Cheyenne

'Cheyenne' is a classic western television show that aired on the ABC network, not MTV as initially stated, from 1955 to 1963. The series explores the life of a rugged, solitary drifter named Cheyenne Bodie who, as an infant, was the only survivor of an Indian attack on a wagon train. Cheyenne is a tall and charismatic figure, played by Clint Walker, who wanders from town to town in the American Western landscape of the late 1800s.

The show was the first hour-long dramatic series to be produced for television and was a major hit, perhaps due to its innovative format and compelling storylines that captivated its audience. Structured in an anthology-like format, each episode told a standalone narrative centered around Cheyenne’s character, focusing on a different time and place in the West, introducing new characters and situations.

Cheyenne Bodie, the title character, is an archetype of the lone cowboy hero, fundamentally righteous and often pitting himself against the injustices of the day. He fought the corrupt and helped the oppressed, leading a nomadic lifestyle typical of many characters in the Western genre. Raised by Cheyenne Native Americans after his family was massacred, Cheyenne therefore shares a unique and close bond with Native Americans, forging a more complex character that sheds light on the cultural tensions of the time.

Throughout the series, viewers will come on a journey with Cheyenne as he takes on various jobs throughout the American West. He does everything from driving wagon trains and working as a scout to serving in the army. Despite his imposing physique, Bodie is shown to be thoughtful and intelligent, often outsmarting his enemies instead of using sheer physical prowess.

The show's episodes were a mix of high drama, with fights and gunplay, and more quiet, character-driven narratives. Not only does 'Cheyenne' offer thrilling Western action, but it also presents a perspective on the moral and social issues of the time. This includes themes like racism, corruption, and the terrors of war, which were interwoven into the plotlines of the series.

'Cheyenne' is unique in its depiction of indigenous American culture. As Bodie was raised by the Cheyenne tribe following the destruction of his family's wagon train, he remained respectful and understanding of Native American traditions and peoples. In a time when many Western TV shows and movies depicted Native Americans in a stereotypical light, 'Cheyenne' endeavored to portray a more nuanced and respectful image, highlighting the struggles, injustices, and complexities of life for Native American people during that time.

In between his adventures, the audience sees Cheyenne grappling with the loneliness of his existence. These moments lend a depth to his character rarely seen in similar Westerns of the time. While he often finds friendship and occasionally romance, he is essentially a solitary figure, always moving on to the next town and the next adventure.

The character of Cheyenne Bodie was known for his distinctively deep, powerful voice, and commanding physical presence, standing 6 feet 6 inches tall. Clint Walker, who portrayed the character in the show, went on to star in many other television series and films, primarily Westerns, and Cheyenne remains one of his most recognizable and iconic roles.

'Cheyenne' was a revolutionary television show of its era and established many of the tropes we associate with the Western genre. An entertaining mix of action, adventure, and drama, the series has held up over time, still maintaining its charm and appeal many decades after it first premiered.