To me, this was insulting. Yes, an interesting premise, and some haunting, ominous undertones. I have been watching Bonanza for 50 or more years. I like many of the episodes. This one let me down.
I had to wonder, how did supposedly smart people act so much like dunces. How did the writers goof around with this so much. Sure, it was a TV show. I don't expect perfection. I do expect a fair degree of competence.
I think is an example of a good 30 minute show presented as a 60 minute mistake. A half hour might have been cramped, but the longer period yielded to much idle brain time for the writers. Again, some good acting and situations. Still, aggravating and disappointing.