Ep 5. The Toy Soldier

The Toy Soldier is an episode from season 5 of the classic western television series, Bonanza. Set in the 1860s, the show follows the lives and adventures of the Cartwright family, who reside on their sprawling ranch, the Ponderosa, in the wilds of Nevada.

In this episode, Little Joe (played by Michael Landon) becomes embroiled in a complex scheme involving a child's toy soldier and a group of bandits. It all starts when Little Joe buys the toy for a young neighbor boy, Billy, as a birthday present. The gift is a hit with the boy until a group of bandits arrives in town and starts causing trouble.

The bandits are led by a ruthless outlaw named Slater who is on the run from the law. He and his men decide to take over the town, robbing the bank and taking hostages. Among the hostages is Billy, who is taken by Slater as a bargaining chip to ensure his safe escape.

Little Joe is quick to respond to the situation and rallies a group of volunteers to rescue the hostages and take down the bandits. But things take a turn when it is revealed that the toy soldier Little Joe gave Billy contains a valuable map that Slater is desperate to get his hands on.

The episode is full of action and danger, as Little Joe and his friends face off against a gang of ruthless criminals. However, it also has moments of heartwarming tenderness, as Little Joe and his father, Ben (played by Lorne Greene), share a touching moment discussing the importance of family and the value of an innocent child's toy.

Overall, The Toy Soldier is a classic example of the Bonanza series, full of excitement, drama, and the timeless values that made it such a beloved show. It is a must-watch for fans of westerns and those who enjoy a good action-packed adventure story.