Ep 5. Anatomy of a Lynching

In the Bonanza season 11 episode 5, titled "Anatomy of a Lynching," the Cartwright family must confront their own prejudices and biases when a community member is accused of a crime. When a young black man is falsely accused of murder, the town is whipped up into a frenzy and a lynch mob seems inevitable. However, the Cartwright family refuses to participate in the violence and instead begins an investigation into the crime, determined to see justice done.

As they dig deeper into the case, the Cartwrights uncover a web of lies and corruption that reaches all the way to the top of the town's leadership. They are forced to confront their own limitations and biases, and to decide whether they will stand up for what is right even in the face of overwhelming opposition.

Throughout the episode, the tensions between justice and revenge are explored, as the Cartwrights struggle to navigate a difficult situation with no easy answers. Their actions are complicated by the fact that they are wealthy and powerful landowners, with a position of privilege in the community that they must both acknowledge and work to use for good.

As the investigation progresses, the Cartwrights find themselves at odds with many of their neighbors, who are quick to believe that the accused young man is guilty of the crimes. However, they refuse to be swayed by public opinion, and continue to seek out the truth even as their efforts are met with resistance.

Overall, the episode is a powerful exploration of the ways in which racism and prejudice can infect a community, and of the need for individuals to stand up for what is right even when it is difficult or unpopular. With its nuanced portrayals of complex characters and its incisive commentary on the social issues of its time, "Anatomy of a Lynching" is a stand-out episode in the Bonanza series.