Branded: Season 2
Following in the footsteps of The Rifleman, Chuck Connors continued to epitomize the persona of the old west loner in this fondly remembered series. Although Branded only lasted two years, it gained a cult of devoted fans who found the show's unique perspective as thrilling as its gunfighting action. Connors' role as Jason McCord was an intriguing figure, the lone survivor of a Native American massacre who was dishonorably discharged and (in contrast to most legendary western characters) is seen as "yellow" by those who he meets in his frontier travels. Despite his reputation as "the coward of Bitter Creek," McCord's relationship with President Ulysses S. Grant (William Bryant) has remained strong and the roaming gunman is often called upon for secret government missions. The characterization of the government and the references to the Civil War give the program interesting political undertones. The misunderstood lead character comes across many familiar faces in this collection of the entire second, and final, season. Guest appearances include John Carradine, Beau Bridges, Pat O'Brien, Michael Rennie, and Bruce Dern. Includes 32 episodes.