Hey Adam Gals and Bonanza Fans,

 

I'm an Adam Gal and like very few of the episodes post-1965, but there are a few I really like. My favorite is "The Medal". I think it really portrays issues experienced by veterans coming home. Dean Stockwell was excellent. 

I'm gonna have to think hard to pinpoint a favorite, or a select number of favorites! I like the topic idea though. 

I have several - The Wish (Hoss), A Dream to Dream (Hoss), The Late Ben Cartwright (Ben), Five Candles (Ben, Hoss, Joe, Candy), Decision at Los Robles (Ben, Joe), Sense of Duty and Salute to Yesterday (Candy backstory episodes)

5 minutes ago, AC1830 said:

I have several - The Wish (Hoss), A Dream to Dream (Hoss), The Late Ben Cartwright (Ben), Five Candles (Ben, Hoss, Joe, Candy), Decision at Los Robles (Ben, Joe), Sense of Duty and Salute to Yesterday (Candy backstory episodes)

 

Oooh, good choices. The Wish, and The Late Ben Cartwright for sure (just watched that this morning)! I'd have to add Mark of Guilt. Hop Sing's knowledge of fingerprints clears Joe of murder.

6 minutes ago, CareBear said:

 

Oooh, good choices. The Wish, and The Late Ben Cartwright for sure (just watched that this morning)! I'd have to add Mark of Guilt. Hop Sing's knowledge of fingerprints clears Joe of murder.

Oh I hate I left Hop Sing out. Sorry Hop Sing. I agree with that one and The Lonely Man (all Hop Sing). 

 

Also, The Marriage of Theodora Duffy (Griff). A Matter of Faith (introduces Jamie Hunter).

 

@napajackie I agree that The Medal is a good one. Along the same post war them is The Hidden Enemy about Morphine addiction. 

@AC1830 The Lonely Man is a very strong episode. Both that and Mark of Guilt have some truly heartbreaking moments in them. Victor Sen Yung was a very gifted actor and he shines in both.

It must have been so sad for Adam’s people to lose him so soon. If ML had left the series my 12 year old self would have been bereft and probably wouldn’t have watched another Bonanza ever again. But now as I watch all the episodes with a more open and mature (sort of)  mind  I’ve found so many gems (like those mentioned above) with and without Little Joe. 
So much to still discover !

I really like "Mrs. Wharton and the Lesser Breeds" from season 10. A Candy episode, and we don't really know how he got involved with escorting Mrs. Wharton, but Mildred Natwick is a hoot!

I love this topic because I am one who actually prefers the later seasons because Candy is one of my favorite characters, lol. Don't get me wrong, I love the Adam years as well and I do like Adam even if he isn't my favorite Cartwright. I love all of the ones above. I would add The Stillness Within from season 12. A very touching Joe episode where he is temporarily blinded in an accident. His teacher, Miss Dobbs is wonderful. She's played by Jo Van Fleet. But yes I love any of the Candy episodes. My favorite is The Stalker.

 

I also like Riot from season 14, it's the introduction to Griff's character. If you're an animal lover, I'd recommend The Bucket Dog. I love that one too. It's a Jamie episode, but the Irish setter, April was so adorable! 

@MelissaR1992 great choices all! The Bucket Dog hits all the feels - joy, love of the dog, tension, loss, and comedy when April sings in church. 

43 minutes ago, AC1830 said:

@MelissaR1992 great choices all! The Bucket Dog hits all the feels - joy, love of the dog, tension, loss, and comedy when April sings in church. 

That's honestly my favorite part. "Jamie get the dog out right this very minute! Get the dog out!"