Ep 29. The Bottle Fighter

The show Bonanza season 9 episode 29, titled "The Bottle Fighter," is a classic Western tale that is sure to entertain fans of the genre. The episode begins with a stranger arriving in Virginia City who goes by the name of Tully Broom. Tully is a drifter, always on the move, and he seems to be carrying a lot of baggage with him.

Tully is a very different character from the usual guest stars that appear on Bonanza. He is not a typical cowboy, and he doesn't seem to have any particular skills that might make him useful to the Cartwright family. However, he is a talented artist, and he starts to draw pictures of the people and places around Virginia City.

Despite his talents, Tully is not well-liked in the town. He drinks heavily, and he is quick to get into fights. One of his favorite pastimes is to throw bottles into the air and shoot them down with his gun. This activity attracts a crowd, and he becomes known as "the bottle fighter."

As the episode progresses, we learn more about Tully's past. It turns out that he used to be a successful artist living in Paris, but he fell in love with a woman who was already married. When the husband found out about the affair, he challenged Tully to a duel. Tully killed the man and had to flee the country to avoid the authorities.

Despite his checkered past, Tully finds a kindred spirit in Joe Cartwright. Joe is also an artist, and he recognizes Tully's talent. The two men become friends, and Joe helps Tully to set up an exhibition of his artwork in the town hall.

This exhibition turns out to be a disaster, however, as Tully's old enemy, the husband of the woman he loved, turns up in Virginia City and starts causing trouble. The man is determined to get revenge on Tully, and he doesn't care who gets hurt in the process.

As tensions rise, the Cartwrights and their friends try to protect Tully, but they soon realize that they are outmatched. The husband is a skilled fighter, and he is armed with a deadly weapon.

The climax of the episode takes place in a dramatic showdown between Tully and the husband. The Cartwrights watch in horror as the two men face off, and it looks like Tully's days are numbered.

Overall, "The Bottle Fighter" is a gripping episode of Bonanza that explores themes of redemption, forgiveness, and the power of art. The characters are well-drawn, and the action is fast-paced and exciting. With its strong writing, excellent acting, and beautiful cinematography, this episode is a must-see for fans of classic Westerns.