Despite the promising premise and a standout supporting cast, the episode never really gels. Matt's accused of murder and relieved of his office. His accusers are a dubious lot but we can't be sure of their motives. Meanwhile, who comes to escort Matt for trial but western legend Wild Bill Hickok. What's Matt to do now.
Veteran bad guy Wilke really impresses as the quietly powerful Hickok, a revealing departure from his usual leering, thuggish roles. And, of course, there's cult actor Elisha Cook doing his wild-eyed sniveling bit. That drunken scene in Doc's office remains an oddball spectacle. On the other hand the usually expert Arness looks like he's oddly just walking through his role here. He doesn't seem worried at all about his predicament, and with that, unfortunately, goes much of the dramatic tension.
Veteran bad guy Wilke really impresses as the quietly powerful Hickok, a revealing departure from his usual leering, thuggish roles. And, of course, there's cult actor Elisha Cook doing his wild-eyed sniveling bit. That drunken scene in Doc's office remains an oddball spectacle. On the other hand the usually expert Arness looks like he's oddly just walking through his role here. He doesn't seem worried at all about his predicament, and with that, unfortunately, goes much of the dramatic tension.