Ep 6. The Last Vote

The Last Vote is the sixth episode of the tenth season of Bonanza. In this episode, the Cartwrights find themselves embroiled in a conflict between two political candidates during election time.

The town of Virginia City is gearing up for its elections, with incumbent mayor Josiah Basset running for re-election against newcomer Abner Willoughby. While the Cartwrights try to stay neutral in the political race, they soon find themselves drawn into the fray. Willoughby, a reformer who has come to Virginia City to clean up the corruption in town, turns to the Cartwrights for help when he realizes that his campaign is being sabotaged by Basset's supporters.

The Cartwrights initially refuse to take sides in the election, but their hand is soon forced when Basset's supporters start to use violent tactics to intimidate Willoughby's supporters. A potential riot erupts at an election rally, and the Cartwrights step in to restore order. They manage to convince both sides to hold a peaceful election and promise to ensure that the voting proceeds fairly and without any interference.

However, things quickly take a turn for the worse when Basset's supporters, led by his right-hand man, local saloon owner Luke Calhoun, try to steal the ballot boxes on voting day. Ben, Hoss, and Joe manage to stop them, but the situation escalates when Calhoun draws his gun and opens fire. A shootout ensues, and both sides suffer casualties.

As the dust settles, the Cartwrights are left to pick up the pieces in a town torn apart by political strife. Willoughby is declared the winner of the election, but the Cartwrights realize that the damage has already been done. They vow to stay in Virginia City and help the town through the difficult times ahead.

The Last Vote is a tense and action-packed episode that showcases the Cartwrights' sense of justice and fair play. As always, their loyalty to each other and their community shines through, as they put their differences aside to ensure that their town remains a safe and peaceful place to live. The episode also touches on themes of corruption and the importance of fair elections, making it a thought-provoking watch that still resonates with modern audiences.