Summary :
Two of the seven are forced to deal with affairs of the heart. Buck's honor is challenged and he must defend himself and Inez. JD experiences the beginnings of first love. Both men must come to terms with their feelings and decide if love and honor are worth the price each of them is going to have to pay.
Memorable Scenes :
Scene One - The Saloon
Inez is busy serving customers and Buck is following her around, trying to get her attention. He takes his seat at a table with Ezra and Nathan when Inez brings them some beer. When Buck offers to buy her a drink sometime, she has one word for him: "Nunca". Ezra and Nathan laugh because they know what the work means.
- Nathan :Means never. The devin himself doesn't get burned that bad.
- Ezra :The lady's been here a mere two weeks and she already sees through you like a pane-glass window.
- Nathan :I say that Buck has met his match.
Scene Two - Chris's Place
Vin has brought some supplies to Chris, who is building a small cabin outside of town.
- Vin :I never figured you for the settlin' kind.
- Chris :I wouldn't say I'm settlin' down. Just lookin' for a little peace and quiet.
After Vin leaves, Chris hears riders approaching from another direction. He gets his gun, which is hanging nearby, as four men on three horses ride up. One of them - Alonso - has lost his horse on the trail a while back and the leader of the group - Don Paolo - thinks Chris's horse will do fine. Chris says the horse is not for sale, but they hadn't intended to pay. Alonso draws on Chris, but Chris is faster and he shoots the man in the arm. Before anyone else can get a shot off, Vin appears out of the nearby trees, firing his own gun in the air to get everyone's attention. Chris tells the strangers to get off his property and they leave.
- Vin :So much for peace and quiet.
The strangers ride away and Don Paolo tells one of the other men - Raphael - that he must kill Chris, but not until they have found Inez.
Scene Three - Main Street
As the four strangers ride into town, Buck, Ezra and Nathan are leaving the saloon. Buck is being tormented about his lack of success with Inez.
- Ezra :I never imagined you'd lose your touch so fast.
- Nathan :At lease you got a chance to learn how to speak Spanish.
- Buck :Now hold on. Buck Wilmington never says never. If I put my mind to it, that girls's 'never' is gonna turn into a 'yes' faster than a jack rabbit with it's tail on fire.
- Nathan :I'd say your rabbit's already been cooked, Buck. Nunca!
Don Paolo tells his men to search the town for Inez.
- Don Paolo :To hell and back, if necessary.
Scene Four - Fishing Hole
JD and Casey are fishing and trying to outdo each other in an "It's hotter than..." contest. Casey suddenly jumps up and says she's got a big fish on her line. When JD gets up to help pull it in, she pushes him into the water. He pulls on her pole and she ends up in the pond as well. They chase each other around for a while and then suddenly both are embarrassed by the brush with intimacy.
Scene Five - An Alley in Town
Alonso wants to get his injured arm checked by Nathan, but Don Paolo has other ideas. Alonso is no longer useful - he has no horse and he cannot shoot - so Don Paolo eliminates him with a dagger to the stomach.
Scene Six - The Livery
Chris is back in town and he's leaving his horse at the livery when Raphael arrives, introduces himself, and tells Chris that Don Paolo wants Raphael to kill him.
- Chris :Well, I appreciate the warning.
- Raphael :I would have liked to see more of your work.
- Chris :My work?
- Raphael :With the gun. You are very impressive. Almost as good as me.
- Chris :I suppose I'll just have to take your word for that.
As Chris is leaving, Raphael takes an orange out of a nearby barrel, throws it into the air, and shatters it with one shot.
- Raphael :Do you feel like dying today?
- Chris :I feel like today's just as good as any other.
- Raphael :Who knows what the day will bring?
Scene Seven - Main Street
JD is eyeing some merchandise outside the General Store when Nathan comes by. JD wants to buy Casey a gift and is looking at a frog gigger. Nathan suggests some jewelry. Mary also comes by and suggests flowers and candy, or a token of love. At the sound of the word love, JD is off. He comes upon Josiah, who is reading aloud a passage from The Illyad about courtship. Jd asks if the book has any suggestions for someone who might be interesting in courting and Josiah offers to help.
Scene Eight - The Saloon
Buck has cleaned himself up and has come back to convince Inez that her first impression of him was wrong.
- Buck :Would this face lie?
- Inez :Like a wet rag, senor.
- Buck :I don't wanna go to feudin' words with you, and the name is Buck
- Inez :Well, in a battle of wits, Senor Buck, I think you would be unarmed.
Suddenly Inez spots Raphael and Don Paolo through the front window and she runs out the back way, with Buck close behind. She is cornered in the back alley by Don Paolo and when she tries to leave, he stops her. Buck pulls his gun and tells Don Paolo to leave Inez alone.
- Don Paolo :You insult me, senor.
- Buck :Oh, I'm just warmin' up. You touch that woman again and you're gonna see a real insult.
- Don Paolo :Are you challenging me?
- Inez :No, he's not.
- Buck :Oh, I reckon I am.
Don Paolo demands satisfaction in the custom of his people and tells Buck they will meet at 1:00 in the street to discuss the terms of engagement.
- Inez :What have you done?
- Buck :I'm not afraid of him.
- Inez :You should be.
Scene Nine - The Saloon
Inez comes back into the saloon, followed by Guillermo. Vin is already inside and he stops Guillermo from following Inez upstairs to her room. Vin goes after her, to make sure she's alright. Inez wants to leave town, but Vin convinces her to stay and make a stand.
Scene Ten - Edge of Town
Buck is practicing his shooting while Chris looks on.
- Chris :You know, Buck, I've know you ten years and every time you see a pretty woman, your brain drops right below your belt.
- Buck :Now, I thought we've known each other twelve years.
- Chris :Why are you doing this, Buck?
- Buck :'cause he asked for it, Chris.
- Chris :and you're givin' him what he wants.
- Buck :Oh, I'm gonna take him. You seen that fella? He's prettier than a heifer in a flower bed.
- Chris :That's no reason.
- Buck :Well, how about I got a reputation to defend?
<
- Chris :You're willing to take a man's life, put your own on the line, for your reputation?
- Buck :I'm just standin' up for what' right.
- Chris :That's your pride talking.
- Buck :No, that's me talking.
- Chris :Someone's gonna get killed 'cause you're not man enough to walk away.
- Buck :Why don't you take your own advice and walk away?
Scene Eleven - The Church
Nathan and JD are helping Josiah at the church and talking about Buck's challenge. Ezra arrives and attempts to talk his three friends into placing a bet in the pool he's running on Buck's upcoming fight, but he doesn't get any takers.
Scene Twelve - Main Street
Raphael has been asking questions and he tells Don Paolo what he has learned about Buck and his friends - they are gunfighters and are known as Los Magnificos. Don Paolo is not impressed or afraid. He tells Raphael about Alonso and Raphaeldoes not approve, but Don Paolo reminds him who is the boss.
Scene Thirteen - Wells Homestead
JD and Josiah arrive at the Wells house. Josiah has been coaching JD on what to say and JD is nervous. He practices his lines as he approaches the house but when Casey suddenly appears on the porch all his rehearsing is forgotten. In spite of himself, JD is able to make a date with Casey for a ride later that day and then he goes back to where Josiah is waiting.
- Josiah :Well, I thought that went real good, don't you?
- JD :I have no idea what I just said.
- Josiah :JD? Fly's open.
Scene Fourteen - The Saloon
Chris is sitting with his back to the door, eating lunch, when JD comes in to find out if Buck is still going through with the fight. When Raphael comes through the door, JD stands up to face him.
- Chris :He's not gonna shoot me in the back, JD.
Chris pours a drink and Raphael sits down at his table, glad for the refreshment. When he finishes the drink, JD tells him to leave.
- JD :You're against Buck Wilmington, you're against me. Who the hell do you fellas think you are anyway?
- Raphael :We are men who value integrity more than insolence. Is this chiquito as fast as you, senor?
- JD :Why don't you find out for yourself, senor?
Chris tells JD to go outside and get some air but before JD can pick up his hat from the table, Raphael grabs it, throws it into the air, and fires six shots through it.
Scene Fifteen - The Church
Inez is praying when Mary comes in. Inez tells Mary why Don Paolo has pursued her. Inez worked for Don Paolo's father. Don Paolo wanted her but she didn't feel the same way. A month ago, Don Paolo got drunk at a feast and dragged Inez around the town square by her hair. She grabbed a broken bottle and cut Don Paolo's neck, and then took one of her employer's horses and fled.
Scene Sixteen - Main Street
At 1:00 Buck and Don Paolo meet as planned, but Don Paolo has a surprise for Buck. Because he was challenged, Don Paolo has the choice of weapons, and he chooses swords. If Buck refuses, he loses the fight and Inez must go back with Don Paolo. All of Buck's friends realize the odds are no longer in Buck's favor.
Scene Seventeen - The Church
With Josiah watching, Buck is practicing with his sword and Ezra is trying to show him the proper moves when Nathan comes in with his own sword. He points out that Ezra is demonstrating the wrong style for the type of blade he has. Nathan reveals that when he was still on the plantation, his master used him as a sparring partner and because they used bare blades, Nathan had to get good real fast. Ezra throws down the gauntlet to Nathan and they have a short thrust and parry before Nathan shows everyone that his skills are clearly superior. Buck decides to change teachers.
Scene Eighteen - The Countryside
JD and Casey are on their ride, but JD is distracted thinking about Buck, and Casey is having trouble getting his attention. Casey thinks it's romantic that Buck would fight a duel over Inez. JD thinks he's just a fool. Casey asked if JD would fight for her.
- JD :Not with no damn sword I wouldn't.
That's the wrong answer, and Casey spurs her horse and rides away.
Scene Nineteen - Restaurant
While Don Paolo and Raphael are dining, Inez comes in to try and talk Don Paolo out of the duel. But Don Paolo wants vengeance for what he considers an insult. Inez has a gun but before he can shoot Don Paolo, Raphael and Guillermo draw their guns. Vin comes in just then and takes the gun away from Inez.
- Don Paolo :You serve me well, senor, After all, I want Inez alive when I take her home.
- Vin :You'll be dead long before she goes anywhere with you.
Don Paolo sends Guillermo on an errand and tells Raphael he will watch Inez now.
Scene Twenty - The Church
Buck and Nathan are working on Buck's lessons. Nathan is trying to make Buck understand that his natural tendency to attach is not necessarily the best way to fight with a sword.
Scene Twenty One - The Street
Later that night, when Inez leaves the saloon, Raphael is right behind her. He passes Chris, who is sitting outside the saloon.
- Chris :Isn't this a little beneath you? Following a woman around, spying on her?
- Raphael :Sometimes serving the son is not the same as serving the father.
- Chris :We make our own beds.
- Raphael :I owe Don Paolo's father my life.
- Chris :Does that mean doing everything his boy tells you to?
- Raphael :It means, I do what is required.
Buck comes out of the church as Inez is passing by.
- Inez :Senor, this fight - it's not about you.
- Buck :It is now.
- Inez :You cannot beat Don Paolo.
- Buck :If I stand aside and I let him take you, what kind of a man would I be?
- Inez :One that is alive. If not, you will make me responsible for your death. I cannot live with that.
- Buck :Let me tell you something. I don't know this Don of yours, but I have met men like him. I see it in his eyes, what he's got planned for you is a living hell. You tell me I'm wrong and I'll walk away.
- Inez :If that is to be my destiny, that is mine alone.
- Buck :Well, I just can't live with that. Tomorrow I fight that man.
Scene Twenty Two - The Street
Late at night, Guillermo and a band of Mexicans led by Pico Chavez ride into town and are met by Don Paolo and Raphael. They were sent for by Don Paolo.
- Raphael :Men of honor do not associate with murderers and thieves.
- Don Paolo :Raphael, those magnificos intend to interfere and I will not allow it.
Scene Twenty Three - The Church
Buck has had a dream about his last encounter with a sword - when he was slashed and almost killed by Colonel Anderson in the Seminole Indian village, the first time the seven fought together. He goes to see Josiah in the church and tells him about the dream.
- Buck :Do you think it's a sign?
- Josiah :Yeah, it's a sign. It's a sign you're scared. Fear's a part of who we are Buck. Everytime we go into a fight, I know there's a piece of me wonders if I'm gonna come through it. I can feel it in my hands, my head, my gut...
- Buck :No gun fight ever made me feel like this.
- Josiah :Well, that's alright. God gives you fear 'cause fear helps you fight. He wants you to fight 'cause he wants you to live.
- Buck :So do you think the dream is a sign that I'm gonna win?
- Josiah :Unless it's your time to die.
Scene Twenty Four - Main Street
The next morning, the townspeople are getting ready to watch the duel. Vin, Ezra and JD are sitting outside the saloon when they spot Pico Chavez and his gang.
- JD :See all these people gatherin' to watch Buck's fight?
- Vin :Not all of 'em. Pico Chavez's gang.
- Ezra :I don't imagine they're here to take a hot bath, either.
As Buck walks to the center of the town, Josiah and Nathan are giving him last minute encouragement and advice. Chris comes out to see his old friend.
- Chris :I know we don't always see things eye to eye, but I stand by ya.
- Buck :alright.
- Chris :You ready?
Buck nods but...
Vin and Ezra come over as well, and Vin alerts everyone about Pico Chavez's gang. Inez ties a red ribbon around Buck's arm for good luck. Don Paolo and Raphael arrive. Don Paolo announces that when he wins the fight he will take Inez and leave and no one is going to stop him. His declaration is punctuated by Pico Chavez's men cocking the hammers on their guns for emphasis, as a warning to everyone.
The fight starts and it is soon obvious that Don Paolo's skills are far superior. He cuts Buck several times and Buck is rapidly losing the fight as each cut makes him weaker. Finally, Don Paolo manages to knock the sword out of Buck's hand and as he closes in for the kill, Inez breaks free from Guillermo's grasp and runs out to grab Don Paolo. As he pushes her out of the way he looks away from Buck, who lunges forward and punches Don Paolo, knocking him down. Buck picks up his sword and Don Paolo yells to Guillermo to start shooting. Before Guillermo can react, Chris and Raphael both draw their gun and Guillermo is shot dead. Pico Chavez's men take aim but Buck's six friends are already in place to disarm them.
Don Paolo is lying on the ground and Buck tells him if he leaves town now, he can live. Buck turns away to help Inez and Don Paolo pulls a dagger and charges towards Buck. Buck turns around just in time to run his sword through Don Paolo and kill him.
Scene Twenty Five - Main Street
The next day, JD comes upon Josiah reading his book again.
- Josiah :Fate's lookin' kindly on us today, don't you think, JD?
- JD :Well, we're all still alive.
- Josiah :Yes, sir. And did fate smile on you and your belle amour last evening?
- JD :If she ever talks to me again.
- Josiah :Let me give you a piece of advice. Buy that girl a frog gigger.
Raphael is getting ready to leave. Chris has come to see him off.
- Raphael :I could grow fond of a place like this, senor. But after today, Don Paolo's father will put a price on my head.
- Chris :Where will you go?
- Raphael :Perhaps I will find six compadres of my own. Care to join me?
- Chris :Who knows what tomorrow brings?
JD joins them - frog gigger in hand and his tattered hat on his head.
- Raphael :Still, it is too bad for you and me. Now we will never know who is the faster.
Chris grabs JD's hat off his head, throws it into the air, and puts even more bullet holes in it before it falls to the ground. Raphael is impressed.
As he rides away, Chris looks at JD.
- Chris :You needed a new one anyway.
Without a word, JD draws his own gun and fires one, finally putting his hat out of its misery.
Scene Twenty Six - Saloon
Nathan is helping a heavily bandaged Buck down the stairs. Inez comes over.
- Inez :Senor Buck, it would be wrong for me not to thank you for all you've done so... gracias.
- Buck :Oh, I bet that was hard for you to say!
- Inez :You have no idea!
- Buck :Well, senorita, I accept your thanks but if you really wanna make it up to me, how about you and me doin' a little somethin' tonight?
- Inez :How about right now?
Buck isn't sure what she has in mind, in the middle of the saloon. Inez grabs him and gives him a very heartfelt kiss, and then walks away, evening her score with Buck.
Trivia :
- A Martinez and Eric Close appeared together in the soap opera Santa Barbara. Martinez played the boyfriend of Close's screen mother.
