Ep 10. The Deadly Ones

The Deadly Ones is an episode from season 4 of the western television series Bonanza. Set in the 1860s in the fictional town of Virginia City, Nevada, the show follows the adventures of the wealthy Cartwright family and their struggles to maintain their sprawling ranch, the Ponderosa.

The episode begins with Ben Cartwright (played by Lorne Greene), the patriarch of the Cartwright family, and his sons Adam (Pernell Roberts), Hoss (Dan Blocker), and Little Joe (Michael Landon) dealing with a group of bandits who have been terrorizing the cattle drives on the Ponderosa. The bandits, known as the Deadly Ones, are a ruthless gang of outlaws led by a man named Hank (played by Dabbs Greer).

Ben and his sons are determined to stop the Deadly Ones, but they soon discover that they are not the only ones who want the bandits brought to justice. A group of local vigilantes, led by a man named Clanton (played by Denver Pyle), have taken matters into their own hands and are planning to ambush the bandits.

As tensions rise between the Cartwrights and the vigilantes, Hank and his gang become more brazen in their attacks, and it becomes clear that a showdown is inevitable. The Cartwrights must navigate the dangerous politics of the town and find a way to take down the Deadly Ones before it's too late.

Throughout the episode, viewers are treated to the classic western themes of honor, justice, and family. The Cartwrights are the epitome of the noble western hero, fighting for what is right and protecting their land and loved ones at all costs. However, they are not without their flaws, as they struggle with their own egos and biases in the face of the vigilante threat.

The Deadly Ones also features some impressive action sequences, with gunfights and horse chases galore. The show's writers and directors do an excellent job of building tension throughout the episode, leading up to a dramatic climax that is sure to leave viewers on the edge of their seats.

Overall, The Deadly Ones is a solid episode of Bonanza that captures the essence of the classic western genre. With strong performances from the show's leads, thrilling action sequences, and a compelling story, it's easy to see why the series was a hit during its original run and remains a beloved classic today.