This episode was mostly a vehicle for Hoss and Child (Yaphet Kotto). A miner who has told everyone he is rich dies and his home is tossed. Hoss rides into town on the miner's horse leading everyone to think that he killed the miner. It becomes clear that Hoss probably won't get a trial, he will most likely face a lynch mob. At this point, Child breaks Hoss out of jail and they make a run for it together. Hoss has some positive influence on Child, refusing to steal food, even when hungry. Child thinks "child" is his name because his mother called him that, but his true name, Joshua, is written in a bible given him by his mother. Hoss sees the name and tells Child. Eventually the posse, who are very interested in where the miner's money has gone, catch up with Hoss and Child.
SPOILER: Child is shot and as he is dying he tells everyone the miner fell off his horse, dead. Child then went through his cabin. Ben, Little Joe and Candy have caught up with the posse and Hoss by now and Ben convinces the sheriff it will be best to drop all charges against Hoss. It is unfortunate Child dies because he is beginning to be a better person with Hoss' influence.
A fairly common occurrence in Bonanza episodes is for the main guest character to be shot and killed by a posse member or lawmen. But, no one is ever held responsible, even though they are often innocent of the main misdeed. The most I've ever seen is for one of the Cartwrights to punch the killer. A different time.
SPOILER: Child is shot and as he is dying he tells everyone the miner fell off his horse, dead. Child then went through his cabin. Ben, Little Joe and Candy have caught up with the posse and Hoss by now and Ben convinces the sheriff it will be best to drop all charges against Hoss. It is unfortunate Child dies because he is beginning to be a better person with Hoss' influence.
A fairly common occurrence in Bonanza episodes is for the main guest character to be shot and killed by a posse member or lawmen. But, no one is ever held responsible, even though they are often innocent of the main misdeed. The most I've ever seen is for one of the Cartwrights to punch the killer. A different time.
