The Rifleman (1959) "Letter of the Law" Chuck Connors, Johnny Crawford, Paul Fix Not only does outlaw Brett Stocker (Vic) have a reputation as a cold-blooded killer, he's also known to appreciate fine guns. Stocker's French, hand-crafted beauties are his trademark and as he picks them up from the shop, he says that he'd rather give up his right arm than do without them. Whoops, looks like Marshal Micah Torrance (Fix) knows that 'cause he jumps out and arrests Stocker before Brett can get his hands on those French babies. After Micah gets Stocker behind bars, he rides out to deputize Lucas McCain (Connors) so Lucas can keep an eye on North Fork when the marshal escorts his prisoner to Silver City at sun-up. On the way back to town, Stocker's gang grabs Micah and demands the release of Stocker in exchange for the marshal. As acting marshal, and knowing that Micah wouldn't want him to set Stocker free, Lucas has to grapple between obeying the letter of the law and bringing a career killer to justice or compromising to save his friend, Micah. Decisions, decisions! Vic is his standard swaggering baddie and though he does his usual fine job, I must say this role lacks the creepy charm of his previous Rifleman appearance. But still, it's vintage Vic and you'll want to tape it next time it airs. (Hallmark channel is currently running "The Rifleman" and I'll tape it to get decent pics for the gallery.) <