Jeff

Despite the single set and bare-bones budget, outline of series' offbeat approach is evident from this initial entry. Dave rides toward saloon and is accosted by Christian soul-saver, whose facial warts look as though the plague is upon her. He politely rejects salvation, thus setting theme of episode. Show is notable for suggesting sado-masochistic relationship between 'bargirl' Jeff and her 'employer' Jeffrey Toone, which results in an unusually adult rendering of Jeff's emotional makeup. Also notable for especially brutal brawl between polished boxer Toone and no-holds-barred Dave; best line "This ain't no game"-- Dave's reply for fighting dirty. Show is weakened by gratuitous gun-play between Dave and half-breed barkeep, the only point of which appears chance to show off stupid scoped rifle that is supposed to be series' selling point (not Peckinpah's idea). Thank goodness Peckinpah soon gets his way and rifle dies quick death. Episode is nicely framed by departure past same soul-saver who now has something in common with Dave.

Quite brilliant opening episode of Peckinpah's own series may have just about fitted into the Western TV pigeonhole when it went out in 1960, but to those who know his later films, the series - and this episode in particular - prefigures his work to come. There are flickers of familiar moments: when Brit pugulist Denny kills a bar drunk with one punch, everyone else jumps forward to steal the dead guy's boots and clothes - something that also happened after the opening gunfight in The Wild Bunch. What mainly stands out here, though, is the incredible writing, directing and playing of the central 'love' story, between Dave and his ex-, the beautiful Jeff. I've literally never seen TV as well judged as the quiet moments when they sit together, talking of the past. It boggles the mind that something this good was a) commissioned, then b) cancelled. It also demands a restoration, so we don't have to see it on fuzzy old YouTube. Surely there are enough Peckinpah fans out there to justify a restoration and release?

The first episode of The Westerner is a very grown up drama of salvation and redemption.

Dave Blassingame wants to save Jeff, a bargirl and someone he grew up with.

Jeff is in an abusive relationship with her employer. Ex pugilist Denny Lipp. He sees her as a valuable commodity but he might even have feelings for her despite her job as a good time girl.

Dave offers to take Jeff back to her folks, he may even marry her. He is certainly willing to fight to the death for her.

The episode displays that relations are complex. Jeff and Denny certainly do have a complicated one, it might even be love.

Directed by Sam Peckinpah, there is an unusual sensitivity from a man who was known more for raw violence.