Bonanza

This is a great example of the close knit family relationship portryed in the Cartwrights throughout this series. Ben shows up at the breakfast table with bruises on his face, confessing that he has gotten into a scuffle early that morning, though he won't identify the other party. When their Pa goes upstairs to change his shirt, the boys discuss the fact that Pa still thinks "he's 21 years old" and "as good as the best day he ever saw." They think that Pa should cut down on the "more physical side of things", and spend his time "just supervising". Of course, none of the three wants to be the one to tell their Pa that. The scene in which the boys suggest that the three of them go in search of cattle rustlers who have been plaguing the ranch, with Ben staying home, is not only humerous, but touching, as we see Ben's downcast expression as the boys depart the ranch.



There are also a lot of nice scenes of the closeness of the brothers to each other, as they banter back and forth, while pinned down by the rustlers. We learn that Hoss doesn't like cheese, Adam has been "improving his education" by playing billiards and Hoss can smell Hop Sing's cooking from more than a half days ride away and through a sand storm--even identiying exactly what it is that he is cooking!



We also get a good glimpse of Ben's fatherly instincts for knowing when his boys are in trouble, as well as his determination to find and help them, regardless of the circumstances. Overall, this is a great family episode!