Ep 20. The Fear Merchants

The Fear Merchants is the twentieth episode of the first season of the popular Western television series, Bonanza. Set in the 1860s, the show follows the prosperous Cartwright family who owns a sprawling ranch in Virginia City, Nevada.

In this episode, the Cartwright family faces a new and equally dangerous enemy - a group of con men. The episode begins with a young man named Tom Bowers arriving at the Virginia City train station. He is an innocent traveler who has come to the town to visit his uncle and to start a new life. However, things take an unexpected turn when he is approached by a group of slick-talking salesmen called the "Fear Merchants" who manage to swindle him out of all his money in a rigged gambling game.

The "Fear Merchants" are three men who travel around town, tricking people into buying overpriced products with false promises of safety. They tell their victims that their products will offer ultimate protection and security, but in reality, these are just cheap, useless goods. They prey on people's fears and anxieties, convincing them to spend their hard-earned money on something that they don't need.

As Tom struggles to come to terms with his financial loss, the Cartwright family takes pity on him and decides to take him under their wing. They offer him a job at their ranch to help him get back on his feet. In the meantime, the "Fear Merchants" set their sights on the Cartwright family, and they too fall victim to their schemes.

As the episode unfolds, the Cartwrights begin to understand the true nature of the "Fear Merchants." Hoss and Joe Cartwright are tasked with dealing with the con men, while Adam Cartwright decides to investigate further, eventually discovering their true identities and motives. It becomes clear that the "Fear Merchants" are ruthless criminals who have been using their tactics for years to swindle people across the country.

The story builds up to an exciting clash between the "Fear Merchants" and the Cartwrights, as the latter confront the criminals and bring them to justice. The episode features plenty of action and suspense, as well as a healthy dose of humor, which is a hallmark of the show.

One of the central themes of the episode is the importance of standing up to bullies and con men, even when they seem intimidating and powerful. It also explores the idea of personal responsibility, as the characters learn to take charge of their own lives and make their own decisions, rather than falling prey to the manipulation of others.

Overall, The Fear Merchants is an entertaining and engaging episode of Bonanza that showcases the show's strengths - its well-crafted characters, witty humor, and thrilling action sequences. It is a must-watch for fans of the series and Western enthusiasts alike.