Ep 28. My Brother's Keeper

Hoss's younger brother Joe has always been independent, adventurous, and a bit of a gambler. So, when Joe loses everything in a poker game, he is forced to sell his half of the Ponderosa to a ruthless businessman named Jim Acton. Hoss is willing to let it go, but when Acton starts to treat the workers at the Ponderosa like slaves, Joe realizes he made a huge mistake. Joe tries to buy back his share of the ranch, but Acton has different plans. Joe finds himself in over his head, and it's up to Hoss to save his little brother before it's too late.

The episode starts with Joe returning to the Ponderosa after a poker game gone wrong. He tells Hoss that he lost everything, including his share of the ranch. Hoss is upset, but he's willing to let it go and move on. However, Joe is determined to win back his share and sets out to do just that.

Joe comes up with a plan to win some money by gathering a group of men to play poker. However, Acton finds out about the game and decides to get involved. Acton is a ruthless businessman who sees the Ponderosa as an opportunity to make money. He wants to buy the ranch, but Hoss and Ben refuse to sell.

Acton decides to play dirty and starts treating the workers at the Ponderosa like slaves. He withholds their pay and forces them to work long hours. Joe realizes that he made a huge mistake by selling his share to Acton, and he tries to convince Hoss to help him buy it back.

Hoss is hesitant, but Joe convinces him that it's the right thing to do. They come up with a plan to win back Joe's share by playing poker with Acton. However, Acton is a skilled player and he cheats to win. Joe realizes that he's in over his head and decides to back out.

Acton sees this as an opportunity to take the entire ranch and he threatens to kill Hoss and Joe if they don't sign over their shares. The brothers refuse to back down, and Acton makes good on his threat by kidnapping Joe. Hoss is left to save his little brother and take down Acton.

Hoss goes after Acton with the help of some of the workers from the Ponderosa. They sneak into Acton's headquarters and start a brawl. Hoss and Acton face off, and Hoss emerges victorious. Joe is rescued, and they all return to the Ponderosa victorious.

The episode ends with Hoss and Joe reconciling and realizing how important they are to each other. They're both grateful to be alive and have each other by their side. They both realize that family comes first, no matter what.

Overall, "My Brother's Keeper" is an action-packed episode that highlights the love and loyalty of the Cartwright family. It's a classic western tale of good versus evil, and it's easy to root for Hoss and Joe as they fight to save their home and each other. It's a must-see for fans of Bonanza and westerns in general.