Ep 2. Sense of Duty

Ben Cartwright and his three sons, Adam, Hoss, and Joe, are back in action for the ninth season of the classic western series, Bonanza. In episode 2, titled "Sense of Duty," the Cartwrights find themselves in the middle of a tense situation when a group of homesteaders claim land that belongs to the Ponderosa.

The episode begins with Ben and his family riding out to inspect the Ponderosa's northernmost boundary. They come across a group of homesteaders who have built homes and farms on land that they believe is free for the taking. Ben tries to reason with the group, but their leader, Jedediah Milbank, refuses to back down.

As the tension between the two groups grows, Ben discovers that the homesteaders have hired a notorious gunslinger named Lassiter to protect them. Ben and his sons are forced to take action, knowing that Lassiter is a dangerous man and that he will stop at nothing to defend the homesteaders' claim to the land.

Adding to the Cartwrights' problems, this episode also introduces a new character named Annie O'Toole, played by guest star Joan Hackett. Annie is a young woman who has come to Virginia City to find her father, but she quickly finds herself in trouble when Lassiter takes an interest in her.

As the conflict between the homesteaders and the Cartwrights escalates, the two sides prepare for a standoff. Lassiter is itching for a fight, and the homesteaders are determined to keep their newfound land. It's up to Ben and his sons to find a peaceful solution to the conflict before it spirals out of control.

Throughout the episode, the theme of duty is explored in various ways. Ben and his sons feel a strong sense of duty to protect the land that belongs to them, while the homesteaders argue that they have a duty to make a life for themselves on the frontier. Lassiter, meanwhile, feels duty-bound to protect those who have hired him, even if it means doing something he knows is wrong.

As always, Bonanza delivers a thrilling and action-packed episode with plenty of drama and suspense. With the introduction of Annie O'Toole, there's also a touch of romance and intrigue thrown into the mix. Fans of classic westerns won't want to miss this exciting episode from one of the genre's most iconic shows.

In summary, "Sense of Duty" is an engaging episode of Bonanza that explores themes of duty and responsibility. The conflict between the homesteaders and the Cartwrights creates a tense and dramatic atmosphere, while the introduction of a new character adds an extra layer of intrigue. Fans of classic westerns will find plenty to enjoy in this exciting installment of one of the most beloved shows in the genre's history.