Ep 18. The Gentleman from New Orleans

The Gentleman from New Orleans is the eighteenth episode of the fifth season of the classic Western TV series Bonanza. This episode revolves around the character of Harold Tippett, a wealthy dandy from New Orleans who travels to Virginia City seeking an investment opportunity. However, his extravagant lifestyle and lack of familiarity with the Wild West quickly land him in trouble with a group of bandits, and he ends up having to rely on the Cartwright family for protection.

The episode begins with Harold Tippett arriving in Virginia City, clad in fancy clothing and carrying a large amount of cash. He is immediately the center of attention, with everyone curious about his origins and intentions. Although he initially comes off as a bit of a snob, he quickly finds himself in trouble when a group of bandits attempt to rob him. He is saved by the timely intervention of the Cartwrights, who manage to drive off the robbers.

Feeling grateful, Tippett starts to spend time with the Cartwrights and gets an insight into their way of life. He begins to see the value in hard work and understands that wealth is not everything. As he spends more time in Virginia City, he also starts to develop feelings for Ben Cartwright's daughter-in-law, Hoss's wife, Alice.

However, Tippett's troubles are not over yet. The bandits who attempted to rob him are still around, and they are hell-bent on getting their hands on his money. To make matters worse, they manage to infiltrate the Cartwrights' ranch under the guise of being hired help. Tippett is once again in danger, and it falls to the Cartwrights to protect him and to get rid of the bandits once and for all.

As the episode progresses, Tippett undergoes a complete transformation. From a frivolous, shallow dandy, he becomes a man who learns the value of hard work, the beauty of the Wild West, and the importance of family. He even proves himself to be a courageous and loyal friend when he helps the Cartwrights defeat the bandits and save the ranch.

Overall, The Gentleman from New Orleans is a fun and engaging episode of Bonanza that showcases the series' unique blend of drama, action, and heart. The character of Harold Tippett is an entertaining addition to the show's roster, and his transformation over the course of the episode is both believable and heartwarming. Fans of the series and newcomers alike will enjoy this episode's mix of adventure, romance, and Wild West grit.