The key reason I have a difficult time recommending The Wild Wild West to friends, as much as I love the series, is “The Night of the Juggernaut.” As sure as the world, this will be the first episode they see and it will tait their opinion forever. About the only thing worse that could happen is if their first impression is the 1999 Will Smith movie. Damage control is difficult with both.Jim and Artie head to New Mexico to determine why farmers are being driven off their land. When they get there, they discover farmers are being terrorized and that steam powered, orange and yellow tank pictured above. I kid you not. The Juggernautt, as it is called, was created by a wealthy landowner who has discovered huge oil deposits underneath the property of every dirt poor farmer in the area. He does not want to share the potential fortune.
Our heroes foil his plan, destroy the Juggernaut after taking it for the requisite spin around the block, and ensures all the farmers get their due from oil revenues. One even finds true love for good measure. I am sure the fact he is now wealthy has othig to do with it.
You do not have to look too closely to realize the town of Grey Ridge is redecorated sets from Gunsmkoe. There use is not for the first time, either.
The plot is decent and well executed. Artie’s disguise as a over the top Texas land baron buying up all the farmers’ property is one of his most amusing. The problem is the Juggernaut. It is such a dumb idea done so poorly, it is the only part of the episode which does not fly. Otherwise, it is quite good.
Rating: *** (out of 5)
