Ep 22. The Late Ben Cartwright

The Late Ben Cartwright is the 22nd episode of the 9th season of the classic western TV show Bonanza. This series follows the lives of the Cartwright family, who own and run the Ponderosa ranch in Nevada in the late 1800s.

In this emotional episode, the Cartwright family is mourning the death of their patriarch, Ben Cartwright. The episode starts with the three Cartwright sons, Adam, Hoss, and Little Joe, standing in front of their father's grave. They are joined by other mourners, including family friends and ranch workers.

After the funeral, the family and their guests return to the Ponderosa ranch, where they gather to remember Ben and share stories about him. There are moments of grief and sadness, but also moments of laughter as everyone recalls Ben's quick wit and larger-than-life personality.

As the day wears on, it becomes clear that each member of the family is dealing with their grief in their own way. Adam, the oldest son, takes charge of running the ranch and is focused on honoring his father's legacy. Hoss is devastated by the loss of his father and struggles to come to terms with his emotions. Little Joe, the youngest son, is coping by keeping busy and distracting himself with work.

As the evening approaches, the Cartwrights are joined by a surprise visitor - a young woman named Lisa who claims to be Ben's daughter. Lisa's mother had been in love with Ben years earlier, but he had left her to marry his first wife. Lisa's mother had recently passed away, and she had come to the Ponderosa to meet her father and learn more about him.

The revelation of Lisa's existence causes shockwaves throughout the family, as they had no idea that Ben had another daughter. The three Cartwright sons are initially skeptical of Lisa's claims, but they eventually come around and embrace her as their sister.

The Late Ben Cartwright is a poignant and heartfelt episode that explores themes of loss, family, and legacy. The Cartwrights are forced to confront their grief head-on and find ways to move forward without their beloved father. The addition of Lisa adds a new dynamic to the family, and viewers will be left wondering how this surprise revelation will impact the Cartwrights in the future.

Overall, The Late Ben Cartwright is a must-watch episode for fans of Bonanza. It showcases the show's trademark blend of action, drama, and heart, while also delving deeper into the characters and their relationships. This episode is a fitting tribute to a beloved character and a testament to the enduring popularity of this classic western series.