1x15 The Night of the Fatal Trap - The Wild Wild West Episode Guide

The Wild Wild West

- Episode 01x15

Episode: 01x15
Title: The Night of the Fatal Trap
Type: Regular Episode
Production Code: 3224-0104
First Aired: Dec. 24, 1965

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DATE: Ivan Pavlov developed the theory of the "conditioned reflex" in the 1890s, for which he received the Nobel Prize in 1904 - decades after the 1870s series time line. While Dr. Arcularis never mentions Pavlov by name, only making reference to a brilliant young European scientist, he does refer to the scientist's work by the name later attributed to Pavlov's studies - "the conditioned reflex". While deliberate anachronisms are the forte of the series, especially where the prescience of Dr. Loveless is concerned, Dr. Arcularis' citing by name the physiological study of the conditioned reflex is more along the lines of a goof.
DATE: Tennyson makes mention of "hazardous duty pay" and "combat pay". These are terms and concepts of augmented pay over and above a soldier's regular pay that did not exist in the 19th century.
FAKE: A newspaper clipping in Linda's possession is used as a plot device to reveal that the undercover West's true identity is in jeopardy. The clipping shown is a modern style newspaper clipping that includes a casual snapshot of a smiling and laughing West and his date at a Washington gala. Completely atypical of period newspapers and print photographs. Photographs were rarely used in period newspapers, being reserved mostly for important events and even then, the photograph would have the characteristics of the stern stark portraiture common to this period.

This episode is the last of Charles Davis' four appearances as Tennyson, Jim West and Artemus Gordon's English manservant, who in addition to acting as their valet occasionally (as in this episode) assisted them in their missions.

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