Ep 11. The Legacy

The Legacy is the eleventh episode of the fifth season of the classic western TV show Bonanza. The episode originally aired on November 24, 1963.

The episode begins with the Cartwrights--Ben (Lorne Greene), Adam (Pernell Roberts), Hoss (Dan Blocker), and Little Joe (Michael Landon)--receiving a visit from a man named Hulett (Milton Selzer). Hulett claims to have once been a friend of Ben's from many years back. He has come to the Ponderosa to ask Ben for a favor: to investigate the death of his daughter, who died under mysterious circumstances.

The Cartwrights are initially hesitant to get involved, but Hulett plays on Ben's sense of loyalty and convinces him to take the case. The investigation leads the Cartwrights to a neighboring ranch, where they find a group of shady characters who are all seemingly connected to Hulett's daughter's death.

As the Cartwrights delve deeper into the case, they discover that Hulett and his daughter were in fact not what they seemed--they were part of a group of con artists who traveled around the country swindling innocent people out of their money. The daughter's death was an accident that occurred during one of these schemes.

Despite their initial reservations, the Cartwrights vow to help Hulett bring the rest of his group to justice. They infiltrate the con artists' operation and attempt to expose them, but things quickly spiral out of control. The Cartwrights find themselves in a dangerous and potentially deadly situation, and they must use their wit, strength, and courage to make it out alive.

Throughout the episode, the Cartwrights are forced to grapple with the question of trust. Can they trust Hulett, a man with a questionable past? What about the other characters they encounter along the way--can they trust them not to betray them? And most importantly, can they trust each other, as they navigate the dangerous terrain of the Old West?

In classic Bonanza fashion, The Legacy is a thrilling and action-packed episode. It showcases the strength of the Cartwrights' bond, as well as their individual skills and strengths. It also highlights the moral complexity of the Old West, where things are rarely as they seem and trust is a rare and valuable commodity. Fans of the show will not be disappointed by this exciting and thought-provoking episode.

Overall, The Legacy is a stand-out episode from one of TV's most beloved westerns. It is a testament to the show's enduring popularity and legacy, and a reminder of why it remains a classic to this day.