Top 10 Episodes


In order to compile my top 10 list of Cheyenne episodes it took considerable time. I had to watch and rewatch the entire series several times over to learn the episodes and differentiate between them. Then I watched the top 10 a couple times more to ensure I wasn't mistaken...repeat viewings are the only way to verify my choices.

THIS LIST IS MY LIST. (There are many like it, but this list is MINE)

As such my choices are my own - based on the story, the cast, or just because I like the episode. I know some may disagree strongly with my list, and that's OK by me since I haven't consulted anyone. One thing that I like is when a typical sinister character actor plays a role that's a bit different.

Another thing to note is that I did not include a lot of the usually cited "best of" episodes (The Conspirators, The Trap, The Empty Gun, Big Ghost Basin, etc.) These are good episodes, but other episodes made a more lasting impression over time.

My Top 10 Cheyenne Episodes

1) The Lone Gun - For me this is the quintessential Cheyenne...forcefully taking over as trail boss for a deceased friend who desperately needed the money to save his ranch, grimly determined to keep his word and atone for a dark happening from his past, discussing his reasons with no one, and facing both a hostile crew and group of killers at trail's end. A great story, great cast, great final shootout, and one of the best endings of the series. Typical heavy Hal Baylor is actually one of the good guys, although he butts heads with Cheyenne until the end. Also the only episode where Cheyenne gets gut-shot.

And running a close 2nd:

2) Wagon Tongue North - A determined Cheyenne bosses a trail drive anonymously against overwhelming odds: Howard Petrie and the inimitable Michael Forrest as murderous rustlers who attempt continually to stampede the herd, a group of duplicitous hired hands, and an expectant owner whose husband he killed in self defense. A good cast and fantastic story, but the episode is stolen completely at every turn by I. Stanford Jolley as trail cook Jug, with Frank DeKova giving Jolley a run for his money as Johnny Cake. Roy Engel also stands out as Marshal Thad Veck.

And I know some have gone on record stating their hatred for this episode, but I love it:

3) The Mutton Puncher - one of the lighter episodes, and enjoyable as Cheyenne is roped into helping a conniving sheepherder (Marie Windsor) against the local cattlemen. I love Robert Wilke, and it's great to see him come out on top in the end for a change. Regular cast member Lane Bradford appears, and also series staple Clyde Howdy in one of his 49 appearances appears as well.

4) The Spanish Grant - a remarkably likable episode, with Anthony George as suave bandito Sancho Mendariz partnering with Cheyenne to recover a lost land grant. A great story rounded out by a terrific cast that clicks, but for me George steals the episode. Although they don't officially get together, his scenes with Peggy Castle are just great. Frank Ferguson and Hal Baylor also appear.

5) Gold, Glory and Custer - I really like the format of this 2-parter, with a narrator connecting the dots throughout. Although not historically accurate, the story does weave historical events and characters into an intriguing story surrounding Cheyenne's involvement in the battle of Little Big Horn. It's not too much of a stretch to say that some ruthless businessmen could easily have been secretly behind the Black Hills Expedition, using human greed to cash in on the inevitable gold rush they knew would happen.

6) The Impostor - A great story and a magnificent cast, with a boisterous Peter Whitney playing an extremely likable character. Pre-fame James Drury plays the lost son with style, with Robert McQueeney and Mickey Simpson rounding out the cast as the duplicitous villains. Interesting in that this is the only episode where there is no female lead in the story.

7) Vengeance is Mine - Another great story with one of the best casts of the run, including a pre-Green Hornet Van Williams, George Gaynes, Denver Pyle, and the immortal Leo Gordon. Gordon brawls with Cheyenne in the longest and most brutal fight of the series, clocking in at nearly a full 3 minutes.

8) Dead to Rights - A *stellar* cast in this episode, with Mike Connors, Don Megowan, Joanna Barnes, John Russel, Karl Swenson (Mr. McBeevee!), and Sandra Edwards. A real mystery with everyone but Cheyenne suspected of murder, the culprit only revealed in the final minutes. The cast is truly great, but Swenson steals every scene he's in as the knitting Scottish hotel clerk, and Megowan actually survives the ending.

9) Hired Gun - An intriguing plot with another great cast, including Alan Hale, Whitney Blake, Don Megowan, Michael Dante (I begin to like you Earthman, and I saw *fear* in the Klingon's eye), Douglas Spencer (Watch the skies, keep watching the skies!) and Jose Gonzalez-Gonzalez. Hale and Gonzalez basically play themselves in this one, but Russel Thorson made a real impression on me with his small role as raspy Sheriff Hardin.

10) The Last Train West - a falsely accused Cheyenne wins over a trainload of passengers with his courage and dedication. This one didn't register that much at first but it grew on me with repeated viewings, the cast is top of the line and they work well together..including James Garner, Barbara Eiler, Barbara Lawrence, Lane Bradford, and Paul Sorensen. But it's actually writer Paul Savage (27 writing credits on Gunsmoke alone) in one of his few acting roles that steals the episode completely as amiable deputy Orville Jones.

2 Honorable mentions:
Ghost of the Cimarron - One of the better casts, with Isabel Dawn as Powder Kate Hadigan utterly stealing every scene she's in. But it didn't make my top 10 as I thought it was just a bit too convenient for Doc's forsaken son to be in cahoots with...ta da! The Kiowa Kid. Still, very enjoyable upon repeat viewings.

Border Affair - my daughter's favorite episode, and I can't deny I find it extremely watchable as well. "Dream, Cheyenne...of a girl you may never love" - this is the episode where that line originates. A pre-Family Affair Sebastian Cabot is particularly slimy in the role of Gen. Dubeauchaie.

reply

Anyone else care to contribute their Top 10 list?

reply

I've never watched the show, but I've been meaning to for a while. I've saved your list.

reply

Too many to mention.
However,my top 3 ( I Think- are as follows:-)
The Argonauts- (Season 1 )
Land Beyond The Law (Season 2 - Probably my favourite of all time)
The Conspirators (Season 3)

reply