Episode 105
Writer: Fanya Lawrence
Director: William Claxton
Original Air Date 04/11/1961
Cast
Chuck Connors as Lucas McCain
Johnny Crawford as Mark McCain
Guest Cast
Joe E. Benson became an actor as a side career. He appeared in a single move, "Redneck Zombies" (1989) and guest–starred in one episode of "Perry Mason" (1957–1966), portraying the deputy in "The Case of the Crippled Cougar" (1962). Benson had known Chuck Connors personally, and according to the producers, they hired him on the star's recommendation. Benson appeared in 34 episodes of THE RIFLEMAN, mostly playing uncredited parts. In a small number of episodes, Benson played credited roles, including Mills in "The Actress" (episode 94), Merar in "The Score is Even" (episode 105) and a prison guard in "Requiem at Mission Springs" (episode 164).
Kelly Thordsen, born Sherman Jess Thordsen, was an American television and film actor. He appeared in more than 100 movies and television shows during a career of just two decades. Character actor William Bendix appeared at an LAPD benefit where Thordsen, a motorcycle police officer, was master of ceremonies. After the performance, Bendix complimented Thordsen and suggested he embark on an acting career. Playing to type, Thordsen was frequently cast as lawmen. He had roles in several notable films, including Sheriff Clark in the drama "Sweet Bird of Youth" (1962), starring Paul Newman and Geraldine Page; an uncredited role in the film adaptation of Harper Lee's "To Kill a Mockingbird" (1962), starring Gregory Peck; Federal Purchasing Agent Carroll in the war drama "Shenandoah" (1965), starring James Stewart; and Sheriff L.D. Wicker in the thriller "The Parallax View" (1974), starring Warren Beatty.
Thordsen guest-starred in many television shows of the 1950s through the 70s, including the crime dramas "The Untouchables" (1959–1963), "Adam-12" (1968–1975) and "Barnaby Jones" (1973–1980), the medical drama "Dr. Kildare" (1961–1966), the long-running family dramas "Lassie" (1954–1974) and Little House on the Prairie" (1974–1983), the family comedy "The Andy Griffith Show" (1960–1968), the adventure drama "The Fugitive" (1963–1967), the espionage thriller "Mission: Impossible" (1966–1973), and the western adventure "Kung Fu" (1972–1975). He had a recurring role as Colorado Charlie in the western "Yancy Derringer" (1958–1959), starring Jock Mahoney, X Brands and Kevin Hagen.
Thordsen made two appearances in THE RIFLEMAN, portraying Arthur M. Truelove in "Closer than a Brother" (episode 98) and Andy in "The Score is Even" (episode 105). He guest-starred in many other westerns, including "Zane Grey Theater" (1956–1961), "The Life and Legend of Wyatt Earp" (1955–1961), "Have Gun – Will Travel" (1957–1963), "Cheyenne" (1955–1963), "Tales of Wells Fargo" (1957–1962), "Wagon Train" (1957–1965), "Rawhide" (1959–1966), "The Big Valley" (1965–1969), "Gunsmoke" (1955–1975), "Bonanza" (1959–1973), "Daniel Boone" (1964–1970), and "The Virginian" (1962–1971).
Adam Williams was an American actor with over 120 television credits in the 1950s through the 1970s. He made six guest appearances in THE RIFLEMAN, portraying different characters in each episode. He played Jake Pardee in "The Challenge" (episode 28), Corporal Troc in "The Prisoner" (episode 101), Jax in "The Score is Even" (episode 105), Russell Ganaway in "The Executioner" (episode 142), which he also wrote, Platt in "The Anvil Chorus" (episode 154), and Jeb Sherman in "Old Man Running" (episode 166).
Lucas and Mark stumble onto a robbery in progress while out on a hunting trip. They are too late to save the life of the victim but manage to subdue the two robbers; however, not until Lucas has been severely wounded. Lucas' attempt to bring the men back to justice almost fails when he reaches the limit of his endurance, but he and Mark concoct a plan that brings help in the nick of time.