Ep 16. My Son, My Son

In the Bonanza season 5 episode 16 titled "My Son, My Son," the Cartwrights are visited by an old friend named Sam Whipple who brings news that he has found his long-lost son. However, as they soon discover, the son in question is actually a con artist named Charlie Trent who has been posing as Whipple's son in order to swindle his father out of money.

The Cartwrights quickly realize that Trent is a dangerous man who will stop at nothing to get his hands on Whipple's money. They try to convince Whipple that Trent is not really his son, but Whipple is desperate for a connection to his long-lost child and refuses to believe them.

As the situation grows more tense, the Cartwrights are forced to take matters into their own hands to protect their friend from Trent's deceit. They set a trap for Trent that leads to a final confrontation between the con artist and the Cartwrights, a dramatic showdown that could prove deadly for all involved.

Throughout the episode, the theme of family is explored, as each of the characters struggles with their own relationships and connections to their loved ones. The Cartwrights are bound by their loyalty to each other, while Whipple's desire for a connection with his son blinds him to the truth.

Overall, "My Son, My Son" is a tense and dramatic episode that showcases the strength of the Cartwrights' bond and the dangers of deceit and manipulation. As always, the show puts a strong emphasis on moral values and the importance of doing what is right, even in difficult situations.