The Rifleman S1E11 backdrop
The Rifleman poster

The Rifleman (1958)

S1E11 The Apprentice Sheriff

Dec 09, 1958 Season 1 Episode 11 Action & Adventure, Western, Family

While Micah is away, Dan Willard takes on the role of temporary marshal, but his strict enforcement of the law irks a group of Texas cowhands who have come to North Fork for some leisure. Dan's father confides in Lucas, expressing concern that Dan is trying to assert his manhood after being dismissed from West Point due to his poor vision. Frustrated by Dan's heavy-handed approach, the cowhands retali when he enforces an ordinance requiring all visitors to check their firearms at the Marshal's office, setting the stage for a showdown.