THE BIG VALLEY
The Big Valley remains a big hit 55 years and 112 episodes after the beloved Western last aired on prime-time television. The Emmy-winning saga—an INSP exclusive—chronicles the Barkleys, a close-knit, prestigious family, who use their power to help less fortunate homesteaders struggling to make their way in Stockton, California, from 1884 to 1888.
The show picks up six years after the death of successful rancher Thomas Barkley. Plots range from everyday actions and adventures related to keeping the Barkley Ranch humming along to pulling together as family to defend their land against swindlers and thieves.
The show breaks ground in many ways but perhaps most importantly in that it showcased a strong female lead. Portrayed by actress Barbara Stanwyck, wealthy widow Victoria Barkley strives to keep a tight hold on the reins despite having two grown sons and a half-brother. Sophisticated and intelligent, Victoria is as comfortable wearing jeans, a shirt and cowboy boots as she is donning a frilly dress.
She may be tough and opinionated, but she also has a big heart. She loves her children and welcomes Heath, her late husband’s illegitimate son, with open arms as her own.
Family interactions at times play out like a soap opera with spurs.
— Eldest Barkley son Jarrod Barkley is a renowned attorney and refined gentleman, who exudes impeccable manners and a sense of cool and calm. Though educated in the law, he is not above doling out frontier justice should a situation demand it. Jarrod handles the family’s legal and business dealings.
— Nick Barkley is loud, boisterous and more likely to settle an argument with fists rather than words. Dashing in his black leather vest, hat and gloves, Nick cares deeply for his family. He is carefree with a good sense of humor, sensitive and well-read, and in charge of the day-to-day work on the ranch.
— Audra Barkley is cut from the same cloth as her progressive mother. She is bold and can hold her own against the menfolk. She is an accomplished rider who demonstrates skills that might unseat many men. Though something of a tomboy, she is beautiful, fashionable and kind-hearted.
— Heath Barkley, the illegitimate son of Victoria’s late husband, is not easily accepted at first into the tight-knit Barkley clan. But he eventually proves his worth and is respected as one of the Barkley boys. He even begins to call Victoria mother.