Ep 21. The Devil's Playground

Hopalong Cassidy season 1 episode 21, titled "The Devil's Playground," is a Western adventure story that takes place on the range of Bar 20 Ranch. The episode starts off with Buck Peters, Cowhand Lanky Smith, and a few other ranchers discussing problems they are having with rustlers and the plot thickens when their cattle keep disappearing. Hopalong Cassidy, played by William Boyd, and his pal Lucky Jenkins, played by Russell Hayden, are called in to investigate the matter. As they start their investigation, Cassidy and Jenkins stumble upon a plot by a notorious outlaw who is masquerading as a local rancher, Bill Barstow.

As part of his scheme, Bill Barstow is organizing a rodeo, called "The Devil's Playground," to celebrate the opening of his new ranch. Barstow is trying to lure all the other local ranchers, including Buck and Hoppy, to his rodeo so he can use the distraction to rustle their cattle. To make matters worse, he has also hired a band of dangerous riders led by a man called "The Hawk" to help him carry out his evil plans.

Throughout the episode, Cassidy and Jenkins attempt to gather evidence to prove that Barstow is behind the cattle rustling. They discover that The Hawk is actually a former cowboy named Steve who used to work for Buck Peters, but had turned to a life of crime after he lost his job. They also learn that Barstow's foreman, Les Wilkins, is in on the scheme, and is working with The Hawk to rustle cattle.

The action heats up as Cassidy and Jenkins infiltrate the rodeo and try to put a stop to the rustling. Cassidy enters the rodeo as a disguised bronco buster, and Jenkins sneaks in as a photographer. They use their wit, charm, and quick reflexes to fend off The Hawk and his men, and eventually take them down. In the end, Cassidy and Jenkins are able to demonstrate Barstow's guilt to the local sheriff's satisfaction, and the outlaws are taken into custody.

This episode of Hopalong Cassidy contains all the classic elements of a Western adventure: high-speed horseback chases, gunfights, and tense standoffs. However, it also brings a touch of suspense and mystery to the table with its plot twist surrounding the former cowboy turned outlaw, Steve. Ultimately, "The Devil's Playground" is an entertaining and thrilling episode that will keep audiences on the edge of their seats from start to finish.