Ep 11. The Promoter

The Rifleman is a classic Western television series that originally ran from 1958 to 1963. Season 3 episode 11, titled "The Promoter," follows protagonist Lucas McCain as he becomes embroiled in a scheme orchestrated by a charismatic businessman named Banner Scott.

The episode begins with Banner arriving in North Fork, the town where Lucas and his son Mark reside. He's a smooth-talking promoter who quickly manages to convince most of the townspeople to invest in a new cultural center he plans to build. Lucas is initially skeptical of Banner's promises, but is eventually swayed by the man's charm and apparent sincerity.

As construction begins on the center, Lucas agrees to help Banner raise even more funds through a series of events, including a prizefight between two famous boxers. However, things start to go awry when it becomes clear that Banner is more interested in making quick money than keeping his promises to the town.

Meanwhile, Mark becomes enamored with a young girl named Laurie, who is visiting North Fork with her family. They share a sweet romance throughout the episode, but their relationship is threatened when Laurie's father falls under Banner's spell and becomes involved in his shady dealings.

As tensions rise and the townspeople begin to realize that Banner is not the honest businessman he appeared to be, Lucas must find a way to prevent North Fork from falling into financial ruin and protect his loved ones from harm.

Throughout "The Promoter," viewers are treated to the classic Western themes of loyalty, integrity, and standing up to those who would exploit or harm others for their own gain. The episode also features some thrilling action scenes, particularly during the climactic showdown between Lucas and Banner.

Overall, "The Promoter" is a great example of the kind of compelling storytelling and memorable characters that made The Rifleman such a beloved and enduring classic of the Western genre.