Dan Brooks
Dan Brooks
Played by JACK LORD
Annalee Cannon's younger stepbrother, Dan
Brooks, is a most disturbing character. Only appearing once in "The
Kinsman," he leaves a lasting impression and contrast between the
stepbrother and sister. Brought up in Missouri, Annalee practically
raised Dan, spoiling and indulging him, according to Buck. He ran away
from the family home at an early age, and evidently ran straight into
trouble. By the time he arrives at the Cannon ranch, he is wanted for
murder with bounty hunters hot on his trail.
Dan has the ability to make people like him with his disarming
"aw, shucks" manner. Behind that facade, however, lurks an
accomplished actor and liar. He watches everybody, looking for signs of
weakness or treachery. What is more, he suspects others of being of like
character. Victoria, he believes, is a gold-digger, because that is what
he would do if he were in her shoes. Other people are measured by his
own twisted understanding; he uses them without compunction if it will
benefit him.
His ugly side includes a mocking, taunting tendency that he isn't
afraid of revealing, even to his nephew, Blue, who idolizes him. His
treatment of Blue is somewhat baffling, for when Dan arrives at the High
Chaparral, he is willing to tell Blue anecdotes about Annalee and seems
to enjoy doing it. He knows that Blue resembles his stepsister in his
trusting, kind spirit, and he walks gently with Blue. However, when
trouble crops up, Dan throws everything he can at Blue psychologically
to aid him in his escape.
As viewers, we are never quite sure if Dan Brooks is a good guy gone
bad, or if he was bad from the beginning. He is the antithesis of Annalee, as well as Blue. He is cynical and amoral, a walking object lesson
on what a man should not be, and the darkness of his character provides
a proper backdrop in revealing the goodness of Billy Blue's. (By Lisa McKenzie)
See Jack Lord as Dan Brookes in 1.19 "The
Kinsman".
From "The Kinsman"
