Lew Bridgeman (a fine performance by Bo Hopkins) and Joe Caldwell (the always excellent Stephen McHattie) are two longtime best friends who served together in the Vietnam war. Lew and Joe wind up fiercely clashing with each other over Lew's fetching wife Rae (a luminous and appealing portrayal by the lovely Kim Lankford), whom both men are in love with. Director David Wickes, working from an edgy and involving script by Stanford Whitmore, relates the gripping triangle drama story at a steady pace, builds a good deal of suspense, and expertly stages the taut and thrilling climactic hunting set piece in which the two old buddies turn on each other. Hopkins and McHattie do sterling work in the lead roles. John Ireland contributes a stand-out cameo as crusty World War II veteran Jack Guttman. Moreover, there's a powerful and provocative central message about how passion and obsession can drive men to brutal and dangerous extremes and the grim lasting psychological aftermath of the Vietnam war. The tragic ending packs a strong emotional punch. As a sweet added bonus, the luscious Lankford bares her nice breasts in a steamy pool table sex scene with McHattie. Paul Van der Linden's polished cinematography gives the episode an attractive bright look. Michel Rubini's shuddery'n'twangy score hits the harmonic spot. Well worth watching for fans of this series.
Review of A Time for Rifles
