MacFarlane, Kit. "‘Have Gun - Will Travel’: Return to Fort Benjamin." PopMatters 18 June 2009. 19 June 2009 <http://www.popmatters.com/pm/column/73926-have-gun-will-travel-return-to-fort-benjamin/>.
Kit MacFarlane’s analysis of the ethical questioning of 1950s TV show, “Have Gun - Will Travel,” offers some problems with the military’s portrayal in the politics of TV back then. The article starts off with some general comments concerning the political siding of TV shows in the mid-1900s. The majority of shows were conservative with the few liberal ones not totally outspoken with their ideas. MacFarlane questions the absence of critique for the military institute. This opening leads the reader to believe that the article will be more about the military’s portrayal in Westerns and the public’s response to these shows.
However, the article continues with a summary of a particular episode of “Have Gun – Will Travel” where the main character, Paladin, is confronted by a Native American chief to secure a traditional burial for his son who is charged with murder. MacFarlane delves into the play by play of this episode, as Paladin is pursuing the ethical treatment of a guilty man. Later, it is revealed that the man is actually innocent. McFarlane develops his argument that this show pushes the questions of ethical treatment and by using certain cinematic choices, questions the infallibility of the U.S. Military.
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