This is a great episode of Bonanza, keeps you interested the whole way through. Another reviewer does not like the episode because of Adam. As a child growing up Adam was my favorite , however just slightly ahead of the great Dan Blocker and Michael Landon. Loved the way the writers concentrated each episode on one of the sons or their father. This one is a Pernell Roberts masterpiece right up there with The Crucible with Lee Marvin. Don't miss that one or this one.
4 Reviews
The Ride: An Excellent Episode
jeremylr31 May 2009
Warning: Spoilers
This episode aired during the 3rd season of Bonanza in January 1962. This is one of those episodes that I would show to someone who has never heard of Bonanza; it's that good. Adam (Pernell Roberts) is the main character of this story, although the others appear.
The only guest star that I know is Chubby Johnson, who opens the story sitting with Adam on a porch. Seems he made hundreds of appearances in western films & TV, a character actor who chewed his scenery, often as an old timer.
Anyway, the opening scene mentioned above reminds me an awful lot of "The Andy Griffith Show" & the relaxed nature of many scenes featuring Andy & Barney just talking.
Unfortunately, a robbery bursts the tranquil, lazy opening. Adam recognizes one of the robbers, even though they're wearing potato sacks over their heads.
That reminded me of Batman, The Lone Ranger, or any western where the bad guy used a neckerchief to cover his face, & you'd always think that someone should have recognized him at some point.
Even though Adam's a Cartwright with lots of respect, hardly anyone believes his story, especially when it's discovered that witnesses have placed the robber in Virginia City shortly after the robbery, seemingly impossible that he could have made it to the robbery site & back in time.
Adam stays convicted that he knows the robber. That's one of the episode's strengths & lessons: be honest even when no one believes you.
Later in the episode Adam confronts the robber in Virginia City, which happens several times. The robber is very convincing in regards that he would never commit such an act. He then starts to spread the word around town that Adam just wants his wife, so that's why he's accusing the robber in the 1st place.
The wife of the robber has some very good scenes. Check out the one where she tries to seduce Adam. It's very well portrayed.
Just an excellent story. Many of the western clichés are turned head over heels in this episode, all for the better. There's action, but more dramatic scenes between the central characters.
The only thing against this episode is the constant commercial interruption shown on TVLand. It'll be a great day when the powers that be release this show with complete seasons with uncut 51-minute episodes.
The only guest star that I know is Chubby Johnson, who opens the story sitting with Adam on a porch. Seems he made hundreds of appearances in western films & TV, a character actor who chewed his scenery, often as an old timer.
Anyway, the opening scene mentioned above reminds me an awful lot of "The Andy Griffith Show" & the relaxed nature of many scenes featuring Andy & Barney just talking.
Unfortunately, a robbery bursts the tranquil, lazy opening. Adam recognizes one of the robbers, even though they're wearing potato sacks over their heads.
That reminded me of Batman, The Lone Ranger, or any western where the bad guy used a neckerchief to cover his face, & you'd always think that someone should have recognized him at some point.
Even though Adam's a Cartwright with lots of respect, hardly anyone believes his story, especially when it's discovered that witnesses have placed the robber in Virginia City shortly after the robbery, seemingly impossible that he could have made it to the robbery site & back in time.
Adam stays convicted that he knows the robber. That's one of the episode's strengths & lessons: be honest even when no one believes you.
Later in the episode Adam confronts the robber in Virginia City, which happens several times. The robber is very convincing in regards that he would never commit such an act. He then starts to spread the word around town that Adam just wants his wife, so that's why he's accusing the robber in the 1st place.
The wife of the robber has some very good scenes. Check out the one where she tries to seduce Adam. It's very well portrayed.
Just an excellent story. Many of the western clichés are turned head over heels in this episode, all for the better. There's action, but more dramatic scenes between the central characters.
The only thing against this episode is the constant commercial interruption shown on TVLand. It'll be a great day when the powers that be release this show with complete seasons with uncut 51-minute episodes.
Here for the serious ones
glitterrose19 December 2021
Warning: Spoilers
I know I had mentioned my preference for episodes where the Cartwrights help somebody and I don't remember if I also said I have more interest in the serious episodes. This is a serious episode so you can tune in and not be irritated by constant goofiness or a character going into heat. I'm in the process of watching Bonanza but my guess is you won't see too many (if any) episodes where Pernell's the lead and Adam's off doing something stupid or goofy.
I gotta admit my reason for liking this episode is kind of a shallow one. I got a kick out of Adam staying by his word no matter how many people were dismissive of what he was saying. I can't tell you how many times I was told growing up that I'd argue with a sign post if it was something I truly believed in. So this episode can go either way tbh. A person might be able to watch the episode and enjoy it straight through or the constant "arguing with a sign post" attitude might be something that grates on your nerves and you flip off after the first few minutes. I know I liked it and enjoy Adam's character so there's that.
I'd seen Jan Merlin courtesy of Little House on the Prairie. He played Olga's (Kim Richard's character with one leg shorter than the other) daddy. Thought he did an excellent job as being the baddie in this episode.
I gotta admit my reason for liking this episode is kind of a shallow one. I got a kick out of Adam staying by his word no matter how many people were dismissive of what he was saying. I can't tell you how many times I was told growing up that I'd argue with a sign post if it was something I truly believed in. So this episode can go either way tbh. A person might be able to watch the episode and enjoy it straight through or the constant "arguing with a sign post" attitude might be something that grates on your nerves and you flip off after the first few minutes. I know I liked it and enjoy Adam's character so there's that.
I'd seen Jan Merlin courtesy of Little House on the Prairie. He played Olga's (Kim Richard's character with one leg shorter than the other) daddy. Thought he did an excellent job as being the baddie in this episode.
I'm always right
mitchrmp26 November 2014
Warning: Spoilers
I'm sorry, but of all the Cartwright boys, I cannot stand Adam. I think he's very arrogant and stuck up. He sees himself as smarter than his father and brothers. That's probably why this episode just got on my nerves. I think I would have enjoyed this episode a lot more if Adam hadn't been the character chosen (though I suppose he was the best Cartwright for this episode). I kept hoping that Adam was wrong...
The fact that the Pony Express rider didn't make it back on time still wasn't good enough for cocky big brother. He decided to do it himself. After all, we know that Adam's the best at everything!!!
If you don't see Adam's personality the same as I do, you may enjoy this episode a lot more...
The beginning of that was cute, but even that was ruined...
The fact that the Pony Express rider didn't make it back on time still wasn't good enough for cocky big brother. He decided to do it himself. After all, we know that Adam's the best at everything!!!
If you don't see Adam's personality the same as I do, you may enjoy this episode a lot more...
The beginning of that was cute, but even that was ruined...
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