Ep 7. Calamity over the Comstock

In Bonanza season 5 episode 7, "Calamity over the Comstock," the Cartwright family is confronted with a new mining operation threatening their land and way of life. A group of men, led by mining magnate Hetty Loomis, arrive in Virginia City with plans to extract silver from the nearby Comstock Lode. Despite the reservations of the local residents and miners, Hetty is determined to see her project through, even if it means disregarding the safety of those working in the mines.

As tensions rise between Hetty and the Cartwrights, calamity strikes when a massive explosion rocks the Comstock mine. Joe (played by Michael Landon) and Hoss (played by Dan Blocker) venture inside to search for survivors, but find themselves trapped amidst falling debris and toxic gases. With their lives on the line and no means of escape, the brothers must rely on their courage and ingenuity to survive.

Meanwhile, patriarch Ben Cartwright (played by Lorne Greene) takes matters into his own hands, confronting Hetty and her cronies head-on. As the two clash over their differing ideologies, Ben must also contend with the impending disaster at the mine and find a way to save his sons before it's too late.

"Calamity over the Comstock" is a thrilling episode that highlights the dangers of unchecked greed and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of disaster. With heart-pumping action sequences and poignant moments of family bonding, it's a must-watch for fans of the classic Western series.