Bonanza

A favorite of mine as Hoss has many moments where his honesty, integrity, and overall character are put to the test and in each instance he shows himself to be a true man of honor, selfless and heroic in many different ways. As the episode begins we see Hoss shyly courting Cameo Johnson, and his sweetness and innocence are highlighted in humorous fashion by director Robert Altman. Later Hoss is witness to his friend Jim Applegate in the company of an apparent lynch mob, and as Hoss struggles with his conscience whether to protect his close friend who may actually be innocent, it turns out that Jim is also his romantic rival for Cameo's affections. This element adds another layer to Hoss' dilemma, as he wants to do what is right, though his testimony may appear as jealous false accusations. Through it all we see Hoss trying to balance his honesty with his loyalty, as well as his affection with public perceptions. Later, when Hoss overhears Cameo profess her love for the more handsome Jim over Hoss, we see him struggle again with the heartbreak of her betrayal in the face of his choice to act lawfully and do what he knows is right. His character shines through even more when Jim and Cameo run off together and after Jim gets captured, Cameo returns to ask Hoss for his help to rescue Jim. Even after being rejected, Hoss decides to show his strength of character by helping his rival and his betraying sweetheart despite his own broken heart. The episode climaxes when Jim is hanged from a tree and Hoss holds him up and supports his weight to save him, and even under the threat of death and being shot, Hoss refuses to abandon Jim, the ex-friend and possible murderer who stole his sweetheart away. Dan Blocker really gave a great performance and showed why Hoss is such a lovable character - honest, tender, and heroic even in the face of rejection and betrayal. Also, watch for the moment Hoss gets shot, in a quick cut-away edit, Hoss' shirt goes from normal to shredded by the force of the bullet!