Ep 4. The Mill

The Bonanza season 2 episode 4, titled "The Mill," is a classic western drama that revolves around the Cartwright family, as they face obstacles for their survival. In this episode, the family faces a crisis as their livelihood is threatened due to the malfunctioning of the sawmill, their main source of income.

The episode begins with the Cartwright family at the sawmill, where they spend most of their day chopping wood, milling it, and selling it for profit. However, things are not going well as the sawmill has been breaking down more often than usual, causing delays in production. Ben, the patriarch of the family, is concerned as they are losing money, and decides to investigate the issue with his sons.

The Cartwrights soon discover that the problem lies with the saw blades, which are not sharp enough to cut the wood properly. Ben decides to purchase new blades, but the local supplier is sold out, and they have to rely on a distant supplier from Sacramento. The family is forced to wait, leaving them worried about their financial stability in the meantime.

Meanwhile, a man named Morgan Tanner arrives on the scene, claiming that he owns the land where the Cartwrights' sawmill is situated. He demands that they stop using the land and leave immediately, even though they have a legal lease on the property. The Cartwrights refuse to leave, and tensions rise as Tanner becomes increasingly hostile towards them.

As the family waits for the saw blades to arrive, they face additional challenges. One of their employees becomes seriously injured while working at the mill, and the Cartwrights have to take care of him. This setback causes further delays, placing even more pressure on the family to find a solution to their financial woes.

The Cartwrights finally receive the saw blades they need, but when they return to the sawmill, they discover that Tanner has destroyed the entire operation. The family is devastated and unsure of what to do, but they decide to rebuild the mill and fight Tanner's claim in court.

Throughout the episode, the Cartwright family exhibits their resilience and determination to overcome the obstacles that come their way. Their unwavering strength and loyalty to one another allow them to persevere through even the toughest challenges.

"The Mill" showcases the classic themes of the western genre, including family, toughness, and moral righteousness. The Cartwright family's unwavering loyalty to each other is a testament to the values of the American West and the enduring human spirit.