Ep 7. The War Comes to Washoe

The War Comes to Washoe is the seventh episode of the fourth season of Bonanza. The episode originally aired on November 3, 1962. The Western drama television series is set in the 1860s and follows the Cartwright family in their life on the Ponderosa Ranch in Nevada.

In this episode, tensions rise as the Cartwright family and the surrounding community are thrust into the middle of the Civil War when a group of Confederate prisoners is transferred to the nearby town of Washoe. The Union Army, which also has a presence in the area, is tasked with securing the prisoners and ensuring that they do not escape to join the Confederate forces.

As the town of Washoe prepares for the arrival of the Confederate prisoners, some residents, including the Cartwright family, express concern about the potential for violence and conflict. However, others welcome the prisoners and see them as potential allies against the Union forces.

The tension comes to a head when a group of Confederate sympathizers decide to take matters into their own hands and attempt to help the prisoners escape. The Cartwright family becomes caught up in the chaos as they try to keep the peace and prevent any further bloodshed.

Throughout the episode, the Cartwright brothers – Ben, Adam, Hoss, and Little Joe – struggle with their own personal views on the war and the slavery that it represents. Ben, the patriarch of the family, tries to maintain a neutral stance and keep his family out of the conflict. Adam, the oldest son, argues that slavery is immoral and needs to be abolished, but struggles with how to reconcile his beliefs with the violence and bloodshed of the war. Hoss, the middle brother, is caught in the middle, struggling to understand the complexity of the issues at hand. Little Joe, the youngest Cartwright, is passionate and impulsive, often acting before he thinks and getting into trouble as a result.

The War Comes to Washoe is a gripping episode that explores the complex moral and political issues of the Civil War. It tackles themes of loyalty, honor, and justice, as well as the harsh realities of war. It also continues the overarching themes of the series, focusing on the importance of family and the challenges of navigating life in the Old West.

Overall, The War Comes to Washoe is a must-watch for fans of Bonanza and anyone interested in the history of the American West. With its compelling characters, gripping plot, and nuanced exploration of the Civil War, it is an episode that is sure to leave a lasting impression.