Ep 27. Mirror of a Man

Ben Cartwright (Lorne Greene) is strongly opposed to a proposed mining project near the Ponderosa. The nearest mining town is a hotbed of crime and corruption, and Ben fears the project will bring unwanted trouble to his land. When a representative of the mining company is found murdered on the Ponderosa, Ben's suspicions are confirmed. However, all evidence points to a member of the Cartwright household as the culprit.

Meanwhile, Hoss (Dan Blocker) has fallen for a beautiful and mysterious woman named Louisa Bradshaw (Mariette Hartley). She claims to be a painter from the East Coast, but her true motives are not clear. Hoss is smitten, but his brothers are skeptical. When Louisa begins to behave strangely, they suspect she may be involved in the murder case.

As Ben digs deeper into the case, he discovers a web of deceit and betrayal that reaches far beyond the mining project. He must unravel the mystery before more lives are lost and his family is torn apart.

The episode features strong performances from the cast, especially Greene and Blocker. The murder mystery plot keeps the audience guessing until the very end, and the romantic subplot adds a touch of warmth to the otherwise tense story. The scenic backdrop of the Ponderosa and surrounding desert adds to the atmosphere of the episode.

One notable aspect of "Mirror of a Man" is its theme of morality and the consequences of greed. The mining project represents the destructive effects of unchecked capitalism, and Ben's opposition to it reflects a concern for the greater good. The murder plot also raises questions about the nature of justice and the price of revenge.

Overall, "Mirror of a Man" is a strong episode of Bonanza that showcases the show's blend of action, drama, and heart.