Ep 4. Judgment at Olympus

In the Bonanza season 9 episode 4, entitled "Judgment at Olympus," the Cartwright family faces a moral dilemma when a group of bandits steal $10,000 from a bank. When the Cartwrights discover that the robbers are hiding out in the nearby mountains, they set out to bring them to justice. However, things become complicated when they find out that the leader of the robbers is an old friend of Ben Cartwright's, who he believed to be a respectable businessman.

As the Cartwrights try to convince their friend to surrender, they are met with resistance from the other robbers, who are not willing to give up their loot without a fight. The situation becomes increasingly tense, as the Cartwrights must decide whether to continue trying to convince their friend to do the right thing or to take more aggressive action to end the standoff.

Throughout the episode, the themes of loyalty, betrayal, and justice are explored in depth. The Cartwrights are forced to confront the fact that sometimes the people they trust the most may not be who they appear to be, and that their own sense of morality will be tested in the face of difficult circumstances.

Despite the seriousness of the subject matter, the episode is not without its moments of levity. There are several comedic scenes involving the bumbling robbers, who are portrayed as being somewhat hapless and inept. This provides a nice contrast to the more dramatic moments of the episode, and helps to break up the tension.

Overall, "Judgment at Olympus" is a well-crafted episode that showcases the strengths of the Bonanza series. The strong performances from the cast, the engaging plot, and the exploration of complex ethical issues make it a must-watch for fans of the show and newcomers alike.