The Big Valley season 3 episode 3 Recap and FAQ

Episode Summary

In a twist of fate, Nick Barkley is tricked into accepting a flock of sheep instead of cattle, sparking tensions in cattle-dominated Northern California. As Nick grapples with his unexpected role as a sheepman, he faces hostility from the local community and his own inner circle. The situation escalates into a physical confrontation, but a stand is made for coexistence between sheep and cattle. Revealing a scheme to leverage the Barkleys' influence for protection, the story weaves through themes of deception, resilience, and the breaking of prejudices, concluding with a message of unity and the potential for change amidst longstanding rivalries.

Full Episode S03E03 Recap

### Introduction - In a bustling saloon filled with cattlemen lamenting the drop in beef prices, a stranger named Josiah Freeman enters, seeking to join a poker game. He meets Nick Barkley, a prominent figure in Northern California, and other cattlemen. Freeman's unusual smell, thanks to his eau de cologne, becomes a point of discussion. ### The Poker Game - Freeman, claiming to be from Halletsburg with a small ranch, joins the poker game. He plays poorly but ends up winning a large pot from Nick Barkley by deceiving him into believing he has a losing hand. Freeman's lack of currency leads him to sign over 20 head of his supposed cattle, the J.F. stock, to Barkley. ### The Surprise Delivery - The next morning, instead of cattle, Freeman delivers sheep to the Barkleys, claiming they are the J.F. stock. The Barkleys are taken aback, as sheep are looked down upon in cattle country. Despite this, Nick is forced to accept the sheep due to the legal transfer. ### Adjusting to Sheep - Nick attempts to get rid of the sheep by driving them to slaughter but faces resistance from his family and the realization that it won't be as easy as he thought. Freeman offers a solution by suggesting they combine his flock with Nick's, providing his expertise in sheepherding in exchange for a place to stay. ### Tensions Rise - Driving the sheep through the town, Nick unintentionally declares himself a sheepman, causing friction with the local cattlemen, including his friend Carl Wheeler. The town's reaction is hostile, culminating in a confrontation where Nick is beaten. ### Confrontation and Resolution - Freeman confesses to Nick that the whole situation was a scheme to get the Barkleys involved in sheepherding for protection. Despite feeling betrayed, Nick decides to stand by the sheep, leading to a showdown with the cattlemen who threaten to kill the flock. A tense standoff ends with the cattlemen backing down, acknowledging the need for coexistence between cattle and sheep in the valley. ### Departure and Reflection - Freeman and his niece Gayle, whom he had been taking care of, prepare to leave the Barkley ranch, having sold the sheep. They express their gratitude to the Barkleys for their hospitality and support through the ordeal. The episode closes on a note of mutual respect and the acknowledgment of the challenges and rewards of facing one's prejudices and adapting to change.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Josiah Freeman?

Josiah Freeman is a stranger who enters a saloon, joins a poker game, and deceives Nick Barkley into winning sheep instead of cattle.

What problem do the cattlemen discuss at the beginning of the episode?

The cattlemen lament the dropping prices of beef, fearing soon they'll have to pay buyers to take their beef.

How does Freeman end up winning the poker game against Nick Barkley?

Freeman deceives Nick by pretending to have a losing hand, which leads Nick to bet more, resulting in Freeman winning the game and owing Nick 20 head of his J.F. stock, which turn out to be sheep.

Why are the Barkleys unhappy with receiving sheep?

The Barkleys are cattlemen, and in cattle country, sheep are looked down upon due to the rivalry between sheepherders and cattlemen.

How does Nick Barkley attempt to resolve the situation with the sheep?

Nick initially plans to drive the sheep to slaughter but faces various obstacles, including family resistance and his own growing responsibility towards them.

What solution does Freeman offer to Nick regarding the sheep?

Freeman suggests combining his flock with Nick's under the pretense that his dog would have no trouble taking care of them, and offers his expertise in exchange for a place to stay.

What leads to the confrontation in the saloon?

Nick's act of driving the sheep through town labels him a sheepman, causing hostility from the local cattlemen and leading to a physical confrontation where he is beaten.

How is the standoff between Nick Barkley and the cattlemen resolved?

The standoff is resolved when the cattlemen, led by Carl Wheeler, back down after realizing the importance of coexistence between cattle and sheep in the valley.

What is Freeman's true motive behind involving the Barkleys with sheep?

Freeman reveals that his scheme was born out of desperation to protect his flock by associating with the powerful Barkley family, thinking it would prevent intimidation from other cattlemen.

How does the episode conclude?

The episode concludes with Freeman and his niece Gayle preparing to leave the Barkley ranch, having sold the sheep, and expressing their gratitude for the Barkleys' support through their ordeal.

The Big Valley season 3 episode 3

A Flock of Trouble