A young boy named Cal Trevor (Michael Burns) seeks the aid of Daniel Boone (DB) after Shawnees attack the cabin where he and his father live. After DB and young Cal arrive back at the Trevor homestead, they find a scattered mess inside the cabin. DB discovers that Cal's father had been able to escape through the same tunnel Cal had used but had not been able to elude death.
After burying Cal's father, DB takes the boy and his beloved horse along because Cal has no one left to claim him. DB and Cal go to Williamsburg, which we know only because the title appears on-screen. While there, Cal is duped into entering a race with his lame horse-the only remaining connection to his father and the one thing that really matters to him in the world.
Unfortunately, Cal agrees to do this even though DB has just told the boy the horse is a long shot to ever walk properly again, much less race. Indeed, Cal is clearly naïve and arguably can be malleable even though he demonstrates signs of independence and willfulness. Nonetheless, this inexplicable leap and the subsequent race require a suspension of disbelief that's far too much for some of us to suffer gladly.
However, the episode does feature a fabulous character actor (Robert Emhardt as Squire Breen) as well as a skilled veteran of stage, TV, and film (Henry Jones as Landers). It's also probably an enjoyable episode for many young viewers and there are certainly less fulfilling choices for an hour or so of wholesome entertainment.
After burying Cal's father, DB takes the boy and his beloved horse along because Cal has no one left to claim him. DB and Cal go to Williamsburg, which we know only because the title appears on-screen. While there, Cal is duped into entering a race with his lame horse-the only remaining connection to his father and the one thing that really matters to him in the world.
Unfortunately, Cal agrees to do this even though DB has just told the boy the horse is a long shot to ever walk properly again, much less race. Indeed, Cal is clearly naïve and arguably can be malleable even though he demonstrates signs of independence and willfulness. Nonetheless, this inexplicable leap and the subsequent race require a suspension of disbelief that's far too much for some of us to suffer gladly.
However, the episode does feature a fabulous character actor (Robert Emhardt as Squire Breen) as well as a skilled veteran of stage, TV, and film (Henry Jones as Landers). It's also probably an enjoyable episode for many young viewers and there are certainly less fulfilling choices for an hour or so of wholesome entertainment.
