Entranced by her mandolin playing, Caine accompanies little Jodie Foster (as Alethea Patricia Ingram) to a waiting stagecoach. When the coach arrives, an unwelcome gunfight results in Ms. Foster mistakenly believing she sees Caine shoot an innocent man to death. Foster's testimony results in Caine being convicted as a murderer. Although she likes Caine (she cannot understand why he did it), Foster is compelled to tell the truth. And, Caine supports her honesty. Will it result in Caine's death by hanging?
Carradine and Foster are excellent; they make the somewhat uncertain story believable. Perhaps the oddest moment is when Carradine seems to sigh regretfully when a "lie" saves his life. The episode challenges perceptions about truth. At least, it ends well; how could it not? Of the fine "Kung Fu" supporting cast, Radames Pera (as the younger Caine) is featured well. With Foster and Pera highlighted, grasshoppers rule the day.
****** Alethea (3/15/73) John Badham ~ David Carradine, Jodie Foster, Radames Pera