This middling episode is very dark comedy. There are nice things in it. It's fun to have Western vets Raymond Hatton, Roy Barcroft, and Harry Carey, Jr. on hand. Director Boone seems to have delighted in having Carey and Barcroft try to upstage each other in their scenes together. The riverside location for the 2nd half is striking. Paladin is written at his most straightforward mercenary, matter-of-factly gunning down would be killers, and this depiction is refreshingly honest and played w/o ceremony. However, despite the grim humor, it's an episode w/o lasting impact or the series' signature complex considerations of conscience that mark its best moments. Oh, well, there's something to be said for a tough, lean study in greed, even if it isn't Emmy material.
2 Reviews
How much taxes do dead taxpayers pay?
cpotato101023 February 2019
Warning: Spoilers
It seems like everybody would rather take their chances with Paladin than pay taxes. Bad deal.
Also, when the son (Ham Turner) is shot out of the tree, the father (Jess Turner) has no reaction. It is like the son had no value.
Nice stunt by Hal Needham, however.
The concept of being a tax collector was interesting, but the execution here is poor.
Also, when the son (Ham Turner) is shot out of the tree, the father (Jess Turner) has no reaction. It is like the son had no value.
Nice stunt by Hal Needham, however.
The concept of being a tax collector was interesting, but the execution here is poor.
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