Ep 2. The Hostage

The Hostage is the second episode of the sixth season of the iconic Western TV show Bonanza. Set in the 1860s, the show follows the lives of the Cartwright family, who run the Ponderosa Ranch in Nevada. The Hostage is an action-packed episode that showcases the Cartwrights' bravery and ingenuity in the face of danger.

The episode begins with a band of outlaws led by a notorious bandit named Pruitt (played by James Gregory) attacking the stagecoach carrying the new schoolteacher of Virginia City, Alice Whitetree (played by Gail Kobe). The outlaws kidnap Alice and demand a ransom of $50,000 from the town's citizens in exchange for her release. The Cartwrights, who are known and respected in the town, are tasked with negotiating with the bandits and rescuing Alice.

Ben Cartwright (played by Lorne Greene), the patriarch of the family, meets with Pruitt and his gang to negotiate a deal, but they refuse to budge from their demands. Meanwhile, Adam Cartwright (played by Pernell Roberts) and Hoss Cartwright (played by Dan Blocker) set out to track down the outlaws and rescue Alice. They face several challenges along the way, including a treacherous mountain pass and a run-in with a hostile Indian tribe.

As the tension builds, the Cartwrights must use all of their skills and resources to outsmart the bandits and save Alice. The show's action sequences include a thrilling horse chase, a fistfight between Hoss and one of the outlaws, and a shootout featuring the Cartwrights and the bandits. Along the way, the Cartwrights also utilize their knowledge of the local terrain and community to gain an upper hand on the outlaws.

One of the central themes of the episode is the importance of community and cooperation. The Cartwrights work with the town's sheriff and other citizens to pool their resources and devise a plan to rescue Alice. This spirit of collaboration is reflected in the show's portrayal of Virginia City itself, which is depicted as a tight-knit and supportive community.

The Hostage also explores the role of women in the Old West. Alice Whitetree, the kidnapped schoolteacher, is portrayed as a strong and independent woman who is not afraid to stand up to the bandits. In one scene, she even tries to escape from her captors on her own. However, the show also reflects the patriarchal attitudes of the time, as the Cartwright men are shown as the primary heroes and problem-solvers.

In addition to its central plotline, The Hostage also weaves in several subplots related to the Cartwrights' personal lives. For example, Adam Cartwright is shown grappling with his feelings for a young woman who is also in danger from the outlaws, while Hoss is shown reconciling with an old friend who he has been feuding with for years. These subplots add depth and complexity to the episode, and help to flesh out the characters beyond their roles as heroic cowboys.

Overall, The Hostage is a thrilling and enjoyable episode of Bonanza that exemplifies the show's strengths as an action-packed Western with heart. Its exploration of themes like community, gender roles, and personal relationships adds layers of depth to a story that is already engaging on its own. Fans of the show will no doubt appreciate this exciting installment in the ongoing saga of the Cartwright family.