As far as genre fiction legends are concerned, William Shatner is near the top for his part as Captain James T. Kirk in the original Star Trek series. However, in the decades following his time as Kirk (a role that would define his entire career), Shatner pivoted from the far future to the (relatively) recent past for How the West Was Won. No, not the theatrically-released feature film that featured John Wayne, James Stewart, and Henry Fonda. We’re talking about the three-season television drama headlined by Gunsmoke star James Arness. And boy, did Shatner deliver in this harrowing Western tale.

William Shatner Stands Out In This Fabulous Performance on ‘How the West Was Won’

Appearing in the second season of the underrated three-season Western drama, Shatner shows up briefly at the end of “Orville Gant” as Captain Robert Harrison. However, it’s his performance in the following episode, “Amnesty,” that is especially of note. After mountain man Zeb Macahan (Arness) saves Beth Harrison (Vera Miles of Psycho fame), an old flame of his from decades earlier, he follows her to her secluded mountain home, where he encounters the old Union captain. As it turns out, Harrison, who had been presumed dead by the army after a Native American massacre, was blinded as a result of a battle against the group of warriors who had kidnapped Beth. As a result, Harrison has become somewhat suicidal, wishing to die or for Beth to leave him, despite her remaining faithful in the 20 years since.

Shatner is genuinely powerful here, showing off his dramatic acting chops and reminding audiences that he can play the serious part just as well (and perhaps even better than) his more pulp-inspired characters. The moment he recalls the battle that resulted in his blindness, there’s an intense shift in the way Shatner presents himself. His stone-cold demeanor captivates the viewer, and even the sound design changes so that we spiral into the captain’s uneasy headspace, hearing the horrors of war that he recalls every day of his life. It’s a brilliant technique that adds to the depth of his words as he meditates on the incident that has driven him nearly to madness and informed his life for the last two decades since. What Shatner is able to do here with this powerful monologue is indeed fantastic. “You know, the more I’m around you, Captain, the less I like you,” Zeb tells him the moment they meet, but Harrison feels the opposite.

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While the Star Trek icon may not be traditionally associated with the Western genre (though the franchise certainly delved into Old West territory, and no wonder, as Gene Roddenberry wrote for Have Gun — Will Travel before creating Star Trek), this is one performance that stands out among the rest of his filmography. It reminds us that there has always been more to Shatner than his work in the science fiction genre, be it as Captain Kirk or in The Twilight Zone. As Captain Harrison, Shatner dove deeper into the psychological recesses of the American frontier, highlighting some of the most uncomfortable aspects of westward expansion while exploring the deep-seated issues of a man who has failed to let go of his last battle.

‘How the West Was Won’ Was Notable For Its Impressive Guest Stars

After launching with a made-for-TV feature titled The Macahans, How the West Was Won was picked up as an official series by ABC soon after Gunsmoke came to a close. In that time, the Western epic pulled in plenty of big names for guest stints in its 28 separate 90-minute episodes. From classical Western TV stars like Lloyd Bridges of The Loner fame and Jack Elam of The Dakotas to other big stars like Christopher Lee and Michael Conrad from Hill Street Blues. While William Shatner was one of the biggest of these names (barring Lee, of course, who played a visiting Russian politician), there was never any shortage of recognizable faces on the late ’70s Western program. For goodness’ sake, Tron legend Bruce Boxleitner was one of its leading stars, as was Fionnula Flanagan in the second and third seasons.

Although not a man known for venturing too often into Western territory — save for movies like White Comanche and some guest appearances on Gunsmoke, The Virginian, and The Big Valley — William Shatner proved his ability within the genre here on How the West Was Won. Without even leaving the confines of his hidden cabin home, Shatner’s Captain Harrison made such an impact on the series in his brief 20-minutes of screentime that he’s still talked about by fans all these years later.

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Princess Kate Middleton made her first public appearance since her uncle-in-law Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was arrested for alleged misconduct.

Kate, 44, stepped out at the Guinness Six Nations rugby match between England and Ireland at London’s Allianz Stadium on Saturday, February 21. The Princess of Wales, the patron of English rugby, sported a royal blue peacoat with a team scarf for the occasion.

“Congratulations Ireland ☘️,” Kate wrote via Instagram after the game, which the Irish team ultimately won 42-21. “Always a pleasure to see @englandrugby in action at Twickenham @sixnationsrugby.”

Kate’s outing comes two days after Andrew, 66, was arrested for allegedly engaging in illegal misconduct while serving in public office.

Related: Prince William, Kate Middleton Support King Charles After Andrew’s Arrest

Prince William and Princess Kate Middleton are standing firm with King Charles III following Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s arrest. The Prince and Princess of Wales will not be issuing their own statement regarding the royal family drama, Us Weekly understands that the couple is in full support of Charles’ statement. News broke on Thursday, February 19, that […]

“Following a thorough assessment, we have now opened an investigation into this allegation of misconduct in public office,” Thames Valley Police Assistant Chief Constable Oliver Wright said in a Thursday, February 19, statement. “It is important that we protect the integrity and objectivity of our investigation as we work with our partners to investigate this alleged offense. We understand the significant public interest in this case, and we will provide updates at the appropriate time.”

The Thames Valley police department further told the BBC that they were investigating claims that Andrew shared confidential information with late disgraced financier and convicted pedophile Jeffrey Epstein while serving as a U.K. trade envoy. The charges have not been publicly revealed nor has the former Duke of York addressed the allegations. He was released from police custody within hours of his arrest.

Kate and her husband, Prince William, did not immediately address Andrew’s arrest. Us Weekly learned later on Thursday that the couple didn’t plan to release a statement.

William’s father, King Charles III, did put out a statement in light of the scandal.

“I have learned with the deepest concern the news about Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and suspicion of misconduct in public office,” Charles, 77, said, referring to his brother. “What now follows is the full, fair and proper process by which this issue is investigated in the appropriate manner and by the appropriate authorities. In this, as I have said before, they have our full and wholehearted support and cooperation.”

The monarch concluded, “Let me state clearly: the law must take its course. As this process continues, it would not be right for me to comment further on this matter. Meanwhile, my family and I will continue in our duty and service to you all.”

Andrew was stripped of his titles in October 2025 over his resurfaced associations with Epstein, who died by suicide in 2019 in jail while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges.

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Related: Why Was Prince Andrew Arrested? Charges Explained, Royal Family’s Reaction

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was arrested at his Sandringham estate in Norfolk, England, on Thursday, February 19 — his 66th birthday. The United Kingdom’s Thames Valley Police confirmed that they had “arrested a man in his sixties from Norfolk on suspicion of misconduct in public office.” While they did not reveal the suspect’s identity, due to national […]

“Prince Andrew will now be known as Andrew Mountbatten Windsor. His lease on Royal Lodge has, to date, provided him with legal protection to continue in residence,” a statement shared with Us at the time read. “Formal notice has now been served to surrender the lease and he will move to alternative private accommodation. These censures are deemed necessary, notwithstanding the fact that he continues to deny the allegations against him.”

Andrew was previously accused of sexual assault by Virginia Giuffre, who died in 2025, after they were allegedly set up by an associate of Epstein’s decades earlier. Andrew vehemently denied the accusations and settled with Giuffre out of court for an undisclosed sum.

If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673). If you or someone you know is experiencing child abuse, call or text Child Help Hotline at 1-800-422-4453.