Ep 24. The Stillness Within

Bonanza season 12 episode 24, titled "The Stillness Within," takes place in the aftermath of a tragic event that shakes the Cartwright family to its core. As the episode begins, we see Adam (played by Pernell Roberts) returning home from a trip to San Francisco. He is greeted by his younger brother Joe (played by Michael Landon), who is eager to catch up on news and gossip. But Adam is uncharacteristically quiet and withdrawn, and it soon becomes clear that something is very wrong.

The rest of the family begins to gather around him, trying to offer their support and comfort. But Adam seems unable or unwilling to open up about what's bothering him. Instead, he withdraws into himself, becoming increasingly isolated and remote.

As the days go by, tensions start to simmer within the family. Little things that would ordinarily be overlooked start to become major issues, and tempers flare. Joe and his other brother Hoss (played by Dan Blocker) find themselves at odds over how to handle Adam's situation, with Joe advocating for a more proactive approach and Hoss insisting that they give Adam space and time to deal with his own problems.

Meanwhile, the Cartwrights are dealing with their own personal struggles. Ben (played by Lorne Greene) is grappling with his own grief and guilt over the tragic event that caused Adam so much pain, while their cousin Will (played by Guy Stockwell) tries to help his family cope with the aftermath. But even he can't break through the wall of silence that Adam has erected around himself.

As tensions continue to mount, the Cartwrights are forced to confront some difficult truths about themselves and their relationships with each other. They learn that sometimes the things that divide us are also the things that bring us together, and that the only way to move forward is to face our problems head-on.

Despite the heavy subject matter, there are moments of levity and humor in this episode. The banter between the Cartwrights is as sharp and funny as ever, and the show's trademark mix of action and drama is on full display. But at its core, "The Stillness Within" is a poignant meditation on grief, loss, and the power of family to heal even the deepest wounds.

Overall, Bonanza season 12 episode 24 is a powerful and moving entry in the show's long and storied run. Fans of the series will undoubtedly find much to appreciate here, while newcomers will be drawn in by the strong performances, tight script, and timeless themes. It's a testament to the enduring appeal of Bonanza that even in its twelfth season, the show was still capable of producing episodes as memorable and affecting as this one.