Ep 1. Incident of the Tumbleweed Wagon

In the first episode of the classic Western TV series Rawhide, titled "Incident of the Tumbleweed Wagon," viewers are introduced to the show's central character, trail boss Gil Favor (played by Eric Fleming) and his loyal right-hand man, Rowdy Yates (played by Clint Eastwood). The episode opens with the two men, along with a group of cowboys, driving a herd of cattle across the vast and unforgiving plains of the American West.

As the sun beats down on them and dust clouds rise around them, the cowboys keep a watchful eye out for trouble. And trouble comes in the form of a group of scraggly, gunslinging outlaws who ambush the cattle drive, killing several of the cowboys and stealing a portion of the herd.

Determined to track the thieves down and retrieve the stolen cattle, Favor and Yates set out on a dangerous journey across the wilderness, facing numerous obstacles and challenges along the way. They must navigate rough terrain, fend off wild animals, and deal with the harsh realities of life on the frontier.

As they follow the trail of the outlaws, Favor and Yates encounter a wide range of characters, from friendly settlers and lonely travelers to ruthless bandits and opportunistic merchants. Through it all, they remain steadfast in their mission, determined to see justice done and their cattle restored.

With its stunning landscapes, gripping action, and complex characters, "Incident of the Tumbleweed Wagon" is a thrilling and unforgettable episode of Rawhide, setting the stage for the many adventures to come in this iconic Western series.