The Crucible

Season 3, Episode 28, Aired
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Episode Summary

Adam retreats to the wilderness for some peace following an exhausting cattle drive. There's no relaxing as he's robbed, stripped of his clothes, and left to die by a couple of outlaws. Attempting to make the dangerous trip to Signal Rock on foot, he meets a crazy prospector, Peter Kane. In exchange for helping him work his claim, Kane promises Adam his mule. Kane does not fulfill his promise.moreless
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Fan Episode Reviews (2)

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  • Lee Marvin and Pernell Roberts on the same screen - smokin'!

    9.2
    "Superb"
    By millerem99, Jun 28, 2007 Report Abuse
    This is one of my favorite Bonanza episodes, and I believe it was rumored to be the favorite of Pernell Roberts as well. Script and acting are superb, and talk about some of the greatest names to wear six-shooters...

    (Speaking of Lee Marvin's performance, he is best known for his roles in The Dirty Dozen, among others. However, The Man Who Shot Liberty Valence is very worthwhile, if you have not seen it)moreless

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  • Who is the better man? Decent but born to wealth Adam Cartwright (Pernell Roberts) or tough, rugged, born in poverty Lee Marvin.

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    "Perfect"
    By BRIAN112948, Jul 23, 2005 Report Abuse
    Adam Cartwright (Pernell Roberts) was born to wealth. Guest star Lee Marvin's character was born in poverty. Adam Cartwright is a kind, honest, educated, decent man while Marvin is a tough,low life thug. Who is truly the better man? If Adam was born poor, would he be like Marvin. Adam and Marvin wind up alone in the desert, struggling to survive. The theme of the episode is who is the better man, but the subtext is who is the better actor-Roberts or Marvin. Both were marvelous, but Marvin in his prime was one of the true greats.moreless

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Trivia, Notes, Quotes and Allusions

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  • Trivia

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    • The towns of Eastgate and Salt Flats are mentioned. Edit
    • Goof: You can see that Michael Landon is wearing a bathing suit in the bath scene. Edit

  • Notes

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    • German episode title: "Adam geht durch die Hölle", meaning "Adam Goes Through Hell". Edit
    • This episode was one of Pernell Roberts' personal favorites, as it gave him the best opportunity to showcase his acting abilities. Edit
    • Featured Cartwright: Adam Edit

  • Quotes

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    • Joe: (to Cochise) Well Cochise, we can either sit around this rock pile or we can start out looking for him. What do you wanna do? (Cochise just stands there) Joe: Oh that's right, you don't talk before you've had your morning coffee. Edit
    • Hoss: Pa, that's flattery...but I'm afraid that flattery is going to get at my back before it gets to my head. Edit
    • Adam: Look Joe, a man is responsible for what he does. He, ahh, loses control of himself, he has to be punished for it. That's the way it is. Joe: Yeah. Just wondered if you'd feel that way if you were in Obadiah's shoes. Adam: Well...I can never be in Obadiah's shoes because nobody could ever drive me to murder, with one exception. Joe: Oh yeah who's that? Adam: You! Edit

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