. (and now we know how to pronounce it too!)

Things to Love Johnny calling for Barranca with just a whistle Johnny showing off his horse tricks by grabbing his gunbelt from the ground while on top of Barranca Then Johnny brings the kid home: "Well? What are we gonna do with him?" Murdoch replies: "Wash him!" "He's your wolf cub - you tame him." Andy dunking Jelly in his bath water.

Best Stuff from McCall's Crossing Johnny's first Bath Tub Scene - a classic moment played well with the gossiping Barber complete with a beer and a shave. Johnny's ride into town - they must have re-used that woman in the blue shawl and the bonnet 3 times. And the music in this one - kind of a mock of western horse waltz. When Lucky Morgan discovers Madrid's in town. "Madrid's an awful expensive gun to hire." "Madrid, Johnny Madrid." - The bumbling Sheriff with the glass of milk The Mr. Marvin Conversation: "Late" "Madrid" " Hmm, Yep" "What do ya want Madrid?" Lucky Morgan - Didn't Johnny call him "Ole Lefty" at one point? The shooting gallery scene with Andy lining up all the bottles. Madrid and that glove Madrid and that rocking chair going back and forth "Mr. Jenks, you are gettin' yourself all in a pucker."

The Showdown Johnny at the showdown checking all his equipment (the gun, the methodical retie of his gunbelt, the check and recheck of the bullets in his gun as he slides up onto the railing) The Silver Belt - this wasn't the first appearance but don't you just love that belt - I want one. The editing back and forth from Johnny's gunfight prep to the Ranchers coming into town with their men. "What are ya doin'" "I came here to watch all the fun!" "This is not fun!"

End the end, Jim Stacey eloquently delivers one of the best lines of the series.

"You know it's easy to kill a man, but it's impossible to bring him back to life again."

This particular full episode has been on YouTube for quite a while. It's a gem from start to finish. Many of the elements of "The Kid" are utilized for our Fan Fiction stories. It gave us all a great understanding of the different tactics used in the range wars and a great view into the real Johnny Madrid.

Loved too - was the ending where Johnny rides in on Barranca (another studio Gallup?) and when Murdoch asks him where he was: "Oh just sittin' in a rocking chair rockin'....."

I really cannot find anything I didn't like about this one. Although I always wish for more of the full cast in every Lancer show. It might have been fun to have brought Scott along with him giving Johnny a hard time the entire episode.

Prior to this movie's release, there was a huge controversy. Someone who obviously hated the production sent video of the German Shepard to TMZ types and did a fake news story stating the dogs were mishandled. This put people in an uproar and the opening was cancelled. The film fell flat in the movie theaters. To that person - I hope you are never able to find a good parking space ever. You hurt people's ability to make money and tried to destroy the film. There were unknown actors - this was their big break and you ruined it. Hope the money you made from fake news is enough to satisfy your dark and twisty soul. OK got that over with. Bad karma will follow you to the end of your life.

NOW - the movie is wonderful. For dog lovers it provides us with the possibility that our former pets somehow live again. Even if they were euthanized before finding their "furever" home, in this fictional world, they get second - third - fourth lives. The entire movie was totally heartwarming. I laughed and cried through a lot of it. A Dog's Purpose is up there with Marley and Me and is watchable for children who can grasp loss and not have nightmares over it.

The dogs were amazing - the actors were terrific and I was happy to see that the cast included many unknown actors (who now will probably never got noticed because of the horrible person who took that video and caused the film to not be as successful as it could have been)

So my advice - watch this film. You will feel good after you do.