Is this is the best episode of the entire 14-year series? I would say yes. We all hate injustice, and that is what this story presents. While not known at the time, this episode ended up having an all-star cast, as Robert Sampson, Charles McGraw, and Ben Johnson, while already established, went on to stellar careers on TV and in films. The story flows well, and you will see Little Joe make a most unusual ride. The only episode that rivals this one is Kingdom of Fear.(1971). I will put those two as tied for the series' best episodes. This is a devious plot that plays out well and will keep your attention throughout.
Reviews
4 Reviews
Wow!
6 December 2022
As the show progressed, many of the episodes got weaker. This is definitely not one of them. Alfred Ryder plays a sadistic antagonist which makes for a thrilling hour. I have always said that The Gamble was my favorite episode, but this rivals that one, and could be considered the best episode of the series. There is a question that you are left with at the end of the show. You will have to decide for yourself. Other than that, I don't think they could have made this one any better. Richard Mulligan played a comedy role in the series Soap, but is great as a victim in a very serious role this time.
Tpp 5 Bonanza
13 March 2021
With nearly 500 Bonanza episodes in the books, this one is a top 5 for sure. The entire story is bolstered through an exceptional performance by Richard Jaekel. He never became the icon that many thought he should have. Some say that, while stocky, his 5'-7" stature held him back, as shorter actors don't seem to demonstrate a dominance like taller ones do. But watch him here. He is given a very meaty part (unlike in The Dirty Dozen), and plays it to the max. His very menacing character creates an atmosphere that you can cut with a knife. While others support the story well, it is Jaekel who steals the show. If you ever wanted to find out what Bonanza is made of, see this episode. This one rivals my favorite, called "The Gamble", made 6 years earlier in 1961.Night of Reckoning is a close second.
Best of the series
8 March 2020
Warning: Spoilers
This is very possibly the best episode of the entire 5 season run. It begins the final year. Anytime Sgts. Carter and Hacker were at odds made for good viewing. Everybody has heard of siphoning gas OUT of a car, but putting it IN? Good story, and great give and take between Carter and Hacker.
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