“Hi ho, Silver, away!” Yes, the Lone Ranger is back, played by the legendary Clayton Moore, and in this fascinating first episode we learn how the legend began.

The show opens with an appropriate introduction, the narrator saying that the Lone Ranger “brought fear to the lawless.” He speaks of an unruly territory, and a rugged existence. The story unfolds with a man named Collins, called a “half-breed scout.” The reality is that Collins is working undercover for the Cavendish gang, Cavendish being played by movie and TV actor Glenn Strange.

Collins meets with the newly formed Texas Rangers, and he is wounded, claiming he’s lucky to be alive. He tells them that several innocent people were killed but that the outlaws were in pretty bad shape themselves. Soon, Collins plots with Cavendish to draw the Rangers into an area where they can be shot. We learn that it was Cavendish who wounded Collins in the arm, to make it look good to the Rangers. Sure enough, the Rangers go in pursuit of Cavendish and his gang, and are ambushed. Four Rangers die but one, who looks dead, actually survives. He makes his way to a brook and puts the cold water on his bandana in order to cool himself from the heat. He is wounded, but alive. An Indian named Tonto (Jay Silverheels) rides up, having come to the canyon to hunt. He finds the “lone” Ranger, and bandages his wound.

The Ranger knows his brother has died, but he decides he must pursue the outlaws and that justice must be achieved. Using some material his brother had, this Ranger fashions a mask and has a grave marked for himself, to fool others into believing he too died in the ambush. He has successfully hidden his identity. But now he will pursue justice as the “Lone Ranger.” Ironically, Tonto had been helped by the man he calls “Kemosabe,” the Lone Ranger, as a boy. He has returned the favor and now becomes companion to the Lone Ranger and his fight for justice. We learn that “Kemosabe” means “Trusty Scout.” Collins, the traitor, survived being shot in the back by his “loyal” boss, Cavendish, and he is still around to possibly cause problems. The Lone Ranger vows to only shoot to defend himself, and it will be to “wound” and “not kill.”

We won’t spoil the ending of the show, but rest assured that the Lone Ranger, his trusty horse Silver, and his loyal companion, Tonto, will pursue the Cavendish gang to make sure the other Rangers did not die in vain. This show features a few victims shot and killed, but without blood. And the birth of a legend who pursues outlaws is nicely crafted in this first exciting episode. It has achieved our Dove seal award, for All Ages.

The Dove Take

This exciting Western with its emphasis on law and justice can be enjoyed by the entire family.