Ep 17. The Outlaw's Reward

Hopalong Cassidy season 2 episode 17, titled "The Outlaw's Reward," follows the adventures of Hopalong Cassidy, a cowboy hero who always stands up for what is right. In this episode, Hoppy and his friend Lucky are on their way back home from a cattle drive when they come across a wounded man lying on the side of the road. The man turns out to be an outlaw, but Hoppy and Lucky decide to help him anyway, believing that he deserves a chance at redemption.

As they nurse the outlaw back to health, Hoppy and Lucky learn that his name is Jack Blake and that he is on the run from the law for a crime he didn't commit. Jack had been working as a stagecoach driver when his employer was robbed and killed by a gang of bandits. Despite having an alibi, Jack was arrested and convicted for the crime and has been on the run ever since.

Determined to clear Jack's name, Hoppy and Lucky set out to find the real culprits. Their investigation leads them to a nearby town where they discover that the bandits are a group of corrupt businessmen who have been using their influence to control the local law enforcement and carry out their criminal activities with impunity.

With the help of a local newspaper editor, Hoppy and Lucky are able to gather evidence against the criminals and present it to the authorities. The corrupt sheriff is arrested and the gang of bandits is brought to justice, clearing Jack's name in the process.

As a reward for helping them take down the criminals, the authorities offer Hoppy and Lucky a share of the reward money that had been put up for the capture of the bandits. However, instead of accepting the money, Hoppy and Lucky decide to donate it to a local orphanage, showing once again that they are true heroes who believe in doing the right thing.

"The Outlaw's Reward" is a thrilling episode of Hopalong Cassidy that showcases the character's unwavering commitment to justice and compassion for even the most unlikely of characters. It is a must-watch for fans of classic Westerns and anyone who appreciates stories of bravery and honor.