Ep 16. To Kill a Buffalo

The show Bonanza is a classic western television series that aired from 1959 to 1973. Season 7 episode 16, titled "To Kill a Buffalo," follows the Cartwright family as they deal with a herd of buffalo that have migrated onto their land.

The episode begins with Adam Cartwright (played by Pernell Roberts) discovering a herd of buffalo on the Ponderosa ranch. He informs his father, Ben Cartwright (played by Lorne Greene), and brother, Hoss Cartwright (played by Dan Blocker), about the situation, and they decide to try and scare the buffalo away before they cause any damage to their property.

However, their efforts are in vain as the buffalo keep returning to the ranch. As the Cartwrights try to come up with a solution to the problem, tensions rise between them and neighboring rancher, Will Hewitt (played by Jack Elam), who is intent on killing off the buffalo for their hides. Will is a ruthless and greedy man who is willing to do whatever it takes to get what he wants, even if it means endangering the lives of others.

As the situation escalates, the Cartwrights are forced to take drastic measures to protect their land and the buffalo. They reach out to an old friend, Chief Winnemucca (played by Michael Pate), for help in relocating the herd to a safer location. However, Will and his men are determined to continue hunting the buffalo and pose a threat to anyone who gets in their way.

Throughout the episode, viewers see the Cartwrights' unwavering commitment to protecting their land and the wildlife within it. They risk their own safety to ensure that the buffalo are not senselessly killed for their hides, and they work together to come up with a solution that benefits everyone involved.

The episode is classic Bonanza, with plenty of action, drama, and suspense. It tackles themes of conservation and respect for nature, as well as the importance of standing up for what is right in the face of adversity. The characters are well-developed, and their relationships with one another are both entertaining and heartwarming.

"To Kill a Buffalo" is a must-watch episode for fans of Bonanza and anyone who enjoys a good western. It is an exciting and impactful story that stays true to the show's core values of family, honor, and integrity.