Ep 17. By Fires Unseen

Episode 17 of the first season of The Big Valley is titled "By Fires Unseen." In this captivating installment, the Barkley family faces one of their most challenging trials yet as they must confront a destructive force that threatens both their livelihood and their bond as a family.

Set in the late 19th century in the San Joaquin Valley of California, The Big Valley follows the lives of the Barkley family who are wealthy landowners, managing the vast Barkley Ranch. Led by matriarch Victoria Barkley (played by the legendary Barbara Stanwyck), the Barkleys must constantly navigate the treacherous waters of lawlessness and greed that surrounds their land.

As "By Fires Unseen" begins, the Barkley Ranch becomes the target of a devastating and mysterious series of fires. Something unseen is ruthlessly burning their land, causing damage and chaos with each new flame.

Jarrod (Richard Long), the educated and articulate son of Victoria and one of her most trusted advisors, takes on the responsibility of investigating the source of the fires. Determined to protect their property and discover the truth, he seeks the assistance of Heath (Lee Majors), his rugged half-brother known for his skills as a tracker and fighter.

Together, Jarrod and Heath navigate the scorched landscape, uncovering clues that point to a sinister plan to destroy the Barkley Ranch. As they delve deeper into their investigation, tensions rise, and they begin to suspect that someone close to them might be responsible for these destructive acts. Unnerved and without solid proof, they must tread carefully, unsure of whom they can trust.

Meanwhile, in the heart of the Barkley Ranch, Victoria faces an internal struggle as she tries to keep the family united amidst the chaos. With her strong-willed personality and unwavering determination, she fights to protect her family from what feels like an impending disaster. Yet, the fires push her to her limits, testing her faith in her loved ones while forcing her to confront her weaknesses as a leader.

Elsewhere on the ranch, Audra (Linda Evans), Victoria's beautiful and fiercely independent daughter, finds herself drawn into the mystery surrounding the fires. Her curiosity and desire to prove herself useful lead her on a dangerous path, where she discovers secrets that may not only impact their land but also challenge her perception of her family.

As the episode progresses, the tension escalates, and the true nature of the arsonist's motives slowly unravels. With twists and turns at every corner, "By Fires Unseen" keeps the audience on the edge of their seats, weaving a web of suspense and intrigue. The episode skillfully explores themes of trust, family bonds, and the lengths one will go to protect what they hold dear.

With stellar performances from the talented cast, including Stanwyck's commanding presence as Victoria Barkley, "By Fires Unseen" captivates viewers with its engaging storyline. The dynamic combination of action, mystery, and heartfelt family drama makes this episode a standout in the first season of The Big Valley.

Note: The Big Valley aired from 1965 to 1969 and was created by A.I. Bezzerides and Louis F. Edelman. The show enjoyed immense popularity and garnered a dedicated fan base during its run. The description above is a fictional representation of a potential episode titled "By Fires Unseen" from Season 1 of The Big Valley and does not reflect any real episodes or storylines from the show.