by Hal Erickson
synopsis
The unexpected arrival of notorious "coward" Jason McCord (Chuck Connors) in a small town proves to be both surprising and embarrassing for a young ne'er-do-well named Tuck Fraser (Larry Pennell). Thanks to a series of incredible circumstances, Tuck is being lauded by the local populace as the man who has finally killed the much-hated McCord. Now that Jason has turned up very much alive, Tuck is forced to desperate measures to retain his undeserved reputation. This is the first of several Branded episodes directed by Larry Peerce, whose later film credits include Goodbye, Columbus and Two-Minute Warning.