Ep 20. Matched Pair

During a time when the American west was still a raw and untamed land, a group of young and passionate Pony Express riders throws themselves into the dangers and excitement of the frontier as they carry the mail from Missouri to California. In The Young Riders season 1 episode 20, entitled "Matched Pair," tensions are high as the team must contend with challenges both personal and professional.

The episode begins with Jimmy Hickok (played by Stephen Baldwin), the leader of the group, feeling the weight of his responsibilities as a rider and a friend. He's worried about his comrades, all of whom have their own struggles to contend with. Ike (played by Gregg Rainwater), the only Native American in the group, is still dealing with the aftermath of an attack on his village. Meanwhile, Lou (played by Yvonne Suhor), the group's only female rider, is grappling with her feelings for a fellow rider, Kid (played by Ty Miller), and the knowledge that others on the trail see her as little more than a novelty.

As the riders move on to their next stop, they encounter a wealthy and powerful businessman, Aaron Stiles (played by Michael A. Goorjian), who is traveling with his prized thoroughbred horses. Stiles is arrogant and dismissive of the young riders, but he soon realizes that they are more than they seem. When one of Stiles' horses is stolen, Jimmy and the other riders must track down the thief and recover the animal before it's too late.

Along the way, the young riders confront dangers ranging from bandits to tall cliffs, all the while struggling to maintain their own sense of right and wrong in a world that doesn't always reward justice. As the team draws closer to their goal, they encounter a grizzled old prospector named Jonesy (played by Charles Dierkop), who has information that could help them solve the case, but may also lead them into greater danger.

Ultimately, the riders are forced to confront the fact that the world they inhabit is full of complexities and contradictions. The characters must confront their own prejudices and preconceptions, even as they struggle to maintain their loyalty and sense of purpose. In the end, it's the strength of their friendships, and the power of their convictions, that allow the young riders to persevere through adversity and emerge stronger than ever before.