Ep 33. The Mountain Girl

The episode titled "The Mountain Girl" is part of the third season of the iconic TV series Bonanza. With a runtime of about one hour, this episode tells the story of a mountain girl named Little Doe who has been injured and taken in by the Cartwrights.

As the episode begins, Ben, Hoss, and Little Joe are out hunting when they stumble upon a cabin where they find Little Doe, who is badly injured. The Cartwrights quickly take her in, and it becomes clear that the young girl has been living alone in the mountains for quite some time.

As the Cartwrights try to help Little Doe recover from her injuries, they begin to learn more about her. They discover that she is a Paiute Indian and that her tribe believes that she has been chosen by the spirits to lead them. However, Little Doe wants nothing to do with this responsibility and would rather live a peaceful life alone in the mountains.

Despite her wishes, the Paiute tribe comes looking for Little Doe and demands that she return with them. The Cartwrights try to explain that Little Doe is injured and needs time to recover, but the tribe is insistent and is even willing to resort to violence to get what they want.

As tensions rise between the Cartwrights and the tribe, Little Doe makes a decision that could change the course of her life. She decides to leave with the Paiutes and fulfill her supposed destiny.

Meanwhile, Hoss becomes smitten with a local schoolteacher named Miss Colby. He tries to impress her by reading books and learning about poetry, but his attempts prove to be comical at best.

The episode is notable for its portrayal of Native Americans during a time when such depictions were often stereotypical and insensitive. Little Doe is shown to be a complex and sympathetic character, and the episode deals with issues of identity and cultural conflict in a thoughtful manner.

In addition to its thematic depth, "The Mountain Girl" also features stunning cinematography and beautiful scenery. The shots of the mountains and the sprawling landscapes are breathtaking, and they serve to underscore the isolation and beauty of Little Doe's home.

Overall, "The Mountain Girl" is a standout episode of Bonanza that explores complex themes and features compelling characters. Whether you're a fan of Westerns or just a lover of good storytelling, this episode is sure to leave an impression.