Ep 31. The Prodigal

The Rifleman season 2 episode 31, titled "The Prodigal," follows the story of a young man named Todd Pierce, who returns to North Fork after being away for seven years. Todd is the son of a wealthy cattleman and left town to pursue his education back east. Upon his return, Todd is met with mixed reactions from the people of North Fork. Some are happy to see him back, while others hold a grudge against him for his father's past actions.

Lucas McCain, the town's sheriff and Todd's old friend, is pleased to see him back in town. However, he soon discovers that Todd has an ulterior motive for coming back to North Fork. Todd's father has passed away and left him with a large inheritance, but Todd must fulfill a condition of his father's will in order to receive it. The condition is that Todd must live in North Fork for one year and run his father's struggling ranch.

Todd is reluctant to accept the challenge, as he has no experience running a ranch, but Lucas convinces him to give it a try. Lucas takes Todd under his wing and teaches him the skills he needs to manage the ranch. Along the way, Todd becomes involved with a local woman named Peggy and faces obstacles from the men who hold grudges against his father.

As the year goes on, Todd begins to love the ranch and the people of North Fork. He becomes determined to make the ranch successful and prove that he is not like his father. However, when a group of rustlers threatens the ranch and the town's safety, Todd must step up and prove his loyalty to the town and its people.

"The Prodigal" is a classic western tale of redemption and the power of community. The episode explores themes of forgiveness, perseverance, and the importance of second chances. The character of Todd Pierce is a complex and well-developed protagonist, and the supporting cast adds depth to the story and the town of North Fork.

Overall, season 2 episode 31 of The Rifleman, "The Prodigal," is a compelling and entertaining addition to the series. Fans of the show will enjoy the classic western themes and the strong characters, while newcomers will find a great starting point to dive into the world of The Rifleman.