Each person on this Show was perfect for their part. Watched Bonanza growing up and still do. There is not any get tired of the show. Always something exciting to watch or a warm part to enjoy.
Dan Blocker was not only an amazing talented actor, but he was also the most highly educated actor on set. A Masters Degree. His contributions to this series is exactly why it was continuously rated high among other TV shows of that era. All the main original actors were fantastic. I believe had Blocker not pass away and Robert's stayed on board, this show would've ran easily 6 to 8 more seasons. Making it historically the longest ever TV show in television history. Still, 14 seasons is no easy deal. Especially since its two most popular characters had to be written out. I love Hoss. How can you not love Blockers characterizations of his most famous character. The gee shux soft hearted big guy with a heart equally as huge. The man made this series work. Yet, all four original series characters really worked so well together, that by the end of season one, its as if they'd been together for 10 or more seasons already. Blocker smoked and was a life long Democrat of the old school type. He was the real deal. Generous beyond the very definition of the word. A great husband, father, friend. His legacy is indeed as big as the man was himself.
Dan Blocker was a true big hearted Texan and if I am correct was the largest baby ever born in DeKalb, Tex. Where he, his sister and mom and dad are buried. We visited their graves a few years ago...plain as plain can be. You would never know a famous man and his family are buried there. I would have chosen Hoss for my “Bonanza” husband...he was one of a kind.
When Adam left, I basically stopped watching. It's like his character had died, and was never recognized as doing so. I watched maybe a couple of episodes, but his empty chair at the dining room table was too much for this young fan ! Funnily enough, whenever Bonanza has been released on DVD, sales drop RIGHT OFF after the sixth season - Adam's last one - and few companies releasing them will keep going on for the rest of the seasons for that reason : just not worth the investment for the sales returns. I'm not surprised. Adam was way more popular than they'll ever admit to. :)
@@voiceofreason7856 . I so agree with you. Bonanza could never be the same without Adam. Or any one of the four, they were what it was all about and the chemistry between them was perfect. I can remember being so upset when he left. Now as an adult you can see the politics of it. He was just so good looking as Adam, l didn’t watch him in anything else.
Always loved Bonanza. It ended when I was in high school. I’ve read about all of the characters, but wonder why they never mention Hop Sing? He was a great character. And I hear Lorne Green lived in a house that was a replica of the ranch house all of the guys lived on. The Bonanza home.
Lorne Greene did build a modern replica of the ranch house in Arizona. It is a historical landmark now, and if you search for it, You Tube has a video tour of the house. It sits on a golf course.
I loved this episode of Bonanza. This episode showed Michael Landon's talent as an actor and as a writer and a director. He and Tom Skerritt played the scenes between the two of them very well in this episode. There are two things that I would have done differently if I were writing and directing this episode. I would have had one more fight scene with Michael Landon as Little Joe. Michael Landon's fight scenes on Bonanza were the best. I would have had one more to remember him by as Little Joe. And, I would have found a way to put Lorne Greene as Ben in the final scene. I would have loved to have seen one more Pa and Little Joe moment. Otherwise, this was a good episode.
The show was never good after Dan Blocker died. He was truly the heart and soul of the show. He was the glue. Dan Blocker was an educated true family man that played Hoss to a tee and made him seem to epitomize strength, compassion, family, and integrity.
Did you ever notice in the opening shot, where all the actors are riding toward the camera and stopping, that Dan Blocker was the only one who tipped his hat? He didn't do it in every episode, but I think it says a lot about the character and the man.
Well done overview! Think that Victor Sen Yung, loyal to that role since 1959, should have at least had a line or two. Same with Canary, who carried numerous episodes on his own. But Bonanza ended in 1/73 not 1/74.
Bonanza was never the same without Dan Blocker however Michael Landon did well. Having recently watched the entire 14 seasons of Bonanza and then Little House (Covid lockdown) I realised the studio must of have a vast amount of the same material as many woman wore it in Bonanza and then Laura’ s grown up dress in Little House and much more. Plus in Bonanza they used the same clothes all the time and I lost count of one dress being worn from season one to season thirteen! Bonanza was a staple Saturday afternoon series in the UK but I was grown up and doing my registered nurse training when little house came out. So watching it now at the age of 67 was interesting. I am afraid I did not like Highway to Heaven but each to their own. However Bonanza and the chemistry between the main stars was magical and was glad to have seen it when I was young and now as I get older. That childhood I had was very happy and loved by my parents so sitting watching a western with my father was wonderful (I was a bit of a Tomboy). I would love to believe if there is a heaven that the Bonanza boys are still playing the Cartwrights once again.
The actual final episode of Gunsmoke, broadcast March 31, 1975, was about a family who struggle to get their crops planted before they're evicted. Lead character Marshal Matt Dillon (James Arness) just barely appears. By this time, the show had slipped to #23 in the ratings but no one at CBS ever mentioned to the cast that the end would be a possibility.
I remember that most of the later episodes of Gunsmoke James Arness only appeared for 5 mins near the end of the episode to save the day and collect that fat check lol
The last episode was mid season l think, so it wasn’t chosen to be a final episode, it was just the episode next on the list. Beautifully written and crafted by Michael Landon. The actors were told of the cancellation by a letter to the set or phone. The studio treated them all disgracefully after 14 years of exceptional work.
I loved Bonanza! Also Wagon Train, Laramie, Gunsmoke, Branded and of course the Lone Ranger! I grew up wanting to be a cowboy, which was rather difficult here in the UK. Living on pig farms but I had some great locations to act out my imaginary gunfights and 'stunts'. When my dad moved over from pig farming to cattle when I was eight years old, I got the chance to actually 'Head 'em up and move 'em out!' (all the way to the dairy for milking!). I never burnt a map in the name of my Bonanza moments, But show me a big puddle or a stream and I had to gallop through it! (no horse of course!) and in Gloucetershire from the age of three, I discovered my 'Hi Ho Hills' for when I was the Lone Ranger!
Yeah, so I've heard. The producer - who whoever made the announcement - just walked onto the set on a late Friday afternoon and told them it was all over. Hell of a way to treat them all.
First time I saw this final episode. TERRIBLE! what a missed opportunity for the fans. They could have done some reminisces between Ben and Joe with scenes of their lives with Adam and Haus. All those passed episodes. There was no VCR in 1972.it would have been such a joy to see past things of a loving happy family. Closure, that's the word. Really sad to see the best show in the world end this way. Nostalgia would have been beautiful.
Actually I cant remember ever seeing that episode? After "Forever" I kind of lost interest in the show. Adam had left, now Hoss was gone, without much concern from the show being projected in my opinion, I kind of got the feeling they should have wrapped it at that. I'm sure many Hoss Fans felt the same? He certainly, in my opinion, deserved a lot more than a brief picture appearance in that episode. Little Joe remained one of my favorite actors in his future shows but to me Bonanza died with Hoss.
Bonanza ended considerably before series finales even started to become commonplace. However, on occasion producers or writers would insert a final sendoff salute to a particular series, if only a subtle one. A prime example of this happened at the *very* end of the final Star Trek episode (original series), 'Turnabout Intruder'. Did anyone out there spot it?
Note in 14 season of bonanza it was only a half season it was cancelled in January of THAT year six more episodes were written never done they had originally wanted a last show a two hour movie
Bonanza was cancelled in the middle of the season. "The Hunter" was never meant to be the last episode. There were probably several more scripts that they had yet to do before the season ended.
The reason that they never got closer was because they showed up for work and were told the show was canceled, no notice or anything. They were the last to find out. This according to Lorne Greene in an interview years later.
Your valid comment totally makes this presentation lose any credibility. The poster is presenting the "last episode" as if it was suppose to be the last episode. When fans like you share the truth, it makes me realize there is little value in watching presentations such as this one. Thanks for your post!!
I remember watching this and thinking "Landon's ego is what destroyed this series." My opinion remains unchanged. The idea that they could do a series finally that is basically nothing but Michael Landon is a little disgusting.
Pernell Roberts actually didn’t like the show. (Maybe at the beginning). I read that he thought he was too good for the show and wanted more demanding roles and so he quit. He went on to do some plays and parts as I remember in a few movies, but honestly I read his ego was too large to and he never again got the fame and notoriety he expected.
Hollywood's purpose was all about the narrative, brainwashing the World's population with predictive programming. Conditioning and Dividing the people in many, many different ways. Hollywood, Main Stream Media ( TV ) Radio, News Papers, and now the Internet and or the World Wide Web. All the different Media's above were created and are owned by the Central Banksters. As is the State of Israel and the United Nations etc.The list is way to long to mention here. The Central Banks are owned by rothschilds, rockefellers and the morgan families. Who also talked Woodrow Wilson into it, U.S.A. Federal Reserve is a Central Bank and blackmailed the vatican into joining aswell. The Central Banks are in over 80 Countries around the Globe, the banks own and or control over 50% of the entire world as of 2016. Imagine what they own and or control now. THE Central Banks owned and or controlled 25 % when they started in 1913. The Central Banksters are the head of the Snake, Globalism is their Agenda. Socialism is currently being brought into Countries around the world via Country leaders. Next comes Communism. The Banksters will use China who they have funded for over three decades now to bring Communism to just about every Country in the world. Globalism is the end game 100% Control of everything and everybody including population control. 8 years left. 🇨🇦
If you watched it from kid to young adult it had a continuity, loss of Adam, and Hoss interrupted that cadence. The last episode was totally different but consistent with the other changes of that era, and it helped face you towards the future.
I thought at the time this episode was made they didn't know this would be the last episode, so that's why there was no finale to the remaining characters
Actually the Final Episode of Bonanza was not the last in a roundabout way. In 1974 an eighteen hour western mini-series was filmed. The title was “The Legend of the Pondarowsa.” That is no spelling mistake. The main character is Ben Timberman. He had a wife, three sons and three daughters. In 1845 the family and a few friends travelled by wagon train to a new land and a new beginning. ------- The made for TV movie to this date 2021 has not been released. ------- There is a published book available about the movie. It tells the story of these emigrants covering the hi-lights without getting bogged down in too much detail.
As I was growing up it was the only show that I got to watch on a school-night. We watched it religiously and wasn't too upset when Adam took off. I did hear he held the show in a poor place in his mind. He wanted to go back to 'the theeeater'. I grew up with the show and when Hoss died I knew it was the end of the line.... at least for me. I never watched the final episode and from what I can see now I didn't miss much. It had it's day... and TV always evolves.
I thought it was pretty awful, to be honest. Just Landon indulging himself, and producing a weird episode, more reminiscent of the era it was made in than the era it was supposed to be depicting.
I never even saw this episode. We didn't get that last season where I lived because they didn't pick it up on the local station after Dan Blocker died for some reason.
Blocker died in his early 40's and is buried in his home town of DeKalb Texas. I don't remember the details, but I believe it was complications from surgury, if someone knows better please refresh my memory.
When i was in High School we read a short story called "The Most Dangerous Game". This plot of one man hunting another goes all the way back to Greek plays. Every drama will get to some variation of it sooner or later. The Gunsmoke version has a whole family of muleskinners led by the great Morgan Woodward as a mad patriarch. As a episode for Bonanza its one of the best. As a finale for such a classic show it is poor but sadly Bonanza died a slow death. They survived and even thrived after losing Adam. The show took a bad turn when they added Mitch Vogel in my opinion. His character was weak and his talent limited. He always seems to be reading and not speaking his part. Two dimentional at best. Then the death of Dan Blocker took the heart out of the show. i must ask, did they know it was the end or like Gunsmoke got cancelled without the casts knowledge?
It’s an Occurrence At Owl Creek, for Landon. Everyone has already been murdered, on the Ponderosa, except for Landon. Landon is unaware of what happened, when he encounters the hunter. The hunter murders Landon, at the campsite, and everything that follows, the chase, his thoughts about the family, etc, all took place, in Landon’s head, as his life fades, after being mortally wounded. It was also meant to leave an warm, empty place in the viewers hearts, to ponder what could have happened to the Cartwright’s. Whatever happened to that family, on the Ponderosa? Tails from the trail, legends, and hyperbole.
Was it understood that this was the final episode by Michael Landon and others, or was it a last minute move by NBC to cancel the series? If it was more of a last minute decision, it might explain why the episode was not typical for a series ending.
I agree, I think I heard it wasn't suppose to be the last episode, but they didn't know they were being canceled so this is what ended up being the last one.
IMO when Dan Blocker DIED., Bonanza as we know it died with him. BONANZA turned into Little House on The Prairie before that show started. The show became more about the townspeople than what was left of the CARTWRIGHTS
If Bonanza had started with that last show, the series would have been one show long. I thought the chase was stupid, more to the producers and directors ego than to make a good show.
I saw this episode on MeTV recently, not realizing it was the final episode. It looks like they didn't know it would be the final episode. As a few people have commented, the show was cancelled after this was filmed or telecast.
Correct me if I am wrong, the character of Candy was brought on the show after Pernell left. He would leave the show after a pay dispute with producers. Michael asked him to return in the final season after the death of Dan Blocker. I wished that the final season was devoted to the hunt for the murderers of Hoss Cartwright and Pernell with Guy Williams, Will Cartwright, would return to help in the hunt. Alas, Hoss would became a drowning victim in Bonanza: The Return.
That would've been awesome by 2020 standards. Gotta look at the world the way it was in 1973: everyone still thought that the Wild West was a simpler time, but they must've forgotten it wasn't called the "Wild" West for no reason. So when everyone found out Dan Blocker died, and imagine if you were told that Hoss was murdered and that Ben, Joe, and Jamie were gonna avenge Hoss and Adam, Candy, Joe's half-brother and Will would be returning, it doesn't quite make sense, as the Cartwrights are not vengeful people. Ben didn't go after Elizabeth's father for trying to stop them from having Adam, right? Ben didn't go and get all angry and kill whatever killed Inger, did he? Although I'm sure Ben would be heartbroken, I doubt that he would be motivated to go after him... But Joe would. And he might just talk Griff and Candy into going with him. So, I guess if you wanted to do this angle, Joe, Candy, and Griff would be the ones to avenge Hoss, while Adam, Jamie, and Ben are trying to stop them. But once again, too 2020 for 1973 standards
The writers of Bonanza did not know who to move on from the Patriarch format of Ben Cartwright and his sons...or faux-sons like Candy or Griff. And the character of Jamie was a mess...way too whiny.
Not my preference for ending the show. Bonanza was based on family, and although it was never the same without Dan Blocker, I think the final episode should have included Ben Cartwright at least.
They should have given the series closure by having Joe get married at the end and make it look like they lived happily ever after. Instead they had him get married at the beginning of season 14 only to have his wife get killed by bad guys. The Hunter episode should have been just before the final episode with Joe getting married.
It sounds as though Michael Landon was selfish by writing, directing and starring in a script that was a 2 man episode. Leaving out the series regulars was unfair to the viewers.
There was no disrespect from Landon. The series was cancelled mid season with no notice to cast, crew or writers.This episode was just next in order. Even though other actors were not in it, all the main actors got full billing and full pay for the episode, largely at Landon’s insistence.
I agree. I think ML was quite a bighead. In this last ep when Ben looks at picture after Hoss’ death it is a pic of both him & Little Joe. He can’t even let Hoss have a moment on his own 4 tribute as the writer & director. The other scripts he wrote made Joe seem like a super hero & Ben & Hoss merely supporting players. Sorry, love Bonanza but after first 6 seasons when Adam left it went downhill.
Last I looked, Marshal Dillon was played by James Arness, not the other way around. This video series has a problem with this narrator messing up names.
Sorry never saw it. Couldn't say one way or the other. I always thought that a X-over episode between Gunsmoke and Bonanza would have been soooo trick. Just a thought. Have a great day everyone
Bonanza should never end. It should be played in every household around the world. At least a minimum of 24 hours a day. No seriously, about an hour. Bonanza will always be one of the greatest shows ever created. Bonanza for life.
I did not like this episode of Bonanza. "The Hunter" wasn't supposed to the "finale" as it aired in January, the middle of the season. Back then when a TV show was cancelled it was not widely announced. At best there would be a notation in the TVGuide magazine "last episode of the series". The death of Dan Blocker had a profound effect on the cast and crew. Lorne Greene, in an interview, said they didn't want to capitalize on his death and so there was no episode to deal with it. There was no story to explain what happened to Hoss, just a vague reference to him being gone. The cast and crew were all in mourning, but so was the audience. If they had done a story about Hoss's death complete with a funeral and flashbacks it may have given some closure. The show might have found new footing and been able to recover. As it was, the entire season 14 was dark and heavy because everyone involved in the creative process was in mourning. "The Hunter" was just one more dark and heavy episode. It was horrible.
Saguaro cactus are found exclusively in the Sonoran Desert, in southern Arizona and western Sonora, Mexico. Why film where they would be in a shot, when the series took place around Lake Tahoe/Virginia City. "transported back to the old west", only because so many old westerns were filmed in Old Tuscon, so a lot of people just assume they grew all over the west. Howard Hawks classic film, Rio Lobo was filmed there. NOT typical of ANY other arid areas of the old west. Westerns continue to be filmed in Old Tuscon, but modern directors avoid showing Saguaros in a shot if the film takes place elsewhere.
There really was no series finally. In an interview with Lorne Greene, they all showed up for work one day and were the last to find out that they were canceled.
I enjoyed Bonanza through the whole series until the finale episode I felt the Lorne Greene and Mitch Vogel should have been at the end when Joe comes safely home again And I missed David Canary and Tim Matheson in the episode too
"Forever" was the season 14 opener, with Little Joe taking Hoss' place as the tragic groom. This was the unintentional final episode, because "Bonanza" was suddenly cancelled.
I had been watching Bonanza since I was a little girl about 4 or 5 and unfortunately I was disappointed in the Finale Don’t get me wrong Michael Landon did a great job but the other cast members should have been included at the end of the episode
it was too gruesome for us little kids to watch. The TV got turned off. They couldve had little Joe get married or Adam come home with a wife and little ones.
They should of done a tribute to dan blocker but there was one episode where this guy son died in a accident and the father was trying to revenge his son's death I think Jamie was in evolved I don't remember but ben Cartwright runs up to the angry father and says I know how you feel I lost a son a while back to but revenge isn't the answer but that was the only time I remember hearing ben Cartwright mentioned hoss death
This person needs more interest in telling a story the people acting in the show deserve to be remerbed and Micheal Landon was a real treat to watch he could capture even people who said they did not like westerners Please learn the carectors the story is about before trying to read what and who they are
Bonanza ended in January of 1973, not January of 1974. Little House On The Prairie started in September of 1974, not in March. of that year. You should check your Facts... Verse.
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Each person on this Show was perfect for their part. Watched Bonanza growing up and still do. There is not any get tired of the show. Always something exciting to watch or a warm part to enjoy.
Me too
Once Hoss passed away, Bonanza was never the same. Dan Blocker was wonderful in that role.
Yes, that was the beginning of the end. He was the heart and soul of the show.
I agree 👍
yep !!!
Most definitely
Yes but the show was on the steady decline even before blockers death
It was never the same for me after Adam left.
Yes I agree. I loved Adam. He was so handsome.
Dan Blocker was not only an amazing talented actor, but he was also the most highly educated actor on set. A Masters Degree. His contributions to this series is exactly why it was continuously rated high among other TV shows of that era.
All the main original actors were fantastic. I believe had Blocker not pass away and Robert's stayed on board, this show would've ran easily 6 to 8 more seasons. Making it historically the longest ever TV show in television history. Still, 14 seasons is no easy deal. Especially since its two most popular characters had to be written out.
I love Hoss. How can you not love Blockers characterizations of his most famous character. The gee shux soft hearted big guy with a heart equally as huge. The man made this series work. Yet, all four original series characters really worked so well together, that by the end of season one, its as if they'd been together for 10 or more seasons already. Blocker smoked and was a life long Democrat of the old school type. He was the real deal. Generous beyond the very definition of the word. A great husband, father, friend. His legacy is indeed as big as the man was himself.
Dan Blocker was a true big hearted Texan and if I am correct was the largest baby ever born in DeKalb, Tex. Where he, his sister and mom and dad are buried. We visited their graves a few years ago...plain as plain can be. You would never know a famous man and his family are buried there. I would have chosen Hoss for my “Bonanza” husband...he was one of a kind.
I loved him 😭😭 RIP Dan Blocker aka Eric ‘Hoss’ Cartwright
He lived in Switzerland to protest the war.
@@danielterry382 More to keep his sons out of the draft. His terrible experiences in the Korean War made him a complete pacifist.
@@nancycurtis488 I wish I could have been lucky enough to find a man as compassionate and with a heart as kind as Hoss.
So far away from the wonderful early years. The first six seasons were the best, after Adam left it held no joy for me..
When Adam left, I basically stopped watching. It's like his character had died, and was never recognized as doing so. I watched maybe a couple of episodes, but his empty chair at the dining room table was too much for this young fan ! Funnily enough, whenever Bonanza has been released on DVD, sales drop RIGHT OFF after the sixth season - Adam's last one - and few companies releasing them will keep going on for the rest of the seasons for that reason : just not worth the investment for the sales returns. I'm not surprised. Adam was way more popular than they'll ever admit to. :)
@@voiceofreason7856 . I so agree with you. Bonanza could never be the same without Adam. Or any one of the four, they were what it was all about and the chemistry between them was perfect. I can remember being so upset when he left. Now as an adult you can see the politics of it. He was just so good looking as Adam, l didn’t watch him in anything else.
You know you just said, what I was thinking!!!! 🤗🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧
True. I loved Pernell Roberts
Pernell Roberts got more fan mail than the other cast members. From Ms. Harper Stacey.
Always loved Bonanza. It ended when I was in high school. I’ve read about all of the characters, but wonder why they never mention Hop Sing? He was a great character. And I hear Lorne Green lived in a house that was a replica of the ranch house all of the guys lived on. The Bonanza home.
Lorne Greene did build a modern replica of the ranch house in Arizona. It is a historical landmark now, and if you search for it, You Tube has a video tour of the house. It sits on a golf course.
I read Pernell Robert’s paid for Hop Sings funeral
That is TRUE
I thought the episode was great but I really missed seeing Adam! He was my favorite because he was like the coolest cowboy!
I loved this episode of Bonanza. This episode showed Michael Landon's talent as an actor and as a writer and a director. He and Tom Skerritt played the scenes between the two of them very well in this episode. There are two things that I would have done differently if I were writing and directing this episode. I would have had one more fight scene with Michael Landon as Little Joe. Michael Landon's fight scenes on Bonanza were the best. I would have had one more to remember him by as Little Joe. And, I would have found a way to put Lorne Greene as Ben in the final scene. I would have loved to have seen one more Pa and Little Joe moment. Otherwise, this was a good episode.
It was not the same without the originals the hunter was not my favorite.bonaza will always live in our hearts.
Hi 🙋♀️ this is a very nice 👍🏻
I grew up with this show, one of the best!!
The show was never good after Dan Blocker died. He was truly the heart and soul of the show. He was the glue. Dan Blocker was an educated true family man that played Hoss to a tee and made him seem to epitomize strength, compassion, family, and integrity.
Did you ever notice in the opening shot, where all the actors are riding toward the camera and stopping, that Dan Blocker was the only one who tipped his hat? He didn't do it in every episode, but I think it says a lot about the character and the man.
You expressed beautifully all the qualities that Dan Blocker had. We will never see his like again. I have all the seasons and I treasure them.
Well done overview! Think that Victor Sen Yung, loyal to that role since 1959, should have at least had a line or two. Same with Canary, who carried numerous episodes on his own. But Bonanza ended in 1/73 not 1/74.
Bonanza was never the same without Dan Blocker however Michael Landon did well. Having recently watched the entire 14 seasons of Bonanza and then Little House (Covid lockdown) I realised the studio must of have a vast amount of the same material as many woman wore it in Bonanza and then Laura’ s grown up dress in Little House and much more. Plus in Bonanza they used the same clothes all the time and I lost count of one dress being worn from season one to season thirteen! Bonanza was a staple Saturday afternoon series in the UK but I was grown up and doing my registered nurse training when little house came out. So watching it now at the age of 67 was interesting. I am afraid I did not like Highway to Heaven but each to their own. However Bonanza and the chemistry between the main stars was magical and was glad to have seen it when I was young and now as I get older. That childhood I had was very happy and loved by my parents so sitting watching a western with my father was wonderful (I was a bit of a Tomboy). I would love to believe if there is a heaven that the Bonanza boys are still playing the Cartwrights once again.
The actual final episode of Gunsmoke, broadcast March 31, 1975, was about a family who struggle to get their crops planted before they're evicted. Lead character Marshal Matt Dillon (James Arness) just barely appears. By this time, the show had slipped to #23 in the ratings but no one at CBS ever mentioned to the cast that the end would be a possibility.
Thanks for watching!
I remember that most of the later episodes of Gunsmoke James Arness only appeared for 5 mins near the end of the episode to save the day and collect that fat check lol
Hoss was the underrated star of this show.
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@@FactsVerse , I enjoy all of your content and keep up the good work.
The last episode was mid season l think, so it wasn’t chosen to be a final episode, it was just the episode next on the list. Beautifully written and crafted by Michael Landon. The actors were told of the cancellation by a letter to the set or phone. The studio treated them all disgracefully after 14 years of exceptional work.
James Arness said the same about the cancellation of Gunsmoke - disgraceful.
@@wildbillharding That's how Hellieweird works!
All the actors were all compensated handsomely throughout the series
I loved Bonanza! Also Wagon Train, Laramie, Gunsmoke, Branded and of course the Lone Ranger! I grew up wanting to be a cowboy, which was rather difficult here in the UK. Living on pig farms but I had some great locations to act out my imaginary gunfights and 'stunts'. When my dad moved over from pig farming to cattle when I was eight years old, I got the chance to actually 'Head 'em up and move 'em out!' (all the way to the dairy for milking!). I never burnt a map in the name of my Bonanza moments, But show me a big puddle or a stream and I had to gallop through it! (no horse of course!) and in Gloucetershire from the age of three, I discovered my 'Hi Ho Hills' for when I was the Lone Ranger!
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This show never had a chance to have a great goodbye..it was a surprise to them it was cancelled..this final episode was filmed before cancellation..
Yeah, so I've heard. The producer - who whoever made the announcement - just walked onto the set on a late Friday afternoon and told them it was all over. Hell of a way to treat them all.
If I'm not mistaken, the final episode that aired was actually the second to final episode filmed.
@@dgtwo3724 You are correct.
First time I saw this final episode. TERRIBLE! what a missed opportunity for the fans. They could have done some reminisces between Ben and Joe with scenes of their lives with Adam and Haus. All those passed episodes. There was no VCR in 1972.it would have been such a joy to see past things of a loving happy family. Closure, that's the word. Really sad to see the best show in the world end this way. Nostalgia would have been beautiful.
I AGREE
The show was suddenly canceled and this episode was never intended to be the finale.
Actually I cant remember ever seeing that episode? After "Forever" I kind of lost interest in the show. Adam had left, now Hoss was gone, without much concern from the show being projected in my opinion, I kind of got the feeling they should have wrapped it at that. I'm sure many Hoss Fans felt the same? He certainly, in my opinion, deserved a lot more than a brief picture appearance in that episode. Little Joe remained one of my favorite actors in his future shows but to me Bonanza died with Hoss.
Bonanza ended considerably before series finales even started to become commonplace. However, on occasion producers or writers would insert a final sendoff salute to a particular series, if only a subtle one. A prime example of this happened at the *very* end of the final Star Trek episode (original series), 'Turnabout Intruder'. Did anyone out there spot it?
I still watch repeats
Same Here
Me too...but don't care too much after Adam left.
I am watching them now
Great show
Thanks for watching, Lake!
I also grew up watching this show and and disappointed with the show’s ending
Note in 14 season of bonanza it was only a half season it was cancelled in January of THAT year six more episodes were written never done they had originally wanted a last show a two hour movie
Marshal Matt Dillon was the character, played by James Arness, not the other way around....
Loved how it ended but I think Ben should have been more involved
John - I was wondering who else caught that....
Bonanza was cancelled in the middle of the season. "The Hunter" was never meant to be the last episode. There were probably several more scripts that they had yet to do before the season ended.
The reason that they never got closer was because they showed up for work and were told the show was canceled, no notice or anything. They were the last to find out. This according to Lorne Greene in an interview years later.
Your valid comment totally makes this presentation lose any credibility.
The poster is presenting the "last episode" as if it was suppose to be the last episode.
When fans like you share the truth, it makes me realize there is little value in watching presentations such as this one.
Thanks for your post!!
Nice
I remember watching this and thinking "Landon's ego is what destroyed this series." My opinion remains unchanged. The idea that they could do a series finally that is basically nothing but Michael Landon is a little disgusting.
I think having only 2 of the original 4 main characters remaining has more to do with it.
Michael Landon was a huge talent.
Yay I’m early!
I'm a lil bit late
Idiot😆😈sorry I am a devel
@@kevinschneider4615 okay...
@@phatdonutbear7117
I would love to be your friend
Sorry that's just me during quarantine#bored
They should have asked Pernell Roberts to come back for the last show but Michael eagle wouldn't let him😠
I doubt Pernell would have done it.
Pernell Roberts actually didn’t like the show. (Maybe at the beginning). I read that he thought he was too good for the show and wanted more demanding roles and so he quit. He went on to do some plays and parts as I remember in a few movies, but honestly I read his ego was too large to and he never again got the fame and notoriety he expected.
@buckroo8424 i mean he did 7 yrs on trapper john md
Note the last two seasons were on Tuesday night. It had been on Sunday night for over 10 year's
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If you watched it from kid to young adult it had a continuity, loss of Adam, and Hoss interrupted that cadence. The last episode was totally different but consistent with the other changes of that era, and it helped face you towards the future.
When they did the Next Gen movies they totally messed up the original story line. Most Bonanza fans hate those movies.
One more note about Bonanza. The last season after Hoss died. NBC moved Bonanza from Sunday at 9 to Tuesday against Maude followed by Hawaii Five-O
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I thought at the time this episode was made they didn't know this would be the last episode, so that's why there was no finale to the remaining characters
this was the last episode aired but not the last episode filmed
Actually the Final Episode of Bonanza was not the last in a roundabout way. In 1974 an eighteen hour western mini-series was filmed. The title was “The Legend of the Pondarowsa.” That is no spelling mistake. The main character is Ben Timberman. He had a wife, three sons and three daughters. In 1845 the family and a few friends travelled by wagon train to a new land and a new beginning. ------- The made for TV movie to this date 2021 has not been released. ------- There is a published book available about the movie. It tells the story of these emigrants covering the hi-lights without getting bogged down in too much detail.
Thanks for sharing this, Scenic Hwys!
I wish Little Joe could have made it home and reunited with Pa and Jamie
Me too😔👍🌹
I don't remember the final episode. Thank you for mentioning it.
voice over narration mentions Jan 1973 AND Jan 1974 as ending dates for final episode? Which is it? I'm too lazy to go to imdb to check.
The best bonanza is with fenel roberts .miss him.
We absolutely agree! Thank you for your watching our video. What is your favorite Bonanza episode?
As I was growing up it was the only show that I got to watch on a school-night. We watched it religiously and wasn't too upset when Adam took off. I did hear he held the show in a poor
place in his mind. He wanted to go back to 'the theeeater'. I grew up with the show and when Hoss died I knew it was the end of the line.... at least for me. I never watched the final episode
and from what I can see now I didn't miss much. It had it's day... and TV always evolves.
Or devolves!
I thought it was pretty awful, to be honest. Just Landon indulging himself, and producing a weird episode, more reminiscent of the era it was made in than the era it was supposed to be depicting.
Thanks for watching!
I never even saw this episode. We didn't get that last season where I lived because they didn't pick it up on the local station after Dan Blocker died for some reason.
Blocker died in his early 40's and is buried in his home town of DeKalb Texas. I don't remember the details, but I believe it was complications from surgury, if someone knows better please refresh my memory.
@@kevindoran4590 gall bladder surgery and blood clot went to his heart; a pulmonary embolism
When i was in High School we read a short story called "The Most Dangerous Game". This plot of one man hunting another goes all the way back to Greek plays. Every drama will get to some variation of it sooner or later. The Gunsmoke version has a whole family of muleskinners led by the great Morgan Woodward as a mad patriarch. As a episode for Bonanza its one of the best. As a finale for such a classic show it is poor but sadly Bonanza died a slow death. They survived and even thrived after losing Adam. The show took a bad turn when they added Mitch Vogel in my opinion. His character was weak and his talent limited. He always seems to be reading and not speaking his part. Two dimentional at best. Then the death of Dan Blocker took the heart out of the show. i must ask, did they know it was the end or like Gunsmoke got cancelled without the casts knowledge?
It’s an Occurrence At Owl Creek, for Landon. Everyone has already been murdered, on the Ponderosa, except for Landon. Landon is unaware of what happened, when he encounters the hunter. The hunter murders Landon, at the campsite, and everything that follows, the chase, his thoughts about the family, etc, all took place, in Landon’s head, as his life fades, after being mortally wounded. It was also meant to leave an warm, empty place in the viewers hearts, to ponder what could have happened to the Cartwright’s. Whatever happened to that family, on the Ponderosa? Tails from the trail, legends, and hyperbole.
The finale needed at least one reference to Hoss. It doesn't feel right that his death wasn't even acknowledged.
I loved this show👌👌😆😆🙂🙂
it would have been nice to have as many cast members involved as possible. However; no real complaint here; It was what it was.
Was it understood that this was the final episode by Michael Landon and others, or was it a last minute move by NBC to cancel the series? If it was more of a last minute decision, it might explain why the episode was not typical for a series ending.
I agree, I think I heard it wasn't suppose to be the last episode, but they didn't know they were being canceled so this is what ended up being the last one.
@@sheliahayes8726 yeah, apparently the last episode was gonna be a wedding with Candy and another love interest of his
the cancellation was announced in January of 1973
The last gunsmok e was share cropers
The Hunter was not the last episode filmed and the cast didn't know the show had been cancelled when they shot the last episode
IMO when Dan Blocker DIED., Bonanza as we know it died with him. BONANZA turned into Little House on The Prairie before that show started. The show became more about the townspeople than what was left of the CARTWRIGHTS
I was a little disappointed in the final episode because I was hoping that Joe would safely return home to be with Pa and Jamie at the end
I never saw the final episode so don't know what happened.If someone could enlighten me..?
If Bonanza had started with that last show, the series would have been one show long. I thought the chase was stupid, more to the producers and directors ego than to make a good show.
I AGREE
I thought the last episode stunk I hate to see Little Joe running and crying somebody help me please
Ha ha.." The main caricature Arness was played by Marshal Dillon" Lol uh.. it was the other way around dude....Lol
I saw this episode on MeTV recently, not realizing it was the final episode. It looks like they didn't know it would be the final episode. As a few people have commented, the show was cancelled after this was filmed or telecast.
Ponderosa is on Lake Tahoe. Ive been there.
Thanks for watching!
Correct me if I am wrong, the character of Candy was brought on the show after Pernell left. He would leave the show after a pay dispute with producers. Michael asked him to return in the final season after the death of Dan Blocker. I wished that the final season was devoted to the hunt for the murderers of Hoss Cartwright and Pernell with Guy Williams, Will Cartwright, would return to help in the hunt. Alas, Hoss would became a drowning victim in Bonanza: The Return.
That would've been awesome by 2020 standards. Gotta look at the world the way it was in 1973: everyone still thought that the Wild West was a simpler time, but they must've forgotten it wasn't called the "Wild" West for no reason. So when everyone found out Dan Blocker died, and imagine if you were told that Hoss was murdered and that Ben, Joe, and Jamie were gonna avenge Hoss and Adam, Candy, Joe's half-brother and Will would be returning, it doesn't quite make sense, as the Cartwrights are not vengeful people. Ben didn't go after Elizabeth's father for trying to stop them from having Adam, right? Ben didn't go and get all angry and kill whatever killed Inger, did he? Although I'm sure Ben would be heartbroken, I doubt that he would be motivated to go after him... But Joe would. And he might just talk Griff and Candy into going with him. So, I guess if you wanted to do this angle, Joe, Candy, and Griff would be the ones to avenge Hoss, while Adam, Jamie, and Ben are trying to stop them. But once again, too 2020 for 1973 standards
I thought Hoss drowned.And Adam murdered too?Weird.
I think I heard that the Character Adam went to College.
The writers of Bonanza did not know who to move on from the Patriarch format of Ben Cartwright and his sons...or faux-sons like Candy or Griff. And the character of Jamie was a mess...way too whiny.
Don Collier was also in The Undefeated & Sam in The High Chaparral.I think he &Mark Slade r the only ones who r still alive from the show.
Not my preference for ending the show. Bonanza was based on family, and although it was never the same without Dan Blocker, I think the final episode should have included Ben Cartwright at least.
they didn't know this was going to be the last episode
9:40 AUDIO CORRECTION : James Arness ( real life name) '' played Matt Dillon ''......not the other way around. SLOW down, get the facts in, FIRST. SIR
Bononononononononononananzaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!!!!!
They should have given the series closure by having Joe get married at the end and make it look like they lived happily ever after. Instead they had him get married at the beginning of season 14 only to have his wife get killed by bad guys. The Hunter episode should have been just before the final episode with Joe getting married.
It sounds as though Michael Landon was selfish by writing, directing and starring in a script that was a 2 man episode. Leaving out the series regulars was unfair to the viewers.
There was no disrespect from Landon. The series was cancelled mid season with no notice to cast, crew or writers.This episode was just next in order. Even though other actors were not in it, all the main actors got full billing and full pay for the episode, largely at Landon’s insistence.
I AGREE
I agree. I think ML was quite a bighead. In this last ep when Ben looks at picture after Hoss’ death it is a pic of both him & Little Joe. He can’t even let Hoss have a moment on his own 4 tribute as the writer & director. The other scripts he wrote made Joe seem like a super hero & Ben & Hoss merely supporting players. Sorry, love Bonanza but after first 6 seasons when Adam left it went downhill.
Last I looked, Marshal Dillon was played by James Arness, not the other way around. This video series has a problem with this narrator messing up names.
The average annual rainfall in Tucson Az is 11.5 inches, not three...
I was a little disappointed only because I am a huge fan of Mitch Vogel and Loren Greene
Jamie and Candy always got on my nerves
NOT CANDY BUT BOY JAMIE SURE DID
Sorry never saw it. Couldn't say one way or the other. I always thought that a X-over episode between Gunsmoke and Bonanza would have been soooo trick. Just a thought. Have a great day everyone
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Bonanza should never end. It should be played in every household around the world. At least a minimum of 24 hours a day. No seriously, about an hour. Bonanza will always be one of the greatest shows ever created. Bonanza for life.
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They tried to revive it with a prequel series called Ponderosa. It didn’t work out.
I need to see the episode before making comments. I am not looking forward to the last episode anyway. Without Dan Blocker, it could be boring.
How did they miss this?
The main character, Arness, played by Matt Dillon...
They got it backwards.
I did not like this episode of Bonanza. "The Hunter" wasn't supposed to the "finale" as it aired in January, the middle of the season. Back then when a TV show was cancelled it was not widely announced. At best there would be a notation in the TVGuide magazine "last episode of the series".
The death of Dan Blocker had a profound effect on the cast and crew. Lorne Greene, in an interview, said they didn't want to capitalize on his death and so there was no episode to deal with it. There was no story to explain what happened to Hoss, just a vague reference to him being gone. The cast and crew were all in mourning, but so was the audience. If they had done a story about Hoss's death complete with a funeral and flashbacks it may have given some closure. The show might have found new footing and been able to recover. As it was, the entire season 14 was dark and heavy because everyone involved in the creative process was in mourning. "The Hunter" was just one more dark and heavy episode. It was horrible.
I don’t recall watching the final episode.
Saguaro cactus are found exclusively in the Sonoran Desert, in southern Arizona and western Sonora, Mexico. Why film where they would be in a shot, when the series took place around Lake Tahoe/Virginia City. "transported back to the old west", only because so many old westerns were filmed in Old Tuscon, so a lot of people just assume they grew all over the west. Howard Hawks classic film, Rio Lobo was filmed there. NOT typical of ANY other arid areas of the old west. Westerns continue to be filmed in Old Tuscon, but modern directors avoid showing Saguaros in a shot if the film takes place elsewhere.
I was very disappointed in the last episode. i loved every episode of bonanza but this didn’t cut it.
There really was no series finally. In an interview with Lorne Greene, they all showed up for work one day and were the last to find out that they were canceled.
Thanks for sharing this, Kevin!
James Arness found out about Gumsmoke's cancelation in the paper. They didn't have a final episode.
I enjoyed Bonanza through the whole series until the finale episode
I felt the Lorne Greene and Mitch Vogel should have been at the end when Joe comes safely home again
And I missed David Canary and Tim Matheson in the episode too
I thought the last episode was named Forever and dedicated to Dan Blocker/Hoss
"Forever" was the season 14 opener, with Little Joe taking Hoss' place as the tragic groom. This was the unintentional final episode, because "Bonanza" was suddenly cancelled.
I had been watching Bonanza since I was a little girl about 4 or 5 and unfortunately I was disappointed in the Finale
Don’t get me wrong Michael Landon did a great job but the other cast members should have been included at the end of the episode
it was too gruesome for us little kids to watch. The TV got turned off. They couldve had little Joe get married or Adam come home with a wife and little ones.
I'm at 3rd place
Ive never watched it
First
yup
They should of done a tribute to dan blocker but there was one episode where this guy son died in a accident and the father was trying to revenge his son's death I think Jamie was in evolved I don't remember but ben Cartwright runs up to the angry father and says I know how you feel I lost a son a while back to but revenge isn't the answer but that was the only time I remember hearing ben Cartwright mentioned hoss death
Bonanza was better than Gunsmoke
This person needs more interest in telling a story the people acting in the show deserve to be remerbed and Micheal Landon was a real treat to watch he could capture even people who said they did not like westerners
Please learn the carectors the story is about before trying to read what and who they are
I missed the last show
The Incredible Hulk had a similar episode called "The Snare".
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No it shouldn,t ended like that.What happened to little joe in the final episode.
Didn't know that was the final episode. Don't like that. Think it would've been better with all them together.
Yes, I agree with the last person's post. Hoss was my favorite , and I stopped watching when he was gone.
It should be the main character Dillon played by Arness. You got it backwards.
Bonanza ended in January of 1973, not January of 1974. Little House On The Prairie started in September of 1974, not in March. of that year. You should check your Facts... Verse.
Knot sure who place it was to bring the red head guy in to the show but he didn't fit into the show at all
That was making the show real boring . Ron
How is everybody day
good you?
Mine is good,you?
OMG is that really you😱😱😵
@@FactsVerse good