“The Rifleman” was a popular American Western television series that aired from 1958 to 1963. The show starred Chuck Connors as Lucas McCain, a widowed rancher and skilled marksman, and Johnny Crawford as his young son, Mark McCain. Over the course of its five seasons and 168 episodes, “The Rifleman” became a beloved classic of the Western genre. However, when discussing the last episode of the series, it’s important to note that “The Rifleman” did not have a traditional series finale.
Here’s an overview of what happened on the last aired episode of “The Rifleman”:
The Final Episode: “Old Man Running” (Season 5, Episode 13)
The final episode of “The Rifleman” titled “Old Man Running” originally aired on April 8, 1963. In this episode, Lucas McCain (Chuck Connors) finds himself in a conflict with a town elder, Sam Gibbs, played by Edgar Buchanan. Sam is known for being a tough and cantankerous character, and he has a long-standing feud with Lucas.
In “Old Man Running,” Sam is determined to retrieve a valuable stallion named Diablo, who has strayed onto Lucas’s property. Lucas, unwilling to part with the horse, is equally determined to keep it. This leads to a showdown of wills between the two men.
As the episode unfolds, it becomes clear that Sam Gibbs is not as robust as he once was, and he is struggling to maintain his independence. His determination to get Diablo is, in part, an attempt to prove to himself and others that he is still a force to be reckoned with.
The episode explores themes of aging, pride, and the passage of time as Lucas and Sam confront their differences and the changing dynamics of their relationship. In the end, Lucas demonstrates his understanding and compassion by allowing Sam to take Diablo, and he helps him saddle the horse.
“Old Man Running” serves as a poignant and fitting episode to close out “The Rifleman.” While it doesn’t provide a sense of finality to the series as a whole, it showcases the character development and moral lessons that were integral to the show’s appeal.
The Legacy of “The Rifleman”
Although “The Rifleman” did not have a grand series finale, its legacy continues to endure. The show was known for its strong moral themes, iconic characters, and Chuck Connors’s portrayal of Lucas McCain as a principled and formidable hero. “The Rifleman” left an indelible mark on the Western genre and remains a cherished part of television history.
In conclusion, the last episode of “The Rifleman” titled “Old Man Running” featured a compelling story centered on Lucas McCain’s clash with an aging town elder, Sam Gibbs. While it didn’t provide a traditional series finale, it encapsulated the values and character-driven storytelling that defined the series throughout its run. “The Rifleman” continues to be remembered and celebrated for its contributions to the Western television genre, making it a timeless classic for fans of all ages.
