Zorro 1.31 - The Man With The Whip

Plot: A man rides up to the tavern, then casually unspools a whip and splits the hat of some poor fellow sleeping on the steps, all so he can demand that guy take his horse to a stable. Then he enters the inn to request a room. Sgt. Garcia notices, and attempts to determine the man's name, and his purpose in coming to Los Angeles. He gets his name - Carlos Murietta - from the register, but beyond that, all he gets is a bunch of static and disrespect. Flustered and embarrassed, Garcia is beckoned over by Diego, and they discuss Murietta. Diego mentions that man wears the hat of an Argentine gaucho, but does not speak Spanish as one from that region. Upstairs, Murietta awaits the arrival of the owner of a local tannery, Jose Mordante. When he arrives, we learn they both serve the Eagle, and Murietta and his brother stole many gems, and are having them shipped here, hidden among a load of hides for the tanner. They head downstairs for a drink, and Mordante's presence answers the sergeant's questions, so he departs as young Don Rudolfo enters, for the purpose of gazing at the barmaid Maria wistfully.

At this stages, Murietta ups his dickishness. He compliments Maria, then uses it as an excuse to try and force a kiss from her. Rudolfo steps in, and finds himself quickly up against a wall with a sword to his throat. Diego intercedes, pointing out Rudolfo's unarmed, then the kid throws down the gauntlet, after smacking Murietta across the face with it. So it's swords at dawn, except Rudolfo knows nothing about them. Diego brings him home to have Bernardo try to train him up, but it's clear Rudolfo has no chance, and will not back down. So Zorro pays Murietta a visit. They duel a bit, Zorro outclassing him easily, eventually wounding him on the hand, and also spying the eagle feather in Carlos' hat.The next morning, Rudolfo, Diego, and Bernardo learn Murietta is unable to meet them, as he cut his hand shaving his mustache. So the duel is off, and the hot-headed youth survives to walk off through town with Maria.

Quote of the Episode: Rudolfo - 'There are some thing worse than death, Don Diego.' Diego - 'But few so permanent, my friend.'

Times Zorro marks a "Z": 0 (13 overall).

Other: So the previous innkeeper, the older, bald gent with the white mustache, is once again running things. I wonder what the protocol is back then for acquiring property seized from someone guilty of conspiring against the crown? Was there an auction? Did they determine it was acquired with illegal funds and give it back, but force the guy to give up the money? Anyway, he's back, and so is Maria, who we haven't seen in awhile. Since maybe back when Monastario was still around?

I like Zorro spending at least part of the fight sitting in a chair. Murietta enjoys humiliating people, picking on those he sees as weaker than him, with no chance of defending themselves. Let him see that contempt directed towards him, by someone who chooses not to try and scare him, but fights so casually, so blithely, Murietta has no chance but to recognize his inferiority and weakness in comparison. Not that Murietta will learn anything from it - I'd guess he's a villain destined to end up dead, probably after trying a cheap trick or backstab - but it's nice to see.

Also, I kind of like Zorro as the other, less official, half of the town welcoming committee. You have Sergeant Garcia, who is very polite, and not terribly forceful, but does represent the law. And then you have Zorro, who's there to remind you not to be a jerk or a crook (and to keep you windows closed and locked).