You know what we haven’t seen enough of on this show?
Trespassers. Trespassers and inaccurately represented historical figures.
Luckily, this episode will remedy that, and also provide me with even more
opportunities to drone on about the history of silver mining in Nevada. Because
that’s the part you really come to
read about.
Also, for a fun change, we get to watch an episode that's
frequently criticized by fans of Bonanza
for being boring and terrible. Let’s find out why!
It’s an easy, soft-weathered day along the Ponderosa side of
Lake Tahoe. The sun is shining, the birds are fluttering, we’re looking at an
actual location shot next to a real lake instead of a painting, and everything
is pleasant. The Cartwrights ride up to the scenic vista, in good spirits but
tired. Adam lets us know that it’s hot work moving cattle into the high
country, and Hoss lets us know he’s super mega thirsty.
They all hop down to the shore and start drinking the nice,
clean water. Little Joe almost falls in, but Ben pulls him up in time.
“Careful, Little Joe!” Ben chuckles, “That’s the closest
you’ve come to taking a bath in months!”
First of all, that is disgusting. Second of all, if that’s
the case then Ben should push Joe in there and not let him come out until he’s
clean. Send one of the others home for soap and spare clothes.
