Glenn Ford, starring in his first weekly television series as Sam Cade, a modern-day sheriff in the Southwest, becomes the target of guest star Darren McGavin, playing a boyhood pal of Cade's who is now a professional killer hired to eliminate the sheriff before he can testify in the trial of a major underworld figure, in the premiere episode of "Cade's County" Sunday, Sept. 19, 1971 (9:30-10:30 pm., EDT) on the CBS Television Network.As part of his plan to get rid of Cade, Courtney Vernon (McGavin) latches on to Ginny Lomax, an old girl friend who looks on the free-wheeling Vernon as a one-way ticket out of her drab existence. Loretta Swit appears as Ginny.
Jack Pilgrim appears to be a peaceful citizen of Madrid City, deeply integrated into the community. However, as Sam Cade gradually uncovers the truth, he learns that Pilgrim is actually an undercover agent working for an enemy country, with a sabotage mission that could have dire consequences.
David Wayne portrays a wino who has trouble convincing the district attorney that he saw his friend killed. Sam Cade's investigation turns up two very influential businessmen as suspects and endangers his career as sheriff.
Sam Cade, the sheriff of Madrid County, discovers that a drug dealer has been attacked. Believing this incident is part of a larger conflict, he interrogates the dealer and concludes from their conversation that two gangs are preparing for an open confrontation.
