WOW !!!! It is superb storyline and directing . The cast always in form . It doesn't get any better . Profound in it's philosophical perspective of life . Ben Cartwright is faced with a dilemma that is not only unfortunate but also places him in an opportunity to gain a more enlightened sense of life priorities . A very real situation that is experienced by a lot of us in real life . The writer nailed it . The added bonus was seeing how an old friend / rival and the daughter bring Ben back from a path that would ultimately destroy his life. Sometimes a friend can come in a peculiar way to help . The wound Ben suffered to his leg was put in perspective by the gravity of a greater loss and greater challenge .
3 Reviews
Criminally Negligent
tonycat-127 March 2019
Warning: Spoilers
This episode contains the expected fine acting and production values typical of Bonanza, and stands well on its own. However, Ben's behavior is inconsistent with with his high moral and ethical standards in the rest of the series.
When Ben, under a deadline to complete some logging work, overrides concerns about using a faulty block and tackle, a death ensues. Even more surprising, when Ben becomes despondent over causing this death, he is repeatedly told "it was just an accident, not your fault". If there was no known safety issue, I could agree, but in this case I consider his decision criminally negligent.
I consider this episode non-canonical due to these issues.
When Ben, under a deadline to complete some logging work, overrides concerns about using a faulty block and tackle, a death ensues. Even more surprising, when Ben becomes despondent over causing this death, he is repeatedly told "it was just an accident, not your fault". If there was no known safety issue, I could agree, but in this case I consider his decision criminally negligent.
I consider this episode non-canonical due to these issues.
Shrewd and ruthless
bkoganbing28 May 2019
This episode concerns Lorne Greene in a rare moment of introspection. He and
Jay C. Flippen are long time business rivals. Flippen's a genial gladhander. He's
also shrewd and ruthless.
So when Lorne Greene wins a bid on a timber contract to deliver lumber and build a railroad trestle Flippen awaits his opportunity. It comes when Ben Cartwright's long time friend Ralph Moody is killed and Lorne Greene seriously injured by falling timber.
The sons take over, but will Ben Cartwright get back in the game. He didn't build the Ponderosa moping as he does here.
Nice guest star turn by Flippen.
So when Lorne Greene wins a bid on a timber contract to deliver lumber and build a railroad trestle Flippen awaits his opportunity. It comes when Ben Cartwright's long time friend Ralph Moody is killed and Lorne Greene seriously injured by falling timber.
The sons take over, but will Ben Cartwright get back in the game. He didn't build the Ponderosa moping as he does here.
Nice guest star turn by Flippen.
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