I read that 'The Fugitive' nearly never made it to television. The show's creator Roy Huggins tried to pitch the idea to many television executives and others that they found the idea so "distasteful" and a "slap in the face" to the American justice and legal system--all in spite of his attempts to paint the show's protagonist Dr. Richard Kimble in the most sympathetic light possible as a man wrongfully committed of a crime.

And the show, of course, went on to become one of the most successful episodic television dramas of all time.

I remember watching some of the episodes with my dad when I was a kid. The one armed man always freaked me out. It was a good show, glad it was picked up by ABC all those years ago.

I remember watching some of the episodes with my dad when I was a kid. The one armed man always freaked me out. It was a good show, glad it was picked up by ABC all those years ago.

The one-armed man, convincingly portrayed by disabled actor Bill Raisch, was a good choice for the villain in the series. Interestingly, in Roy Huggins' original script, the villain whom Dr. Kimble had seen fleeing his home on the night of the murder, was initially described as merely a "red-haired man" who allegedly killed his wife. Huggins eventually made the villain more distinctive by having be a one-armed man seen fleeing the scene of the murder. Most likely a "red-haired man" would not have translated well on black and white television.

Part of the success of 'The Fugitive' was due to its having a "film noir" quality similar to such shows of its era as 'The Twilight Zone' and 'Alfred Hitchcock Presents'. The film noir quality gave more of a dramatic, "dark" quality focusing on the psychological element of the storyline, the interplay between the show's protagonist and the supporting characters.

In the first season, the opening credits depicted the final train ride to the prison where Dr. Richard Kimble was to be delivered to Death Row, and the narration stated every time of his predicament and assertion of innocence: His former profession, his trial for his wife's murder where he failed to prove his innocence despite of his claims of the one-armed man, and his pending fate of execution are repeated in the first scenes as he is handcuffed to Lieutenant Philip Gerard in the train car. Suddenly, the train derails, and in the chaos, Kimble finds himself free from his captor.

One attractive element to the opening credits the producers suggested was that when Kimble is shown with the twisted, open handcuff attached to him, a "spark" dances on the open cuff before morphing into the title credits: THE FUGITIVE.

Which brings up an intriguing question: Creative license aside, one wonders, giving the twisted, gnarled condition of the empty handcuff that is assumed became free in the train collision, how is it possible that the gnarled cuff chained to Gerard's wrist in the opening sequence did not in any way injure him in the accident, if not sever his hand or arm in the process?

But this may be just a matter of creative license where the viewer can use their imagination. Kimble found himself free, and that was the important point.

David Janssen was a wise choice to play the role of Dr. Richard Kimble. The former star of 'Richard Diamond Private Eye' was selected after several other notable actors were auditioned. Apparently Janssen's soft-spoken demeanor, as well as his distinctive eyes and facial expressions, made him an excellent fit for the role.

In the pilot episode, 'Fear In a Desert City', Kimble is made to win sympathy with viewers who otherwise may find distaste and contempt toward a fugitive, a wanted man running from the law. After the show's premise is stated in the opening credits, efforts were made to make Kimble likeable. His alias, which was changed in every episode afterward, is Jim Lincoln in the debut episode. This alias was chosen to sound "patriotic"--how could one NOT like a person named after one of the country's greatest presidents?

The episode begins with the narration stating that Kimble has now been on the run for six months since the train accident. The narration supplies information as to what Kimble thinks, what he must do each day to keep alive, and to protect his identity. He finds a job working as a bartender in Arizona where he walks into a domestic situation with an estranged couple starring Brian Keith and Vera Miles. While Brian Keith is known for his heartwarming role as the lovable Uncle Bill on the late 60's sitcom 'Family Affair', he plays a sinister, suspicious husband hounding his terrified wife and son.

Interestingly, for most of the series, Kimble strives to keep a very low profile while at the same time finding himself entrenched in people's difficulties which runs the risk of exposure to authorities. However, in this episode, he becomes downright confrontational, urging Keith's character to "find a psychiatrist" for his psychopathic behavior toward his family. As this husband is a "big name" in the town, this comment, and the "undue attentions" toward his wife by a stranger, arouses the suspicions of the local police.

Kimble's fear and sense of helplessness is very tangible in this episode, which became one of the attractions of the series.

Kimble's desire to help Miles' character reflects on the personal marital difficulties he faced which led to the current predicament of flight from the law and certain execution.

In order to instill viewers' sympathy and support of the character of Kimble, he is shown cuddling a stray kitten later in the episode.

While Kimble was shown as a person in a complex dilemma legally and physically, his nemesis was designed to a be a complex person altogether: Lieutenant Philip Gerard, of the police department of Stafford, Indiana, Kimble's hometown, is a person who is solely dedicated to bringing Kimble in to justice and to face that delayed execution. He feels personally responsible for Kimble's escape. But when his superior Captain Carpenter questions Gerard for his unswerving focus on the Kimble case and his capture, the lieutenant explains, "Kimble broke the law. I enforce the law". Yet there is a tone in his voice that suggests he remains almost unsure. There is a ring of hollowness, as if he's trying to convince even himself. Is Gerard simply trying to "even the score" with the "one that got away"?

In the first several episodes, Gerard examines a glass map of the United States, attempting to determine Kimble's flight plans upon frequent reports of his sightings. He even investigates crimes revolving one-armed men, as Kimble's defense was about the one-armed stranger he saw fleeing his home on the night of his wife's murder. Does Gerard believe in the story of this mysterious one-armed man? It's not that HE believes it, but that Kimble had become so "delusional" to believe it himself, though there was no evidence for it at his trial. Such reports of this figure may help him track Kimble back into being apprehended again. And again, "The jury found Kimble guilty, I simply am enforcing the law." He's not to blame, he says, for this pursuit.

Gerard, played by British actor Barry Morse, was universally disliked by fans of the show. The animosity became so real that for years he was assaulted by women carrying umbrellas and threatened by people who identified with Kimble's plight. To protect himself, Morse had to revert back to his native British accent. He was one of the few British actors to adopt a perfect "American" vocal style without the British voice inflections. He in fact had immigrated to Canada and commuted to America to play in the series.

Gerard was not doing his job out of spite or malice toward Kimble, he was simply dedicated to fulfilling his job as an officer of the law, which made him no less dangerous to Kimble. There was, however, a strange obsession to his mission. It made him an intriguing character. What really motivated Gerard?
"Duty to the law", yet it was hard to tell, was there something more underneath?

In the first episode, Gerard was characterized by the standard police trench coat and fedora, but this was discarded after this debut.

In the first several episodes featuring Gerard, he appears vindictive and gloats that Kimble thinks of him as much as Gerard himself is obsessed with Kimble, as with the final scene with Ms. Welles in this debut episode. This instills a sort of "villain factor" in Gerard.

Many actors recurred on various roles on 'The Fugitive' such as on the pilot episode, Harry Townes and Dabbs Greer, who played policemen questioning Kimble.

While Greer is known to be the kindly, venerable Reverend Alden on 'Little House On the Prairie', his earlier roles as minor characters on 'The Fugitive' were a little more nefarious. His characters had a cherubic "charm" with a sort of bad element underneath.

The second episode of 'The Fugitive', titled 'The Witch', was an interesting anomaly for a series so young in its run. The episode did not even touch on Dr. Kimble's legal predicament in the community in which he was involved. Yet it demonstrated his willingness to assist others wrongfully accused of various matters.

In 'The Witch', which featured actress Madaleine Sherwood (later Mother Placido in 'The Flying Nun'), veteran actor Crahan Wilson and Patricia Crowley, involved Kimble as a freight deliverer in rural Missouri. A young girl, played by Gina Gillespie, implicates Kimble in a plot of revenge against her teacher through a means of supposed spells through a doll she keeps at the bank of a pond. When Kimble attempts to save the teacher, played by Crowley, and her reputation, a campaign of smearing and scandal erupts through the community, as the townsfolk consider the teacher as an illicit, sophisticated 'city girl' intent on corrupting morals. Unfortunately, this backfires on Kimble.

This is one episode where the rural folk are amused and interested in Kimble's intelligence not befitting a manual laborer. He is known as Jim Fowler, but he is nicknamed Brains by his employers. It is also the second instance where Kimble reacts in an uncharacteristic retaliatory manner against his employer suspecting him of "cutting in" on "his woman", the schoolteacher. Kimble punches out the man before being knocked out himself.

Again, his quandary of being a fugitive from the law is largely unknown by the local citizens, but as his references are discovered to be false by the sheriff, he remains to be a person of suspicious character.

The third episode, 'The Other Side Of the Mountain", finds Kimble in another rural setting, this time in a quiet mining town in West Virginia. He stops for a beer at a local bar, looking for a bus going north. His "city-slicker" outsider appearance and mannerisms attract the attention of the bored bumpkins at the bar, including one such buffoon played by Frank Sutton, known as Sgt. Carter in
'Gomer Pyle USMC'. Kimble's dapper attire give the bar patrons the impression that he is rich enough to buy them a round. As the crowd harasses Kimble, the tomfoolery dissolves into a barroom melee which prompts a visit from a local lawman played by Bruce Dern, a recurring actor in the series, who threatens them with jail for unruly behavior. When Kimble attempts to flee, insisting he "had nothing to do with it", he becomes the immediate suspect.

This is an interesting plot device: When Kimble is the first to insist that he had nothing to do with the incident, when the others remain silent, the lawman suspects Kimble at once, since he was the first to deny involvement. What was he trying to hide?

Kimble escapes to the foothills where a young woman, played by Sandy Dennis, happens to come upon him. She offers to help him, while having ulterior motives of her own for holding him back. Meanwhile, Kimble's prints make it to Lieutenant Gerard, who boards a flight to the town.

Ultimately, Kimble provides a life lesson to the girl, who only gives him the name "Mister", about acting on her desire to get off the mountain and make her own way in life with nothing to hold her back.

The fourth and fifth episodes, 'Never Wave Goodbye', Parts I and II, are almost a strange inclusion in the series, as they introduce a two-part set of episodes early on in the series. Kimble, tired of running, settles down temporarily to work as a sailmaker helper in Santa Barbara, California. Taking the name Jeff Cooper, he wins the affection of a woman played by Susan Oliver, as well as her uncle, a Norwegian immigrant, who pleads for Kimble to stay and keep her from being lonely after the loss of her parents. But her brother Eric, also a Norwegian immigrant, distrusts Kimble and his sister's affections for him. Eric is played by Robert Duvall, who returns as another character in an episode later in the series. Though Kimble enjoys his days sailing with his brief love interest, he makes it clear that he must move on when the time comes.

Kimble learns that a one-armed man has been arrested and incarcerated in the Los Angeles County Jail for assauting a woman. Once his sailmaker employer has fallen ill, Kimble promises to stay once he finds if this is the right man he's been looking for. However, Gerard has picked up on the story of the same one-armed man as well, hoping it will lure Kimble, and books a flight to Los Angeles.

This is the first instance where we see Gerard's obsession with Kimble has affected the lieutenant's family life, as he has chosen to cancel a fishing trip with his young son to find Kimble. His son remains disappointed. The actor and actress playing his wife and son are later changed in the series. But it is one instance where we are given a glimpse into a human side of Gerard.

One thing which never changes is that Gerard is still relentless and unyielding in his determination of capturing Kimble. Nothing escapes his attention when it comes to the lieutenant's escaped prisoner.

The sixth episode, 'Decision In the Ring', shows a first in the series: Kimble's relationship around a black character, an up-and-coming boxing champion, played by James Edwards. The boxer hires Kimble, under the name Ray Miller, as a cut-man, to treat his injuries while fighting. In Los Angeles, Kimble poses as an underling for the boxer while displaying an uncanny knowledge of medicine. However, the boxer's handlers are wary of various things causing a "buzz" which could affect the man's ability to focus and fight in the ring, such his secret desire to become a doctor, as well as signs of a serious brain injury.

Kimble and the boxer's wife, played by Ruby Dee, are concerned about the man's health, but his promoter wants to fire Kimble for making his star lose his resolve.

The seventh episode of the first season, 'Smoke Screen', shows Kimble as a migrant worker in Imperial Valley, California, where he is treated with contempt and suspicion by his Latino co-workers. He learns that he is treated thusly because he is suspected of being an undercover border patrol agent or working with INS and infiltrating the workers in the fields. But this all changes when the workers are hired to contain a forest fire nearby. Complicating matters is that the pregnant wife of one worker stowed away on one of the trucks carrying the men to the fire--and she is about to give birth.

Beverly Garland plays a midwife who blows off Kimble's medical credentials in being able to deliver a baby. How could a migrant field worker claim to have knowledge in obstetrics?

Radio reports of a migrant laborer with medical skills in the midst of a forest fire reach Lieutenant Gerard. Could this be Kimble?

Scenes from 'Fear In a Desert City' with Kimble and a waitress in the bar:

Brian Keith, the menacing nemesis of Kimble in 'Fear In a Desert City':

The estranged wife, Monica Welles, played by Vera Miles, confides with Kimble over her marital crisis in 'Fear In a Desert City':

Two policemen, played by Harry Townes and Dabbs Greer, confront Kimble and inquire of his use of hair dye in 'Fear In a Desert City':

Monica's estranged husband, named Ed Welles, stops Kimble, Monica, and her son as they prepare to board a bus on 'Fear In a Desert City':

Classic photo of Vera Miles in 'Fear In a Desert City':

Kimble and young Jenny Ammory, played by Gina Gillespie, discuss her school problems in 'The Witch':

Kimble meets Jenny's parents, played by Crahan Wilson and Madaleine Sherwood, in 'The Witch':

Kimble discusses a delivery with his employer, Mr. Tyson, played by Arch Johnson in 'The Witch':

Jenny clutches her doll named Nayid, through which she casts "spells" in order to hurt her "mean" teacher, as well as Kimble, in 'The Witch':

Kimble's apparent look and conduct of sophistication ties in with that of the school teacher: Both are educated, bookish, and single, as well as from "the big city", which rouses suspicions within the rural community.

Jenny's teacher, Emily Norton, played by Patricia Crowley, is falsely accused of salacious misconduct with Kimble at the school in 'The Witch':

Kimble is pestered by local lout named Jackson, played by Frank Sutton, at the bar in 'The Other Side Of the Mountain':

Kimble prepares to exit as Deputy Martin, played by Bruce Dern, stands guarding the door in 'The Other Side Of the Mountain':

Cassie Bolin, played by Sandy Dennis, who hides Kimble in 'The Other Side Of the Mountain':

Sheriff Bradley, played by R.G. Armstrong on the left, sets out with a posse to hunt Kimble in 'The Other Side Of the Mountain':

Cassie shares her fond wish to leave life on the mountain in an abandoned mine space she calls "The Dreaming Room" in 'The Other Side Of the Mountain':

Lieutenant Gerard, second from the left, and the other lawmen demand that Cassie tell them in which direction Kimble had fled in 'The Other Side Of the Mountain":

Kimble, now naming himself Jeff Cooper, enjoys a day of sailing with Karen, played by Susan Oliver, off the coast of Santa Barbara, California, in 'Never Wave Goodbye Part 1':

Eric, played by Robert Duvall, discusses his concerns and suspicions about Kimble with Karen in 'Never Wave Goodbye Part 1':

Lars Christian, the Norwegian sailmaker played by Will Kuluva, pleads with Kimble to stay with Karen to spare her from loneliness in 'Never Wave Goodbye Part 1':

Back at the police headquarters in Stafford, Indiana, Captain Carpenter, played by Paul Birch, and Lieutenant Gerard review reports of crimes by one-armed men in the hopes of catching Kimble in 'Never Wave Goodbye Part 1'.

This is also the first episode where we are given a brief glimpse into Gerard's home life, as to how his fixation with Kimble disrupts his relationship with his family. His son is told that their fishing trip is cancelled, to the child's disappointment. Both his wife and son are played by different persons in later episodes.

When Lars suffers a heart attack, Kimble promises him that once he finds a certain man in Los Angeles, he will be back to stay with Karen for good in 'Never Wave Goodbye Part 1':

A classic pose of Susan Oliver, who plays Kimble's love interest Karen Christian in 'Never Wave Goodbye Part I and II':

Karen follows Kimble on the freeway into Los Angeles in 'Never Wave Goodbye Part 1'.

It is worth noting that the car driven here is a 1963 Ford Ranchero.

At Los Angeles County Jail, Kimble finds a one-armed man incarcerated there for domestic violence, but not THE one-armed man who killed his wife. The man, Clem Palmer, played by Harry Bartell, is shown here from 'Never Wave Goodbye Part 1'.

Interestingly, actor Harry Bartell is seen as having two arms in all movies he appeared in. The show appears to have used studio tricks to make him look as if he was missing an arm for the role in this episode.

Also, Palmer is asked as to what he was doing in 1960, the year that Helen Kimble was murdered. Palmer explains that he was in a psychiatric hospital all that year. In later episodes, it was indicated often that Kimble's wife was murdered in 1961. The year of the murder is one of many discrepencies in 'The Fugitive'.

Kimble's presence has been discovered at the L.A. County Jail, and he tries to avoid Karen there in 'Never Wave Goodbye Part I':

Kimble decides not to leave Karen, but upon learning that Gerard is following him up the coast, the two devise a plan to throw him off the trail permanently by entering a sailing race with an inflatable raft for escape in 'Never Wave Goodbye Part II":

Gerard examines the clue Kimble left with Palmer, a match used to light a cigarette in 'Never Wave Goodbye Part II':

Gerard's clue reads "SAILS" in 'Never Wave Goodbye Part II":

Dr. Ray Brooks, played by Lee Phillips, wants to start over his past relationship with Karen. She seems swept up over a drifter with an uncanny ability to make sails like a professional surgeon. He likes "Jeff Cooper", but who is he, really?

From 'Never Wave Goodbye Part II":

Lars admits his suspicions about "Jeff Cooper" to Gerard in 'Never Wave Goodbye Part II':

Kimble hides from Gerard as he searches the loft in 'Never Wave Goodbye Part II":

Kimble and Karen enter a sailing race to outwit Gerard in 'Never Wave Goodbye Part II':

Kimble and Karen sail into rough waters in the Channels off the coast of Santa Barbara in 'Never Wave Goodbye Part II':

Eric is stunned to find the life jackets belonging to Kimble and Karen have been obvious targets of shark attacks in 'Never Wave Goodbye Part II':

When Lars mentions something about a "raft", Gerard takes matters into his own hands by launching a Coast Guard lifeboat in 'Never Wave Goodbye Part II':

Kimble and Karen row toward breakers on the shore in 'Never Wave Goodbye Part II':

Kimble and Karen find themselves safe on the beach in 'Never Wave Goodbye Part II':

Undaunted by the choppy waters and fog, Gerard rows toward his quarry in 'Never Wave Goodbye Part II':

Kimble and Karen look out over the rock cliffs on the shore, aghast at what the see in the distance in 'Never Wave Goodbye Part II":

They spot Gerard rowing toward shore, horrified by his insanely stubborn determination in 'Never Wave Goodbye Part II':

In the Epilogue for 'Never Wave Goodbye Part II', Kimble treats Gerard after the lieutenant has been tossed ashore by the harsh waves.

A delirious Gerard insists that Kimble give himself up in 'Never Wave Goodbye Part II':

Kimble and Karen share one last kiss before he goes for help in 'Never Wave Goodbye Part II":

As Karen stays with Gerard, she learns to wave goodbye to Kimble in the final scene:

Act I of the next episode, 'Decision In the Ring' shows the locale of Kimble's next place of employment, in a boxing arena in Los Angeles:

Kimble, using the name "Ray Miller", demonstrates his expert medical prowess on treating the cuts on rising boxing star Joe Smith, played by James Edwards in 'Decision In the Ring':

Smith's promoter Lou Rogan, played by James Dunn, peps Joe up for his boxing prospects in 'Decision In the Ring'.

Note the picture on the wall behind them. This prop of a crudely painted royal figure is used in many episodes of 'The Fugitive'.

Smith's wife Laura, played by Ruby Dee, confides in Kimble about her deeper issues and concerns about her husband and life in the ring.

Kimble holds up a mirror as Smith checks his eyes for signs of brain damage in 'Decision In the Ring":

A police detective posing as a reporter, investigating promoter Rogan's criminal ties, carefully picks up a glass used by Kimble ("Ray Miller") to check for prints in 'Decision In the Ring':

Laura tells her husband Joe that she is afraid for his health and safety should he step into the ring that evening:

Kimble tells Smith that he is wanted by the police combing the arena in 'Decision In the Ring":

Smith disguises Kimble as a bandaged fighter to elude police in 'Decision In the Ring':

Kimble reads in the newspaper of Smith making the life-saving choice to exit the boxing ring to prevent further brain injury:

In the Imperial Valley of South California, a migrant worker gets into an altercation by provoking Kimble while picking onions in 'Smoke Screen':

Kimble becomes wary when a police car pulls up in the field in 'Smoke Screen'. The officers inform the workers that their help is needed in containing a forest fire nearby.

Gerard and Captain Carpenter determine Kimble's possible whereabouts on a glass map of the United States in 'Smoke Screen':

Latino migrant workers Maria and Paco Alvarez, played by Pina Pellicer and Alejandro Rey, debate over the decision to head for the forest fire when she is pregnant in 'Smoke Screen'.

Tragically, the Latina actress who played Maria in this episode, Pina Pellicer, died a year later in 1964 from suicide by sleeping pills at the age of 30.

Dr. Doris Stillwell, played Beverly Garland, meets Kimble, who goes by the name Joseph Walker in 'Smoke Screen'. She scolds him after a rival laborer trips him as he carries a case of expensive medical supplies.

Radio reporter Johnny Peters, played by Peter Helm, updates listeners on a news broadcast of the fire in 'Smoke Screen":

Paco and Kimble learn to their surprise that Maria has stowed away on the truck in the thick of the fire area in 'Smoke Screen':

The migrant workers load up on the truck to go out to fight the forest fire.

Kimble and Nurse Doris Stilwell, played by Beverly Garland, clash over his supposed lack of medical credentials as a migrant worker.

Kimble cautions the young radio reporter, Johnny Peters, played by Peter Helm, live at the scene of the fire about bringing attention to the "mysterious doctor's" whereabouts.

In the second image, Paco battles with Kimble, as he suspects the doctor of being an undercover federal agent infiltrating the migrant camp. Kimble explains that he is also on the run from the law.

Kimble and Stilwell, who finally is convinced of his credentials as a doctor, tend to Maria as she goes into labor.

Meanwhile, back at Stafford police headquarters, Captain Carpenter informs Gerard about a radio broadcast of a migrant doctor assisting in a child delivery in the midst of a forest fire.

Kimble tells Paco that his wife's child's delivery was a success. He has a son.

Gerard watches a live broadcast of the interview at the fire site--but is disappointed to find that a migrant animal veterinarian claims responsibility for the delivery.

Gerard erases the map tracking what he believed to be Kimble's trajectory.

The migrants, including Paco who at first assaulted Kimble for suspecting he was an undercover federal agent until learning the truth of him, celebrate over the birth of Paco's son. Paco offers a toast to "absent friends" in a nod to Kimble's delivery of his child.

Elsewhere, Kimble hitches for rides, moving on. This clip of Kimble hitchhiking at night is used often at the close of many episodes of 'The Fugitive'.

A photo of Beverly Garland, who played Nurse Doris Stilwell in "Smoke Screen".

The adventure and danger picks up in the next episode, "See Hollywood And Die".

While working as a gas station attendant in New Mexico, Kimble and his employer, played by veteran actor J. Pat O'Malley, are robbed by Miles, played by Chris Robinson. In the melee, the gas station boss, Ray, is shot and killed.

Miles and his partner, Vinnie, played by Lou Antonio, hold both Kimble and a woman motorist, Joanne Spencer, played by Brenda Vacarro, hostage as the criminals plan a trip to Southern California in pursuit of "kicks". To help her and himself, Kimble, going by the name Al Fleming, pretends to be a crook himself planning an "inside job" on the gas station when the holdup occurred.

Kimble pretends to "make time" with her in order to come up with a plan to escape their predicament with the robbers with whom he "cuts a deal" to make them part of the action.

A color still of David Janssen and Brenda Vacarro from "See Hollywood And Die":

Brenda Vacarro on "See Hollywood And Die":

As the story of the robbery and murder of the gas station owner become interstate news, the information of Kimble as an involved party is made public in local headlines, to the horror of Joanne.

Joanne panics as she flees her car on the Hollywood freeway. Miles and Vinnie pursue her with a gun when Kimble intervenes.

Miles and Vinnie take control of the car as they drive through the streets of Los Angeles. Kimble and Joanne remain trapped in the back seat.

Kimble phones his partner in the planned heist and tells him where to meet him in Hollywood.

Unbeknownst to his abductors, Kimble's call to his heist partner was in fact to a L.A. newspaper reporter Tim Cates.

When Vinnie is instructed to wait for Cates the "heist contact" at the motel, police with Cates storm in, expecting Kimble and finding his accomplice instead.

High in the Hollywood hills that night, Miles takes Kimble and Joanne to a vacant home where he plans to get his "kicks" by shooting her.

Kimble intervenes and wrestles Miles into an empty swimming pool as Joanne darts away.

After Joanne urges Kimble to run for his safety, police finally arrive to arrest Miles. She remains unconvinced that, according to the officer, that Kimble "was the bad one."

The next episode of 'The Fugitive', titled "Ticket To Alaska", is a whodunnit taking place aboard a cruise ship bound from Seattle to the 49th state. Kimble, using the name Larry Talman, voyages to Alaska for a job opportunity to earn money to help in his search for the one-armed-man.

The passengers enjoy watching a leisurely game of skeet shooting:

Underneath the pleasant exterior, sordid scenes play out amongst the ship's crew and passengers. First officer Steve Lund, played by Tim O'Conner, carries out a secret affair with one of the women travelling on board, Celia Decker, played by June Dayton.

Kimble becomes nervous when a federal agent named Paul Vale, played by Gene Lyons, boards the ship on official business. But the passengers are soon horrified to find Vale shot. No one has seen the assassin.

Captain Carraway, played by John Larkin, explains the situation to the passengers and gives them an opportunity to give an account as to where they were at the time of the shooting.

The theme of murder mystery at sea was also used on an episode of 'Benson' in the 1980's.

George Banning, played by both David White, known for his role as Darrin's boss Larry Tate in 'Bewitched' and his wife Adrienne, played by Geraldine Brooks, explain to first officer Lund their happy relationship where they were married in Kyoto, Japan.

Lund then interrogates passenger Earl Morehead, played by veteran Australian actor Murray Matheson, about his knowledge of a military group called the Red Brigade which formed during the Korean War before being sabotaged from within. Vale's arrival on the ship has to do with this, but nothing else is disclosed.

Lund then interrogates Celia over her whereabouts at the time of the shooting.

Kimble, as Larry Talman, is interrogated next about his activities at the time frame of the crime.

Kimble is then taken to the captain's quarters where he is discovered to have given false information about his family and references. The captain suspects that "Larry Talman" is hiding something and the authorities will get to the bottom of this on arrival.

Kimble discusses his predicament regarding the captain with Morehead. Both decide to examine Vale and his effects to determine how and why he was shot.

After finding a gun in Celia's room, Kimble forefully confronts her.

Officer Lund awkwardly confesses his illicit affair with Celia to the captain, who informs her that he is married. Lund is stripped of his duties due to his forbidden relationship.

The captain orders Kimble to no longer have any contact with the passengers after the intrusion into Celia's room.

After the captain regains his composure, he eases his ultimatum on Kimble and invites him to share coffee as a good will gesture. Kimble explains that he had no role in the shooting, and that the assassin still remains free.

The captain then confronts Banning over information regarding his act of embezzlement.

The passengers discuss a matter of letters with Greek characters found on Vale.
Morehead seems put off by the perceptiveness of Ruth Wyatt, played by Gail Kobe, seated on the left, who upstages his knowledge.

In the ship's engine room, Adrienne holds a gun on Kimble and demands that he hand over the letters.

Adrienne plans her escape from the ship as Kimble and the captain watch, both aware that she is the guilty party.

Once Kimble has captured her, Adrienne admits she was the saboteur Vale was searching for, and that she was paid to do it. Her real name is in fact Anna Gemma, and that Adrienne is an alias.

As the passengers arrive in Alaska and depart, Kimble tells Ruth that he is sorry that he cannot stay with the others for the remainder of the cruise.

Meanwhile, the Bennings are both arrested for their crimes and taken in by police as they arrive at the Alaskan port.

In the next episode, "Fatso", Kimble, using the name Bill Carter, travels through Kentucky. He takes a ride with a motorist when their car is struck by a hit and run vehicle. When Kimble attempts to walk away from the collision, he is arrested for suspicious behavior.

While in the town's jail, Kimble befriends a portly man, Davy Lambert, played by Jack Weston, who is incarcerated for public intoxication. Davy is often taunted as "Fatso", and responds enthusiastically when Kimble shakes his hand in friendship. When Davy is released, Kimble knocks out the sheriff and both men escape. Kimble and Davy flee by a railroad freight train.

Back in Stafford, Gerard is notified of Kimble's escape from jail and that his companion is unmistakably huge.

Gerard travels to Kentucky where Kimble's and Davy's getaway vehicle is an old car they submerged in a muddy lake before hopping the freight train.

Kimble and Davy arrive at the Lambert ranch, which Davy has not seen in years. Something causes a deep unease in Davy about his home.

Davy's brother Frank, played by Burt Brinckerhoff, drives up to meet both Davy and Kimble ("Bill Carter"). There is some underlying tension between the two siblings as Davy is somehow made to feel unwelcome there.

Davy's mother Maggie Lambert, played by Glenda Farrell, joyously greets her son whom she had not seen for ages.

Maggie prepares Davy's bedridden father, David Sr., played by King Calder, for his son's arrival. Calder, who is uncredited in the role, died a year later from this episode in 1964.

Davy meets his ailing father for the first time in several years, having returned home on hearing the news of his illness. The reception by his father is rather chilly and wordless. But his father asks a question that stirs up painful memories for Davy, about his opinion on "the new barn".

When Kimble asks Davy as to when his brother began calling him "Fatso", Davy takes offense and strolls away. Kimble then confesses to him that he is a doctor and wants to help him confront his deep fear that causes him to eat and drink to obesity.

Davy then explains that the barn holds painful memories for him. But Kimble encourages him to make friends with the horse, to feed him and not be afraid. The horse becomes trusting with Davy.

Frank rides up and orders Davy to stay away from the barn. When Davy boldly defies him, Frank whips him repeatedly. Kimble then jumps into the fray and battles Frank to the ground.

Kimble tells Frank to leave his brother alone. Frank asks Kimble questions as to why this educated "drifter" is hanging out with this "fat" loser of man. Why do these stories about "Bill Carter" not add up? Suspicious, Frank says he will make it his business to find out.

Davy recalls, to the best of his memory, of the night of drunkenness some years before when he woke up to find the old barn in flames with horses screaming in terror. Davy can barely recall how or why he committed this heinous act of arson. Just as his memory slowly comes back, Davy is disappointed that "Bill" is leaving due to the altercation with Frank.

Maggie Lambert picks up Kimble as he heads out of town. They discuss Davy's situation, that he is a person of simple intelligence and that Frank was jealous of the attention his brother received. When she talks about the burning barn incident, Kimble finds this rather incredulous that Davy was capable of such an act.

Frank meets Sheriff Crowley, played by Vaughn Taylor, to tell him that "Fatso" has returned and ready to be arrested for the arson at his home. Frank is also told that the stranger with him is wanted for murder.

Gerard arrives at the police station and both he and the sheriff interrogate Davy as to where Kimble went. Davy is extremely defensive of his friend and pleads with them to leave "Carter"/Kimble alone as he helps people.

Davy finally confesses "the truth": He makes a feeble attempt to clear "Carter" by insisting that he himself murdered Helen Kimble is the one-armed-man that Richard Kimble is searching for. This was due to Davy's arm being in a sling which gave him the appearance of having one arm. Gerard pokes holes through Davy's flimsy narrative.

Kimble returns to the Lamberts where panic-stricken Maggie tells him that Davy has confessed to a murder. Before Kimble can explain Davy's behavior and that her son is innocent, he says he must speak to Mr. Lambert.

Kimble explains to Mr. Lambert that he visited the base and learned Frank was AWOL from the army at the time of the barn fire and was court martialed. Davy returns and his father apologizes for blaming him now that the truth is revealed.

Frank returns, armed and ready to turn Kimble over to the sheriff when Maggie confronts her son about his role in the arson and falsely blaming his brother. Kimble leaves before Gerard and Sheriff Crowley arrive. Frank is ordered not to say a word.

Now happily having returned home to stay, Davy Lambert receives mail from Kimble, though with no return address.

The next episode of 'The Fugitive', "Nightmare At Northoak", is one of the most memorable in the series. The psychological drama is fully played out with the characters.

Kimble walks down an empty street one night when he stops, hearing the sound of footsteps behind him.

Kimble hides as Gerard follows in pursuit.

Kimble flees through a passageway before futilely attempting to enter a locked door. The first image is seen in the opening credits.

Kimble is trapped in a corner, with nowhere to run. Gerard steps up, exulting, "Finally, Kimble."

Kimble trembles in terror as Gerard, with a maniacal glare, raises his gun and fires. Gerard has never been more malevolently depicted.

The gunshot is in fact the sound of a school bus tire blowing out. This awakens Kimble from his horrific dream.

The school bus careens out of control before crashing. The driver and children are trapped in the melee.

One child panics as she pounds frantically at the front door. Kimble begins to open the back door of the bus.

Kimble rescues the children from the bus by carrying them out the back, including Barney the school bus driver.

As Kimble has evacuated the children entirely from the bus, an explosion throws him to the ground.

Dr. Babcock , played by veteran actor Ian Wolfe, known for various roles including Ms. Carlson's mother's butler on 'WKRP In Cincinnati', examines delirious Kimble as he lies in a bed.

Al and Wilma Springer, the couple who takes Kimble in after the accident, confer with Dr. Babcock on his condition.

The Springers are played by Frank Overton and Nancy Wickwire, who was known for her roles in various soap operas.

As Kimble continues to sleep, Al Springer displays the symbol of his vocation: a badge.

Families of the children Kimble saved gather in the Springer living room to find out about his condition and how to help him. Wilma Springer says she is determined to find out the reason for the crash, who is responsible for road conditions leading to it, as she lives by a simple literalistic, legalistic motto: "What's right is right". She opposes bureaucratic double-talk which obscures the truth and allows for red tape to compromise what is necessary and ethical.

The group of families includes an appearance by Sue Randall, known for her role as Miss Landers on 'Leave It To Beaver'. She is seated with one child in the right of the photo.

Local newspaper photographer Milt Plummer, played by Bobs Watson, pays the Springer's son Larry, played by Scott Lane, to take a photo of this mysterious "George Porter" as he sleeps in the bedroom.

Larry sneaks into the bedroom and aims for a perfect shot of Kimble in the view frame. He then snaps the photo while Kimble, unaware, remains asleep.

The story of Kimble's rescue of the children makes the front page of the newspaper.

The Springers converse with Kimble, going by the name George Porter, who is fully awake.

As Kimble's eyes focus, he notices the star on Al Springer's uniform: the badge. He explains to "George Porter" that he is the sheriff of Northoak.

Larry nervously shakes hands with Kimble in greeting as Mr. Porter opens the paper to view the photo his son had secretly taken of their guest. Larry remains evasive about his act.

Back in Stafford, Captain Carpenter reads the story of the anonymous stranger who saved a bus load of children. To Gerard, there is no mystery to the man's identity.

Gerard shades the photo of Kimble to resemble the compress covering his face.

Kimble, spotting the headlines, flees the Springer house. Still recovering from his injuries, he staggers and stumbles through a meadow before collapsing. A group of children discover him and comfort him by "rescuing" him.

News of "George Porter's" flight travels around the neighborhood. Al Springer, having received an inquiry from Gerard, makes the unpleasant decision to take Kimble's fingerprints. The sheriff hates doing so, believing Porter is innocent and that this Gerard is mistaken.

Wilma enters and balks at Porter's fingerprints being taken. Aware of neighborhood gossip about his flight into the woods, she believes he was delirious--until her husband says he is believed to be escaped murderer Richard Kimble. She realizes that he ran due to fear after reading the headlines.

Kimble confronts her and admits that he is Richard Kimble, but that he is innocent of the charges against him. She is aghast when he says his wife was the victim. When he explains that a one-armed man is the guilty party, she refuses to believe this as well as for his plea for her to help him escape. He saved her son, can she not save his life?

She finally breaks: "What's right is right"--and reveals to her husband that this man is Richard Kimble. Al stops him before he escapes out the window.

As Kimble is led away, he gazes one cold look of contempt at the one person who could have freed him.

Wilma begins to cry at the thought of what she as done to doom Kimble while yet feeling morally conflicted.

A number of townspeople including Barney and Milt Plummer greet Kimble as he arrives at the police station. Al stops him as Kimble stumbles in a getaway attempt. A crowd gathers as they remain confused and bewildered at Al's harsh treatment of the town hero.

Al locks Kimble in a jail cell. Even Springer feels regret and moral conflict over this.

Kimble nods off, and again a familiar dream sequence begins. He walks down the street when he hears footsteps behind him.

The footsteps belong to Kimble's terrifying nemesis Gerard.

Once again as Gerard closes in, Kimble flees down a dark passage. He reaches a wall too high to scale. Gerard utters the chilling words, "Finally, Kimble."

It is noted that 'The Fugitive' borrowed music from such popular "film noir" shows of the time as 'The Twilight Zone' and 'The Outer Limits'. Given the psychological drama of 'The Fugitive', the show had much in common with 'The Twilight Zone' in highlighting fear and suspense. The effective music clip from this dream sequence is borrowed from some 'Twilight Zone' episodes.

Kimble wakes up at the sound of his name. He turns, and is stunned:

Outside the jail cell stands GERARD.

At the beginning of Act IV, a crowd of townspeople gathers at the news of Kimble's arrest and incarceration.

Gerard learns that the official transfer from Northoak of Kimble to his own custody, due to orders from the capitol, will take a few hours.

Gerard checks in on Kimble in the cell.

Gerard recalls his lengthy search for Kimble to the Springers, with a certain relish, leading up to his inevitable victory this evening. Kimble will be rescheduled for execution. Wilma asks if his actions in saving so many children in the town would negate his death sentence. Gerard does not believe so.

Larry sobs and confesses that he took the picture of Kimble, thinking he was helping him by making him famous. When Gerard counters his regret, Larry exits the table.

Wilma asks if Kimble really killed his wife. Gerard says the law says he did. But she is specific: Did he kill his wife? Gerard insists that he did, and that he enforces the law.

This does not answer her question. Her mantra comes back to haunt her. "What's right is right." The bureaucratic legalese of the law and court verdicts does not address her ethical quandary. Gerard is impressed by her truism. But there is something deeper to her pondering.

Back at the jail, Gerard and Kimble begin one of the most revealing conversations in the whole series. We begin to see how Gerard thinks, and that Kimble's efforts are futile in reasoning with his enemy.

Gerard gloats in how Kimble must "hate" him. Kimble is incredulous in how simplistic Gerard thinks. Gerard defends his own line of logic, as it is less complicated than Kimble's "delusional" behavior in assuming so many names and identities in so many places at various times. Kimble, according to Gerard, cannot accept the full reality of what he has done, so he has lapsed into a world of fantasy to help him deal with his frayed, guilty conscience.

Gerard mocks Kimble's newfound reputation as a "hero" to an entire town while hiding his sordid secret identity as a fugitive. Kimble believes something is wrong with how Gerard processes reality. Kimble's assertion that Gerard's fear of finding the one-armed man too late prompts Gerard to bolt out. Kimble has touched Gerard's Achilles Heel.

Here is a clip of the conversation between Kimble and Gerard at the jail:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7fPGTUffbS0

Mournful visitors in Northoak line up to shake hands and say goodbye to Kimble in an expression of gratitude.

Dr. Babcock says goodbye and adds, "Courage."

Finally Wilma steps up to shake Kimble's hand goodbye. She then quickly departs.

In Kimble's hand she has secretly placed a pair of keys.

Gerard enters the cell to check on Kimble. Noticing his prisoner apparently asleep and bundled in a blanket, he prepares to rouse him awake when Kimble knocks him out with a blow to the head.

Kimble then points the gun at police assistant Ernie, played by Paul Carr. Waving the gun, he motions Ernie to enter the cell with Gerard. Kimble locks the cell, then exits. He tosses the gun before running for freedom into the night.

The next morning, Gerard arrives at the police station. Al Springer has gathered all the people who visited the jail the night before, but Gerard has different ideas as to the actual culprit who freed Kimble. He accuses Springer.

Springer snaps back that this is a lie. Gerard responds by saying due to Springer's obvious contempt for him, this ploy of allowing a farewell gathering for Kimble gave him the chance to slip him the keys for his escape from the cell. As a result, Springer will be arrested.

At this Wilma steps up and admits she is the guilty party in providing the keys to Kimble. Gerard tells her that as a result of her actions, she will be arrested.

As the townspeople watch Wilma's sacrifice, Dr. Babcock refutes her statements and insists he is the one who gave Kimble the keys.

The townspeople then all start admitting they are the guilty party who gave Kimble the keys. A flustered Gerard storms out. Al and Wilma then embrace.

Meanwhile, Kimble wanders the lonely city streets elsewhere on his elusive search.

A few times in the series, a person committed to an idea of "perfect right and wrong", without question nor ambiguity, complicates matters regarding Kimble. Wilma Springer was one such person. In a few episodes another character adopts this same stance.
But what of Gerard? What exactly is his motivation in wanting to capture Kimble? Is he cruel? Is Kimble just "the one that got away"? He is never clear. But this episode demonstrates that Gerard is not so concerned about "the law" which decided Kimble is guilty. His assertions ring hollow. In later episodes this fixation with being merely an "instrument of the law" appear downplayed, but he is no less a menace. It is established here that his fixation with Kimble is obsessive and that he is vindictive when he closes in on his quarry. He shows no mercy and remains unshaken when others are convinced of Kimble's goodness.

One note about the train wreck scene in the opening credits: The clip is in fact from a 1938 comedy movie, 'The Young At Heart', which starred actor Douglas Fairbanks, Jr. It was not likely an episodic drama would stage a very expensive railroad collision for the sake of opening credit scenes, so footage from another source was used.

Opening credits clip: https://youtu.be/S5YAg-oVpE0

The next episode, "Glass Tightrope", featured future comedy actor Leslie Nielsen, known for such classics as 'The Naked Gun' and others, in a more serious role.

Kimble, now going by the name Harry Carson, is a delivery driver for Denshaw's department store. He prepares to make a pickup in the parking lot.

Martin Rowland, played by Leslie Nielsen, and Howard Pascoe, played by Robert Quarry, have a discussion which becomes a little heated. Over a few drinks, Pascoe makes insulting insinuations that Rowland "married" into Denshaw's, to which Rowland takes offense.

Kimble picks up a projector case from Rowland and Pascoe as he overhears the exchange between both men. Pascoe enjoys making catcalls at Rowland over his sense of "privilege" with the store. Rowland warns Pascoe to stop the jeering.

In the parking lot, Kimble witnesses the argument escalate between Rowland and Pascoe. Rowland has now become incensed. Rowland delivers a hard blow to Pascoe, who comments on Rowland being a fullback before he drops to the ground.

Pascoe lies flattened on the pavement. Kimble checks his vital signs: Pascoe is dead. Kimble must call for help.

A vagrant, Arthur Tibbets, played by Jay Adler, strolls by and finds Pascoe lying on the ground. He manages to grab Pascoe's watch and billfold.

Kimble calls for help to assist Pascoe.

Co-worker Floyd, played by Jud Taylor, tells Kimble about the self-important ex-policeman store detective making the rounds on the premises.

Ginny Rowland, played by Diana van der Vlis, answers the phone and gives it to her husband. On the line is Kimble, urging him to go to the police about the accidental killing, that arrested vagrant Tibbetts is being accused of this. Rowland demands to know who this anonymous caller is and what he really wants.

Ginn tells Martin she overheard the conversation on the other phone and surmises that Pascoe was needling him regarding marrying her to advance his career with Denshaw's. This is a sore spot for Martin, but suave and sophisticated Ginny takes it all too much in stride.

Ginny tries to console Martin about his woes, while all the time thinking how this will damage her personal reputation.

Ginny meets with the store detective Angstrom, played by Edward Binns, over the phone call by the mysterious "blackmailer" and asks him to investigate.

Kimble attends the hearing for Martin over the details of the death of Howard Pascoe. Ginny then steps in to the courtroom.

Martin Rowland gives his statement while the accused man Tibbetts helplessly attempts to claim his own innocence. Ginny's stare intimidates Martin into altering her husband's testimony.

Martin receives a letter urging him to go to the police about the killing. No demand for money is made in the note, in spite of Ginny's claims of blackmail. Martin becomes incensed over Ginny's contempt for the truth and for an innocent man's fate.

Store detective Angstrom questions Floyd about his whereabouts on the night of the killing. Floyd replies with a fictitious story about taking a girl home (named after his favorite girlie magazine model). He later thanks Kimble for covering for him in the delivery that night. Angstrom finds that Floyd has been covering for "Harry Carson" and demands to know his place of residence.

In his hotel room, Kimble reads the paper and ponders the fate of Tibbetts, the derelict falsely accused of Pascoe's murder.

After Kimble calls the police claiming that Tibbetts was innocent and that Rowland is the assailant, Angstrom apprehends him.

Kimble is brought to Ginny, who dresses seductively to persuade Kimble to do her bidding. Her cleavage appears rather revealing by 1963 standards.

Ginny points out that her husband will not turn himself in to the police. She asks why a derelict like Tibbetts causes such concern for Kimble. She inquires why will Kimble not go to the police himself? In exchange for not having her husband not meeting with the police, she offers Kimble money and other perks.
He turns these down.

Martin returns and tells an appalled Ginny that he went to the police. Ginny fears more for her name being dragged through the mud with bad publicity than for what happens to Tibbetts. In response to her claims of "all she had done for him", Martin says he worked his way up from the bottom to get to get to his position at the top. He is sick of her selfishness.

Kimble confronts Martin about his own silence regarding the truth of the killing.

In the heat of the Rowlands' argument, Kimble makes a break for it into the elevator. Angstrom stops him with news that the police have found "Harry Carson's" true identity.

Angstrom delivers Kimble to Martin and Ginny with a copy of Kimble's wanted poster. Ginny exults in Kimble's hypocrisy in wanting to expose Rowland's role in the Pascoe killing while being wanted for murder himself.

Impressed by Kimble's selflessness for Tibbets, Martin decides to turn himself instead. Ginny is appalled and infuriated.

As Martin confesses that he himself accidentally killed Pascoe, he orders Angstrom to let Kimble go. He gives Kimble instructions as to how he should escape.

As Martin and Angstrom exit, Ginny helplessly watches as her shameful fate of exposure closes in on her

The epilogue to "Glass Tightrope" remains the shortest in the series as the closing narration simply shows Martin Rowland facing a judge in court and accepting a prison term. Kimble, on the other hand remains on the run with no justice yet served.

Link to "Glass Tightrope":
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J8bWDrxyA_8

Episode 13 of 'The Fugitive', "Terror At High Point", features Jack Klugman in his days before playing in his comical role as slob Oscar Madison in 'The Odd Couple' and later the title role and medical crime drama 'Quincy'.

This was the first episode where Kimble addresses persons with special needs. The episode "Fatso" was loosely tied into this theme.

Kimble, under the name Paul Beaumont, works at a construction site above Salt Lake City, Utah. His employer Buck Harmon, played by Jack Klugman, marches out to discuss matters regarding paperwork. Harmon is critical of "Beaumont's" job performance and evasiveness.

Kimble spots police on the construction site and dodges detection. Jamie, a young mentally ******** man played by Buck Taylor, innocently asks if Kimble is playing hide and seek.

The rest of the work crew taunt Jamie by egging him on to grab a silver dollar in a puddle of water. When he goes for it, they push him in and laugh at him. Kimble tells the to stop picking on Jamie. Buck scolds them for wasting their time.

That evening, Jamie asks Kimble about the crew's mistreatment of him. Jamie says he wants to work hard for his family. Jamie heads for home alone amidst a row of huge tractors on the site.

Ruth Harmon, Buck's wife, played by Elizabeth Allen, tutors Jamie on the book 'Robinson Crusoe'. This evening, Jamie seems disconnected by the lesson. This is not helped when Buck returns to find Jamie there.

After Jamie leaves, Buck and Ruth embrace. But soon their conversation turns to questions as to why Buck has problems with Jamie. Buck is hiding a deep fear about this. Ruth wonders why they have no children.

Ruth meets Buck at the site to smooth out their differences from the night before. True love exists between them. But Ruth has a few oglers at the site.

One of the crewmen play a cruel stunt on Jamie by teaching him how to operate and drive a heavy construction tractor. Jamie starts rolling dangerously with no idea how to stop it.

Jamie finally brakes the vehicle as the others give chase. Buck arrives to send Jamie home, blaming him for this near-disaster.

Kimble finds Jamie and explains that Buck and the others are not angry, but that this job is not right for him. Kimble will help him find a new, better job. Jamie simply wants to prove his worth to his mother.

At dinner, Buck explains his reason for his letting go of "unpredictable" Jamie. Ruth says she cares for Jamie simply because she has no children of her own to care for. She shows compassion for Jamie's mental retardation and is appalled that her husband acts like the other crewman towards him. Finally she leaves the table, thinking she is useless and is upset that her husband will not give her children.

Part of Buck's fear is that he will have children that will turn out like his mentally ******** brother whom he had to care for when he was younger.

Kimble sees Jamie off as he goes to return the 'Robinson Crusoe' book Ruth was teaching him to read.

While Ruth showers, a pair of hands reach in to grab her.

A neighbor watches Buck as he enters the motor home. Ruth lies on the floor, bleeding from the attack.

Buck confers with Mrs. Hendricks, played by Doreen Mclean, about Jamie's cap found at their home. This confirms Buck's worst fears about Jamie, not only is a ******** young man "unpredictable and unstable" but dangerous.

Kimble warns Buck that Jamie is incapable of doing what they are accusing him of having perpetrated. But what does a worker like "Paul Beaumont" know? Buck counters. He has a poor work history with Buck and acts skittish around police. Why should he listen to Kimble?

Buck forms a posse to hunt down Jamie.

Inside, Buck comforts his delirious wife as she recovers.

The group prepares to shine a searchlight into the hills.

Kimble finds Jamie in the underbrush as he trembles in fright. Kimble says he knows Jamie is innocent and urges him to return to the site. A member of the posse fires a rifle which sends Jamie scrambling. Kimble follows when when police step in to stop the two men.

Jamie returns to face Buck and explains that he was just returning the 'Robinson Crusoe' book to Mrs. Harmon when he saw an intruder in the home.

Jamie points to the real assailant, Dan, played by James Best, who nervously sneers at his accuser's ability to know anything due to his retardation. Both men show arms to show resistance by the victim. While Jamie's arms are clean, Dan's arm shows scratches. Buck is livid.

Kimble and Jamie leave for the night. The officers ask for a statement from both men, but Buck replies Jamie's mental "slowness" may not help. "Paul Beaumont", the site's timekeeper, is the "best man" Buck ever got.

Ruth's condition improves, and Buck is relieved to find that his brother's condition is not hereditary, that Buck and his wife are safe to have children.

That morning, Kimble, wary of questions by police about the incident, rides out from the site on to his next adventure.

This episode of one of the first where Kimble, as a pediatrician, helped others who were stigmatized for being mentally ********, "slow", or having related special needs. However, an episode in the final season touched on the issue in a way that could best be described as unhelpful, as we will see.

'The Fugitive' has been claimed as having two sources by many for its inspiration: One has been the real life case of Dr. Sam Shepard, who in the 1950's was accused of killing his wife. The creators of the series denied the case had anything to do with the storyline of Dr. Richard Kimble.
The other is a literary source: Lieutenant Gerard appears to have his name derived from the story of 'Les Miserables', the classic French novel by Victor Hugo, whose antagonist Inspector Javaert relentlessly pursues the story's hero Jean Valjean.

Episode 14 in the series, "The Girl From Little Egypt", depicts the back story of the incidents which led to Richard Kimble's flight from the law.

The episode begins in a Mexican restaurant in San Francisco, where Ruth Norton (interestingly a common name in the series, as with the previous episode), a young stewardess played by Pamela Tiffin, is devastated to learn that her romantic interest Paul Clements, played by Ed Nelson, is married.


Pamela Tiffin was a kind of "It Girl" in the 1960's where she first appeared in beach movies and other motion pictures and television shows. She was a beautiful, alluring actress who even made a pictorial in 'Playboy' in those years.

In turmoil and in tears over this revelation, Ruth blasts the radio and drives recklessly at a high rate of speed on the highway. At the last second she spots Kimble as he hitchhikes at night,

Ruth spots Kimble at the last second and her car swerves before hitting him. She makes a statement to the police at the scene about the accident.

Kimble is alive but delirious as he is taken on a stretcher into the ambulance. He falls into a dream of the past--a grim memory of a conversation with a fellow doctor about a birth gone wrong.

Kimble's wife Helen, played by Diane Brewster, awakens after giving birth and awaits news of the child's gender. Kimble, in his previous salt-and-pepper hair color, informs her that they had a son. He attempts to comfort her while relaying very disturbing news: the child had died, stillborn. But he vows that they will have children later.

This is not news Helen looked forward to receiving. She asks why she was put under for so long. He explains that because the doctors nearly lost her, an operation was performed that prevented her from having children. Helen becomes upset, unable to accept that her only child has died. She cries out, "Dead?!" over and over. The dream ends with Kimble tosses uneasily in the hospital bed, feebly calling out Helen's name. A police officer asks if he should notify this Helen. Kimble gives his name as George Browning.

As "George Browning" becomes more delirious and struggles to retell what happened on the highway, Ruth listens along with the officer. When both leave Kimble's bedside, he falls back into the dream while staring at a light fixture.

The vision of the light on the ceiling fades into the light of the train speeding along carrying Kimble to his date with execution. The crash is reenacted, as seen in the opening credits. Kimble finds himself thrown from the train, and as he crawls toward safety, he realizes he is free. The other half of the cuffs remains twisted, gnarled, and empty.

Going back in the dream to a more tranquil moment, Kimble revisits a pleasant conversation with Helen over plans to go out to dinner.

Diane Brewster, who played Helen Kimble in these flashbacks, was the teacher, Mrs. Canfield, on 'Leave It To Beaver' prior to Miss Landers.