The 17th episode of Season 1 of the original 1960s series The Fugitive is titled (first aired January 21, 1964). It is widely regarded as a standout entry for its high-stakes irony and exploration of vigilante justice. Plot Overview
The episode critiques vigilante justice. The townspeople on the bus—including the victims' sons—conspire to kill Bellows because the evidence against him is largely circumstantial. Kimble becomes the primary voice of reason, upholding the legal system that has already failed him personally.
The central hook is the "fugitive" acting as a "lawman." Kimble, a man wrongly accused of murder, is placed in a position where he must protect a man who is likely guilty from a bloodthirsty mob.
The tension escalates when the local sheriff, Bowers, decides to transport Bellows to the county seat via a school bus. Because of a lack of available deputies, Kimble is forced into service alongside the very witnesses who are eager to see the prisoner lynched rather than face a potentially inconclusive trial.
In this episode, Dr. Richard Kimble (David Janssen) finds himself in the ultimate ironic predicament: while hiding out in a small Midwest town, he is to help transport a prisoner. The prisoner, a ne’er-do-well named Bellows (played by guest star Bruce Dern ), is suspected of murdering an elderly couple.
Critics have pointed out that the climactic fight scene at the end of the episode features somewhat obvious stunt doubling for David Janssen, which was more common in the television production standards of 1964. Quick Episode Facts Title " Come Watch Me Die " Air Date January 21, 1964 Guest Stars Bruce Dern, John Anderson Setting A small Midwest town IMDb Rating
The 17th episode of Season 1 of the original 1960s series The Fugitive is titled (first aired January 21, 1964). It is widely regarded as a standout entry for its high-stakes irony and exploration of vigilante justice. Plot Overview
The episode critiques vigilante justice. The townspeople on the bus—including the victims' sons—conspire to kill Bellows because the evidence against him is largely circumstantial. Kimble becomes the primary voice of reason, upholding the legal system that has already failed him personally. [S1E17] The Fugitive
The central hook is the "fugitive" acting as a "lawman." Kimble, a man wrongly accused of murder, is placed in a position where he must protect a man who is likely guilty from a bloodthirsty mob. The 17th episode of Season 1 of the
The tension escalates when the local sheriff, Bowers, decides to transport Bellows to the county seat via a school bus. Because of a lack of available deputies, Kimble is forced into service alongside the very witnesses who are eager to see the prisoner lynched rather than face a potentially inconclusive trial. The tension escalates when the local sheriff, Bowers,
In this episode, Dr. Richard Kimble (David Janssen) finds himself in the ultimate ironic predicament: while hiding out in a small Midwest town, he is to help transport a prisoner. The prisoner, a ne’er-do-well named Bellows (played by guest star Bruce Dern ), is suspected of murdering an elderly couple.
Critics have pointed out that the climactic fight scene at the end of the episode features somewhat obvious stunt doubling for David Janssen, which was more common in the television production standards of 1964. Quick Episode Facts Title " Come Watch Me Die " Air Date January 21, 1964 Guest Stars Bruce Dern, John Anderson Setting A small Midwest town IMDb Rating