Ep 3. The Silence at Stillwater

The Silence at Stillwater is the third episode of the eleventh season of Bonanza. In this episode, the Cartwrights find themselves involved in what seems to be a case of murder, and must work to clear their names.

The episode begins with the Cartwrights enjoying a day of fishing at Stillwater Creek. While there, they come across a man named Clay Renton. Clay tells them that he is a trapper and that he has been having trouble with some of the local ranchers. The Cartwrights offer to help Clay, but he declines, saying that he can handle things on his own.

Later that day, the Cartwrights hear a gunshot and investigate the source. They find Clay's body, and it appears that he has been shot and killed. A posse is quickly organized, and suspicion falls on the Cartwrights. However, they maintain their innocence and set out to find the real culprit.

As they investigate, they discover that Clay was not who he appeared to be. In fact, he was a detective sent to investigate a case involving stolen cattle. The Cartwrights learn that the real culprit is a man named Bill Endicott, who is in cahoots with one of the ranchers in the area. They also learn that Clay had sent a telegram to the authorities about the stolen cattle, and that Bill had intercepted it and killed Clay to protect himself.

The Cartwrights devise a plan to catch Bill and the rancher in the act. They set a trap, and sure enough, Bill and the rancher fall into it. The two men are caught and brought to justice, and the Cartwrights are once again cleared of any wrongdoing.

The Silence at Stillwater is a classic episode of Bonanza that showcases the show's trademark blend of action, drama, and humor. The episode is filled with suspense as the Cartwrights work to uncover the truth, and there are plenty of thrilling moments as they confront the real villains. At the same time, the episode also has its share of lighter moments, including some great banter between the Cartwright brothers.

Overall, The Silence at Stillwater is an excellent addition to the Bonanza canon. It is a must-watch episode for fans of the show, and serves as a great introduction to the series for newcomers. With its gripping storyline, well-drawn characters, and expertly choreographed action scenes, this episode is a testament to the enduring legacy of one of television's greatest western dramas.