Ep 5. The Old Man and the Cave

Daniel Boone season 2 episode 5, titled "The Old Man and the Cave," takes viewers on a journey into the wilderness of Kentucky in the late 18th century. The episode follows the legendary frontiersman Daniel Boone and his companions as they stumble upon an elderly man living in a cave deep in the woods.

Boone and his fellow travelers are initially wary of the man, who appears to be living in isolation and is rumored to have supernatural powers. However, as they get to know him, they realize that he is simply an aging hermit who has chosen to live apart from society.

The old man, who goes by the name of "the Prophet," is a fascinating figure, full of knowledge and wisdom about the natural world around him. He has lived in the cave for many years, surviving on his wits and the resources of the land. His insights into the ways of animals and the cycles of the moon and stars are awe-inspiring, and Boone and his friends are deeply impressed by his knowledge.

However, as the group spends more time with the Prophet, they begin to notice that he is not as mentally stable as they initially thought. His many years in the wilderness have taken a toll on his mind, and his spiritual beliefs border on the delusional. He begins to prophesy about the end of the world and the coming of a great flood, and Boone and his companions start to worry about their safety.

As the episode progresses, tensions rise between the Prophet and the group, with the old man becoming increasingly unpredictable and dangerous. Boone, who is always the voice of reason, tries to find a way to peacefully resolve the situation, but the Prophet's erratic behavior makes that difficult.

As with many episodes of Daniel Boone, "The Old Man and the Cave" is not just an exciting adventure in the wilderness, but also a meditation on the nature of humanity and the boundaries between sanity and madness. The show takes a nuanced look at the way that people cope with isolation and loneliness, and the impact that the harsh conditions of the frontier can have on the human psyche.

Overall, "The Old Man and the Cave" is a thought-provoking and gripping episode of Daniel Boone that will keep viewers on the edge of their seats. The mix of adventure, mystery, and spiritual contemplation make it a standout entry in the series, and fans of historical dramas and wilderness tales will find much to enjoy.