Ep 23. The Fallen Hawk
- TVPG
- March 2, 1966
- 51 min
The Big Valley season 1 episode 23, titled "The Fallen Hawk," takes place in the late 1800s and centers around the Barkley family, one of the wealthiest and most powerful families in the San Joaquin Valley. The Barkleys consist of Victoria, the matriarch of the family, her four children - Heath, Jarrod, Nick, and Audra - as well as a host of supporting characters who help to flesh out the show's narrative.
In this particular episode, the focus is on Heath, who finds himself embroiled in a feud with a man named Ezra Martin. Ezra blames Heath for the death of his son, who was killed during a gunfight with Heath. This has resulted in Ezra relentlessly seeking revenge against the Barkleys, which only escalates during this episode.
Complicating matters further, Heath also has to deal with his own past demons. As a child, Heath grew up without a father and was forced to fend for himself on the streets. This has left him with a chip on his shoulder and a tendency towards violence.
As the episode progresses, tensions between Ezra and the Barkleys continue to build. The situation eventually comes to a head when Heath and Ezra have a brutal face-off in the valley. The tension-filled moments that follow force Heath to confront his inner demons and to take a stand against violence in order to truly find peace within himself.
Throughout the episode, viewers are treated to a richly detailed look at the lives of the Barkleys and those around them. The script effortlessly weaves together themes of family, revenge, and redemption to create a story that is both engaging and emotionally complex. The actors deliver strong performances, with particular standout moments from Lee Majors as Heath and Charles Briles as Ezra Martin.
Overall, "The Fallen Hawk" is a captivating episode of The Big Valley that skillfully blends action, drama, and emotion. It's a must-watch for fans of classic westerns and those looking for a compelling narrative about the human experience.