Watch Bonanza: Dark Star

Bonanza: Dark Star was an episode from the first season of the popular Western television series, Bonanza, which aired on NBC in 1960. The hour-long episode offered a gripping storyline, where a family was pitted against each other in a battle for inheritance rights.

The main plot revolved around the Cartwright family, who were the owners of the Ponderosa ranch. The family comprises Ben Cartwright (Lorne Greene), the patriarch of the family, and his three sons, Adam (Pernell Roberts), Hoss (Dan Blocker), and Little Joe (Michael Landon). In this particular episode, the Cartwrights receive news about the death of a distant relative, who was a renowned gambler and a notorious troublemaker in his time.

The deceased relative, named Matthew Rush, had a considerable reputation as a gunfighter, and his passing was soon followed by the arrival of his daughter, Lorna (Sue Randall). Lorna reveals that her father had left behind a will, which stated that whoever could outdraw her in a gunfight would inherit all of his fortune. Adding to the complications of the matter, Lorna was undoubtedly skilled with a gun, thus leaving the Cartwrights in a dilemma.

To make matters worse, Lorna’s uncle, Jed Andrews (Charles Aidman), who had wanted to inherit his brother’s fortune, arrives with a group of hired gunmen to help Lorna “win” the gunfight. Ultimately, the Cartwrights find themselves roped into the contest, with Little Joe agreeing to take on Lorna, much against his family’s wishes.

The episode showcased some of the finest talents of the actors in the main cast. Lorne Greene was superb in his portrayal of the head of the family, a wise and just man who was caught in the middle of a conflict that threatened to tear his family apart. Pernell Roberts demonstrated his prowess as an artist, highlighting the character's intelligence and careful approach to solving problems. He proves to be the most strategic of the Cartwrights, considering every possible angle as the family faces off against Lorna and her uncle.

Dan Blocker was hilarious as Hoss, who was unaware of his imposing size and was often involved in comic relief. He provided a perfect balance to the serious plot of the episode. Finally, Michael Landon shined as Little Joe, who was persuaded to participate in the gunfight by Lorna’s charms yet coming to realize the egregious error in the decision, his character complemented Lorna's arc perfectly.

The episode is famous for its tense gunfight sequence, shot with precision and skill. The bright Montana sunlight provided a fitting backdrop to the intense drama, playing off of the Cartwrights' gold rush-era clothing and Lorna's bright and beautiful dresses. The scene was done with remarkable accuracy, highlighting the true grit of both Lorna and Little Joe, as they faced off in a battle of nerves and wits.

Bonanza: Dark Star showcased the many talents of the cast, providing an intriguing and action-packed episode. The episode balanced the moral conflicts of the Cartwright family with brilliant action and romance, making it one of the best showcases of the early years of Bonanza. The delicate handling of the nuanced characters and a beautifully shot climactic scene made this particular episode worth the watch even decades after its premiere.

In conclusion, Bonanza: Dark Star was one of the most compelling episodes of the long-running Western television series Bonanza. The episode was a brilliant example of the many talents of the cast, who brought their unique skills to the forefront in a thrilling, action-packed tale of family, conflict, and greed. The gunfight scene remains one of the most iconic sequences in television history, and the episode stands out as one of the most memorable from the early years of the show.