Zorro (1957)/Slaves of the Eagle

Slaves of the Eagle
Season 1, Episode 16
Airdate	January 23, 1958
Written by
Directed by
← 1x15 Garcia Stands Accused	1x17 → Sweet Face of Danger
Zorro (1957) — Season One

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Slaves of the Eagle is the sixteenth episode of the first season of Zorro.

Guest Stars:

Plot Overview

Another scheme masterminded by the mysterious Eagle,takes place when the Tax Collector is forced to hand over his credentials by the henchmen of the former.The plan is to force the peons into slavery,working in the Sierra Mines.Diago who is present watches as a friend of his,is put into the Pueblos jail along with other peons.This happens because they are unable to pay the outrageous taxes put upon them by the phony Tax Collector.Learning of the high taxes,Diago offers to pay the taxes for everyman in jail.However,the phony Tax Collector says "NO',sparking Diagos suspicion as to another secret plot,just like the previous plots.He talks to the Magistrato(for whom he had already suspected of being part of a secret conspiracy).The Magistrato tells Diago that the men who are unable to pay the exorbinate tax are to be sold to a Mining Contractor.This according to the States Law when people are unable to pay their taxes.The Men are to be taken to the Mines the following day.Later in the evening,the Peons all sing song,or perhaps it is a song-call to Zorro for help.While this is happening the Contractor is talking to the three henchmen of the Eagle as to the price of the Peons.The Contractor fears that Zorro might rescue the Peons,and therefore he(The Contractor) will have no workers,and no Money.What he proposes is for the three henchmen to accompany him to the Pass,and if Zorro has not interferred by then,The Contractor will pay.The three Henchmen agree.Diago tries to figure why would the Tax Collector charge such exorbinate rates to the obviously poor Peons?.Then it hits both Diago,and Bernardo.This Man may be an imposter.Diago test this idea when he dangos the Eagles feather in front of the phony Tax Collector when explaining the De La Vega's Tax payment from the year before.Having watched the the phony tax collectors reaction,and the fact that the De La Vega's do not have to pay taxes for this year,Diago is convinced of the phony tax collector involvement in the Eagle's conspiracy.With this information,Zorro will ride,and rescue the Peons.Diago is not the only one.Seragent Garcia who is also outraged by the exorbinate tax,attempts a rescue.He dresses in a similar Zorro Costume,but blows the attempt thereby forcing Diago,with the help of Bernardo to come up with a plan to rescue the Peons the next day.With the unexpectant help from the chained Peons,Diago is able to defeat the three henchmen who were guarding the prisoners.The Men are all free,and the the three henchmen are chained.The Contractor who with several of his men had been chasing whom they thought was Zorro(Bernardo in disguise)had returned to find the chained men.With no money,and no men to work the Mines,the Contractor decides to use the Henchmen to work the Mines in the hopes of compensating him.Still chained the three men are led to the Mines.Later,as Diago,and Bernardo return to their secret hideout,Diago thinks more of the recent events that has been going on.He is convinced that some secret person is masterminding a plot to cause misery to the Citizens of California.Diago wants to find out who,and why.

Notes

With each episode of the Eagles Storyline,we learn more,and more about the plot to take over the Goevernment of California.Diago is convinced that the People are in as much a target as the Military.

Arc Advancement

Happenings

The real Tax Collector is held up,and robbed of his Credentials.Diago teaches Bernardo some fencing moves.The Peons are led away to the Mines.The Magistrato explains to Diago the Law concerning Taxes,and those who cannot pay.

Characters

Diago De La Vega(aka Zorro),Bernardo,Sergeant Garcia,Maria,Gomez.

Trivia

Anthony George will appear again on a later episode.

Allusions and References

Diago is reminded by Bernardo of the Eagle's Feather when Diago becomes suspicious of the phony Tax Collector.Because of the attempts to enslave the Peons,Diago is convinced that the Peole are targeted as much as the Military.Diago recalls the previous plots,one the assassination of the new Commandante,and two the attempted execution of Sergeant Garcia.

Memorable Moments

The attempt by the real Tax Collector to escape Gomez,and the phony Tax Collector.Both the real Tax Collector,and his nephew who is also part of the Conspiracy are thrown from their Carriage.Sergeant Garcia dressed like Zorro,in an attempt to free the Prisoners in jail.The look on the phony tax Collectors face when Diago explains the De La Vegas taxes from a year before.The Peons singing about Zorro in Jail.The The three Henchmen including Gomez being led away to the Mines.

Quotes

Diago to Bernardo:"First,I thought it was a Plot against the Military,but now we know it's bigger"."It is a plot against the people".Why does one feather spells death to one person,and lower taxes for another?"Someone has deliberately set up a deliberate plot to cause misery,and destuction"."And,it is up to us to find out who,and why".