Ep 23. The Emperor Norton

The Emperor Norton is the 23rd episode of the 7th season of the Western TV series Bonanza. The show was created and produced by David Dortort and aired on NBC from September 12, 1959, to January 16, 1973.

The Emperor Norton revolves around a real-life character, Joshua Abraham Norton, who became famous in San Francisco in the mid-19th century for declaring himself "Emperor of the United States and Protector of Mexico." In the Bonanza episode, Norton pays a visit to the Ponderosa ranch, seeking the Cartwrights' help in resolving a dispute with a mining company.

The story begins as the Cartwright brothers, Ben (Lorne Greene), Hoss (Dan Blocker), and Little Joe (Michael Landon), are riding home from a cattle drive. As they near Virginia City, they spot a man dressed in an outlandish blue uniform with gold trim, a plumed hat, and a long sword. The man introduces himself as Norton, the Emperor, and insists that they address him as such.

At first, the Cartwrights are amused by Norton's antics and believe him to be a harmless eccentric. However, they soon realize that Norton is serious about his claim to the throne and that he is genuinely concerned about the welfare of his "subjects." Norton tells the Cartwrights that a mining company has been encroaching on his property, and he needs their legal expertise to protect his rights.

The Cartwrights agree to help Norton and take him back to the Ponderosa, where they introduce him to their lawyer friend, Amos Platt. Platt advises Norton to seek a court injunction against the mining company to prevent them from trespassing on his land. Norton agrees but insists on serving as his own lawyer and arguing the case himself.

The trial scene is the highlight of the episode, as Norton delivers a passionate and eloquent speech in defense of his rights. His powerful rhetoric wins over the judge and the jury, who rule in his favor. Norton is overjoyed and grateful to the Cartwrights for their help, and he invites them to a celebratory dinner at his "palace."

The dinner scene is both amusing and poignant, as Norton regales the Cartwrights with stories of his exploits as emperor and reveals his plans for a grand palace and a new currency. The Cartwrights are amused by Norton's dreams but also touched by his sincerity and dignity. Lorne Greene in particular gives a moving performance as he listens to Norton's heartfelt plea for respect and recognition.

The episode ends on a bittersweet note, as Norton bids farewell to the Cartwrights and rides off into the sunset, still a proud and defiant monarch in his own mind, but also a lonely and tragic figure in the eyes of society. The Bonanza theme song plays over the credits, underscoring the show's theme of family and friendship triumphing over adversity and loneliness.

In conclusion, The Emperor Norton is a well-crafted and entertaining episode of Bonanza that showcases the series' strengths in character development, humor, and social commentary. The guest star, Gavin MacLeod, delivers a memorable performance as the eccentric and endearing Emperor, and the Cartwrights provide the perfect foil for his larger-than-life persona. The episode's message of tolerance, compassion, and justice still resonates today, making it a timeless classic of Western TV.