Ep 17. Decoy

The Young Riders is a Western drama television series that aired on ABC from 1989 to 1992. The series follows a group of young Pony Express riders who work to deliver mail across the American frontier in the years before the Civil War. In season 1 episode 17, titled "Decoy," the riders face danger and uncertainty as they work to protect a shipment of gold and catch a group of ruthless outlaws.

The episode opens with the riders on their way to deliver a shipment of gold to a nearby town. They are traveling through a dangerous part of the territory, known for its bandits and thieves. As they ride, they discuss the upcoming delivery and their fears that they might be attacked.

Their fears are soon realized when they come across a group of men who appear to be stranded on the side of the road. The men claim to have been robbed by a gang of outlaws and request the help of the riders. Buck, one of the riders, is immediately suspicious and warns the others to be cautious. But the group decides to help the men anyway, and they set off together towards the nearest town.

As they ride, Buck's suspicions are proved right - the men are actually members of the outlaw gang, and they have set a trap for the riders. The gang attacks, and a fierce gunfight breaks out. The riders manage to hold their own for a while, but they are greatly outnumbered. Eventually, they are forced to retreat and leave the shipment of gold behind.

The riders return to their home base, where they report what has happened to their commander, Teaspoon. Teaspoon is angry and disappointed, but he knows that they can't leave the outlaws to get away with the gold. He devises a plan to catch them.

Teaspoon's plan involves using Lou, one of the female riders, as a decoy. She will pose as a wealthy woman traveling through the territory with her valuables. The riders will follow her at a distance, waiting for the outlaws to make their move. When they do, the riders will be ready to catch them.

The plan is risky, but the riders agree to it. Lou is nervous about being used as bait, but she knows that it's the only way to get the gold back. They set off once again, this time with Lou in the lead.

The plan works, but not without a few close calls. Lou manages to lure the outlaws into attacking her, and the riders are able to catch them off guard. A second gunfight breaks out, but this time the riders are better prepared. They manage to capture the outlaws and retrieve the stolen gold.

The episode ends with the riders returning to their home base, victorious but exhausted. They are all relieved that the ordeal is over, but they know that they will always face danger on the frontier. The episode serves as a reminder of the risks that the riders take every day, as they work to bring mail and supplies to settlers across the West.