Thursday Television Review: The Big Valley

The Big Valley (1965-1969)

Starring: Richard Long, Peter Breck, Lee Majors, Linda Evans, Eugene Briles, Barbara Stanwyck, and Napoleon Whiting

Summary

The Barkley’s are the leading family in Stockton, California. Tom Barkley started his ranch from nothing and built it up into the finest, richest ranch in the valley. Unfortunately, he was killed when he decided to take on the railroad from ruining the valley and stealing land from the people. Victoria Barkley (Barbara Stanwyck) is his widow, and together with her children, she continues on the Barkley Ranch.

The Barkley Brothers

Victoria is always ready to help a neighbor, give sage advice to one of her children, or stand up for what’s right, Victoria is a strong woman. She is the trusted friend of many and a leading citizen in the valley community. Though her heart is pulled in every direction when one of her children is in a difficult situation, she wants them to learn and grow for themselves and won’t baby them. Nevertheless, if danger is involved, she would risk her all in order to save her child. Having seen the Valley built from nothing to the amazing place it is now, she understands what it’s like to have nothing and to have everything.

Audra and Victoria

Eugene (Charles Briles) is the youngest of the Barkley children and is often away at medical school. Although the youngest, he is accepted by his older brothers as equal and partakes in the strong pride that is Barkley. Having a good education, Eugene often surprises his family with new ideas and experiments. Indeed, the family is often skeptical of some of his new-found medical ideas, but he doesn’t give up and will prove himself in good time.

Eugene with his sister and mother

Audra is the beautiful one in the Barkley family, younger than most of her brothers, yet always trying to grow up quicker. She adores each of her brothers, but is particularly fond of Nick, with whom she shares a similar personality. Audra won’t take an insult from anyone and would gladly fight them tooth and nail to prove her distaste. Yet, inside, she is sweet and cares for her family, worrying for her brothers in their tumultuous life. She has pride in the Barkley name and is almost the pride of the Barkley family. Audra often cooks for the family meals, but is still working on getting a tasty meal out.

The beautiful Audra

Heath (Lee Majors) is a man of mystery in many ways. He is the illegitimate child of Tom Barkley, due to an incident years ago. Upon the death of his mother, he determines that he wants to live the life he should as a Barkley. He doesn’t just want money, he wants family and to partake in the hard work of taking care of the Barkley ranch. Although skeptical at first, the family recognizes the truth and accepts Heath as their son and brother. It is not unusual to find Nick and Heath together, running the ranch and standing up to anyone who would harm them. Nick is quiet, but firm and won’t stand for evil. However, when he won’t defend himself from someone who puts him down for his heritage, Nick will take care of it, because Nick sees Heath as his full-fledged brother. A lot is unknown about Heath’s past, but one thing is for sure, he loves his family and would truly give up anything for them.

Strong, but quiet Heath

Saying that Nick (Peter Breck) is calm and quiet would not be accurate. Nick has a fire-filled personality and will take nothing from anyone, especially if it’s something against his brother Heath, or against the Barkley family, in general. To him, fists solve many problems, many times causing Jarrod to need to intervene. Nick is hardworking and believes in taking the first step, often astride his trusty horse, Coco. Deep down inside, however, Nick has a heart of gold and is very sweet to children and women in distress. The loud voice in the family, it is not uncommon to hear his booming voice from across the ranch. Nick runs the ranch is in charge of its management, hiring, and firing.

Jarrod and Nick

Jarrod (Richard Long), the eldest of the Barkley children, is a lawyer. He is the best in the valley, Jarrod is a man who is intent on bringing justice where it needs to be and is never willing to give up on someone. He has compassion for those around him and will find a way to solve a case. He is oftentimes needed to help his brothers in a jam and would willingly do anything for his family. Jarrod is the only of the brothers to have married, however, it is short-lived, because lawyers make enemies. One particular enemy murders Mrs. Jarrod Barkley and sends Jarrod into a trial of his own. Through the ups and downs of life, Jarrod always has the support of his brothers, who stand by his side. Victoria has a special soft spot in her heart for Jarrod, she understands him and feels for him when he is faced with a difficulty. Jarrod handles the affairs of the family and the ranch.

Jarrod, the lawyer

Silas (Napoleon Whiting) is the Barkley family’s faithful butler. He helps manage the home, provide meals, and generally keep things running smoothly for Mrs. Barkley. Silas is loyal and devoted, seeing the Barkley’s as part of his own family. Keen on helping to protect the family, he often worries for the family when they get into scrapes of their own.

Silas, the Butler

Review

The Big Valley is a unique television show that takes the attention away from one individual and places it across at least six characters. Similar in style to the other popular television program, Bonanza, there are many opportunities for vast storylines.

The Barkley Family

The Big Valley attempted to tackle some of the hard issues that were facing society in the 1960s, but that few people would talk about. Starting the series off with a bang, we are introduced to one of the main characters, Heath Barkley, who is the illegitimate child of Tom Barkley. Taking on this issue, when many people were having children out of wedlock, was a bold statement. The unique aspect of the show, is that although the show attempts to dance around the subject of his situation, the family works hard to accept Heath as one of their own. Yes, there is a major problem, their father made a big mistake, but Heath can’t help who he is. The family takes him in and loves him, treating him as more of a Barkley than he sometimes treats himself. Not praising what their father did, but understanding that they need to move on.

The Tall Barkley Brothers

Many of the episodes are based around Heath, who offers so many opportunities for interesting plots. Whether it’s a friend from his past, a story from his war years, or someone out to pull him down, the series took advantage of this situation.

Heath and Audra

Yet, The Big Valley spreads far and wide in their plots, involving each of the characters and most often, they are experiencing a major issue that was being tackled in modern day. A subtle way for writers to spread a message, by using television as a cover. Mental illness, racism, emotions, political evil, and new ideas are all covered.

Nick and Heath

A fun series to watch in that it emphasizes the family and not a singular person. The devotion, love, and care that is presented allows the viewer to partake in the family unit! Also, be on the lookout for a myriad of guest stars throughout the four seasons.

Ellen Nolan