Yee-Haw! A Bonanza Podcast

This week on the podcast, we’re watching Season 1, Episode 30, “Feet of Clay.” When young Billy Allen’s mother dies, the Cartwrights take him in until his uncle can come for him. What they don’t realize is that Billy’s father, Vance Allen, has recently escaped from prison—and he’s coming for his son.

This heartfelt episode explores the bond between fathers and sons, the meaning of “feet of clay” through both Billy and Hoss’s perspectives, and gives Dan Blocker a chance to define the character of Hoss Cartwright in one of the best scripts of Bonanza’s first season.

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This week on Yee-Haw! A Bonanza Podcast, we’re watching Season 1, Episode 29, “Bitter Water.” Todd McCarren has had it with the Cartwrights and decides to sell out for mining, threatening the long-standing water deal between their families. It’s a pretty typical Bonanza setup: hatred for the Cartwrights, a romantic subplot involving one of the brothers, and an ending so rushed that every conflict is neatly tied up in the last five minutes. Still, there are things to appreciate, like how good Pernell Roberts looked in this episode.

Check out the official website!

yeehawbonanzapod.com

Follow the show on TikTok

https://www.tiktok.com/@yeehawbonanzapod

Follow the show in Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/yeehawbonanzapod/

Email the show at yeehawbonanzapod@gmail.com

Follow Yee-Haw! A Bonanza Podcast on YouTube for more retro TV fun!

This week we're watching Season 1, Episode 28, “San Francisco.” Arriving in the city for five days, Ben Cartwright warns his sons and hired hands about the dangers of San Francisco and the shanghaiing business... only to have his hired hands—and himself—shanghaied and soon bound for China! Classic Cartwright hijinks await in this episode, as a horrifying practice of the 1860s is turned into a lighthearted comedy.

Check out the official website!

yeehawbonanzapod.com

Follow the show on TikTok

https://www.tiktok.com/@yeehawbonanzapod

Follow the show in Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/yeehawbonanzapod/

Email the show at yeehawbonanzapod@gmail.com

Follow Yee-Haw! A Bonanza Podcast on YouTube for more retro TV fun!

This week on Yee-Haw! A Bonanza Podcast, we’re watching Season 1, Episode 27, “The Last Trophy”! Lord Marion Dunsford and his wife Beatrice visit the Ponderosa. Once a famous big game hunter, Dunsford is now a shadow of the man he used to be, while Beatrice makes it painfully clear she is no longer interested in the man her husband is now, while setting her sights on...Adam.

There may be a cougar hunt in this episode, but let’s be honest, the real cougar is Beatrice Dunsford. 🐾

This week on Yee-Haw! A Bonanza Podcast, we’re watching Season 1, Episode 26, “The Avenger"! Ben and Adam Cartwright are facing execution after a shocking murder accusation from Sally Byrnes, leaving Joe and Hoss scrambling to find anyone in town willing to stand up for their family.

Enter Vic Morrow as Lassiter, a mysterious stranger with no first name, no history… and an unwavering sense of justice. Handsome and irresistibly likable, Morrow steals the spotlight with his performance as the quiet, steadfast drifter who just might be the Cartwrights' only hope.

This week on Yee-Haw! A Bonanza Podcast, we’re watching Season 1, Episode 25, “Escape to Ponderosa.” Three army deserters hide out on Cartwright land, nearly beat Adam to death, and are being hunted by their superior officer, Captain Bolton, who wants them dead. Ben is strangely sympathetic to the men who almost killed his son, and the episode tries hard to make us care about Paul Tyler—a deserter whose main personality trait is “guy who’s nice to horses.” Still, you can’t help but enjoy the small moments of Cartwright cuteness sprinkled throughout.

On this week’s episode of Yee-Haw! A Bonanza Podcast, we’re watching Season 1, Episode 24, "The Stranger." A man named Inspector LaDuke shows up in Virginia City to arrest Ben Cartwright on a 20-year-old murder charge. To make matters more complicated, the accusation is tied to Little Joe’s late mother, Marie, and her mysterious past in New Orleans. This excellent episode offers a gripping look into Ben’s and LaDuke history, sheds new light on Marie’s character, and leaves us wondering: just how much did Little Joe really know about his mother?

On this week’s episode of Yee-Haw! A Bonanza Podcast, we’re watching Season 1, Episode 23, "Desert Justice." When Ponderosa ranch-hand Dave Walker is accused of murder, U.S. Marshal Emmett Dowd shows up to escort him back to L.A. to stand trial. Concerned for their friend, Adam and Hoss decide to tag along to make sure things stay fair. What could’ve been a gripping character drama turns into a bit of a drag...still, Claude Akins does his best with what he's given.

On this week’s episode of Yee-Haw! A Bonanza Podcast, we’re watching Season 1, Episode 22, "Blood on the Land." Jeb Drummond and his murderous band of sheep herders figure they can do more than just pass through the Ponderosa—they can take it by force. After capturing Adam and holding him hostage, Jeb tries to strong-arm Ben into handing over 50,000 acres of Cartwright land in exchange for his son's life. It’s a decent plot, but one wonders how much stronger the episode could have been with a deeper look at Ben’s internal struggle.

On this episode of Yee-Haw! A Bonanza Podcast, we watch Season 1, Episode 21, "The Spanish Grant." A woman named Isabella De La Cuesta arrives in Virginia City claiming legal ownership of the Ponderosa and surrounding homesteads. The Cartwrights, (rightfully suspicious) jump into action to uncover the truth behind her supposed Spanish land grants. Adam takes the lead in unraveling this Anastasia style mystery—only to find himself in a battle-of-the-flirts with Isabella, as both try to charm information out of the other while fully aware of each other's game.

On this episode of Yee-Haw! A Bonanza Podcast, we watch Season 1, Episode 20, "The Fear Merchants." When Jimmy Chang is falsely accused of murdering young Sally Ridley, the Cartwrights step in to ensure his safety and a fair trial. Standing in their way is Andy Fulmer, a mayoral candidate determined to drive "foreigners" out of town. This episode tackles themes of prejudice, racism, and corrupt political influence.

On this episode of Yee-Haw! A Bonanza Podcast, we watch Season 1, Episode 19, "The Gunmen." Hoss and Little Joe ride into Texas and are instantly mistaken for the infamous Slade brothers, landing them smack in the middle of a long-standing family feud. Talking points include Henry Hull as the world’s most hospitable sheriff, a group of desperate single women panicking over the town’s lack of men, and a rather absurd final showdown… over a hog.

On this episode of Yee-Haw! A Bonanza Podcast, we watch Season 1, Episode 18, "A House Divided." Shady businessman and Southern sympathizer Frederick Kyle strolls into town, looking to recruit followers to his cause. This episode loosely explores the dangers of putting politics before personal relationships, delivers a dose of soap-opera drama between Joe and Adam, and raises more questions than it answers, such as, where did Frederick Kyle obtain a photo of Little Joe's beloved mother!?

This week on the podcast, we’re watching Season 1, Episode 17, "The Outcast." When Leta Malvet's family is lynched for attempting a stagecoach robbery, the people of Virginia City waste no time turning against her, convinced she’s no better than her outlaw family. The Cartwrights step in to help, but Adam has a bad feeling—especially when Leta’s shady bad boy boyfriend, Clay Renton, conveniently strolls back into town.

This episode features Spartan-brand Mrs. Olsen, the people of Virginia City once again proving how terrible they are, and the enormously talented Jack Lord as Clay Renton. Join for a whole lot of screaming over Jack Lord (and Hawaii Five-O).

This week we're watching Season 1, Episode 16, "El Toro Grande". Hoss and Little Joe are sent to purchase a (VERY) pricey bull from Don Miguel and bring him back to the Ponderosa. What follows is pure Looney Tunes-esque hijinks including Hoss punching a bear, Little Joe kissing another man’s fiancée (and dueling him over it), and a determined little boy refusing to part with his beloved bovine. Yet somehow, that still doesn’t cover all the chaos in this wildly ridiculous episode.

To quote Adam Cartwright, this one "is certainly a lot of bull."

This week, Melissa watches Season 1, Episode 15, 'The Last Hunt'. When Hoss and Little Joe stumble upon a pregnant Shoshone woman, they suddenly find themselves on the run from her tribe—and about to deliver her baby! This episode offers a great look at Hoss and Little Joe’s personalities, highlighting their resourcefulness, compassion, and sheer panic when faced with the unexpected challenge of bringing a newborn into the world.

On today's episode, Melissa watches Season 1, Episode 14, 'The Sisters'. Adam Cartwright finds himself romantically involved with popular saloon gal Sue Ellen Terry—but their romance takes a tragic turn when she is shot dead in his arms. As Adam becomes the prime suspect, the real question remains: who pulled the trigger? Was it Sue Ellen's jealous, image-obsessed sister Amelia? A scorned lover, John Henry? Or the unsettlingly possessive Sheriff Jesse? Equal parts murder mystery and character study, this episode puts the eldest Cartwright brother in the spotlight.

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This week on Yee-Haw! A Bonanza Podcast, Melissa watches Season 1, Episode 13, “Vendetta.” After a deadly shootout with the Morgan gang leaves Ben seriously injured and Billy Morgan dead, Carl Morgan swears vengeance on the Cartwrights. With the town paralyzed by fear and unwilling to come to Ben's aid, this High Noon-inspired episode delivers a dramatic and classic western take on courage and redemption.

This week on Yee-Haw! A Bonanza Podcast, Melissa watches Season 1, Episode 12, “The Hanging Posse.” Joe and Adam join a posse on the hunt for the killers of Vannie Johnson, but tensions run high as grief and anger turn the group into a vengeful mob. With the grieving widower and the posse's tracker fueling the fire, the line between justice and vengeance becomes dangerously blurred. Join Melissa as she explores this interesting story of morality, restraint, and the dangers of letting emotions take the reins when seeking justice.

Today’s episode is Season 1, Episode 11, “The Truckee Strip”! A Bishop and a Cartwright—can it be? In this Romeo-and-Juliet-inspired episode, star-crossed lovers Joe Cartwright and Amy Bishop try to convince their feuding fathers that their land dispute is only fueling more violence between the families. Jealousy! Chaos! James Coburn! Will the young lovers succeed in their quest, or will the infamous Cartwright curse prevail?

Today, we’re watching Season 1, Episode 10, "The Magnificent Adah"! When performer Adah Menken arrives in Virginia City, the Cartwright brothers sneak into her show, hoping to glimpse her infamous “nude” act... or so they think. The real shock? Ben has a history with the controversial actress. As the brothers hatch some questionable plans to expose her character, Adah’s old flame, John C. Regan, storms into town to reclaim his lost love. This episode playfully explores love, loyalty, and the awkward consequences of kissing your father’s girlfriend.

On today’s episode of Yee-Haw! A Bonanza Podcast, we’re watching Season 1, Episode 9, “Mr. Henry Comstock,”. The story covers the Canadian swindler famous for discovering the Comstock Lode. This cheesy entry into Bonanza Season 1 explores man’s lust(?) for gold, the gimmicky effects that guitar and harmonica can have on a scene, and the consequences of taking a Paiute princess to a dance without her father’s permission.

The real question remains— is this an episode of Bonanza or a parody of Bonanza?

Today on Yee-Haw! A Bonanza Podcast, Melissa watches Season 1, Episode 8, “The Philip Diedesheimer Story.” In the aftermath of a devastating mine cave-in, Adam Cartwright partners with renowned engineer Philip Diedesheimer to introduce square-set timbering to Nevada's mines. This episode dives deep into the moral conflict of prioritizing profits over people, delivers heartfelt reflections on love and loss, and examines the divide between social classes. Join Melissa as she unpacks one of Bonanza’s earliest ventures into socially conscious storytelling.

On this episode of Yee-Haw! A Bonanza Podcast, we watch Season 1, Episode 7, The Saga of Annie O'Toole—the first of many comedy episodes in the series. The legendary Ida Lupino guest stars as the feisty Annie O'Toole, out to seek her mining claim. Meanwhile, Ben begrudgingly presides over Miners’ Court, Pernell Roberts entertains with theatrical line delivery, and we learn a few new Irish-isms (ever heard of a Snibberblot?).

🎶 Love me tender, love me sweet... 🎶 This week on Yee-Haw! A Bonanza Podcast, Melissa watches Season 1, Episode 6, “The Julia Bulette Story.” Little Joe’s infatuation with the enigmatic and charming Julia Bulette stirs up controversy in Virginia City, where her reputation makes her a target for both judgment and danger. With sharp writing and unforgettable dialogue, this episode explores complex themes of morality, judgement and hypocrisy. Join Melissa as she explores one of Bonanza’s most compelling early stories.

This week on Yee-Haw! A Bonanza Podcast, Melissa watches Season 1, Episode 5, “Enter Mark Twain!” Politics! Corruption! Mark Twain! And… Bigfoot on the Ponderosa? Meanwhile, Percy Helton sneaks around with some of the worst facial prosthetics in TV history, and Adam can’t quite tell the difference between a boy and a girl. Join Melissa as she dives into this delightfully quirky episode packed with laugh-out-loud moments!

This week on Yee-Haw! A Bonanza Podcast, Melissa dives into Season 1, Episode 4, "The Paiute War". Tensions flare as Adam finds himself a hostage in the middle of an impending war between two Native American tribes and the townsfolk of Virginia City. Meanwhile, a man named Wilson takes every opportunity to further escalate the chaos wherever he pleases. Join Melissa as she unpacks this dark, thought-provoking episode with its raw ending that will leave you reflecting long after the credits roll.

This week, Melissa watches Season 1, Episode 3, "The Newcomers"! In today’s episode, Hoss experiences love (and heartbreak) for the first time, the Cartwrights run into an old foe with a tendency for terrible plans, and—wait—is there gold on the Ponderosa? Don’t forget to raise a glass to our friends Jose and the botanist Justin Flannery, gone too soon. :(

In this week’s episode, Melissa tackles Bonanza Season 1, Episode 2, “Death On Sun Mountain.” Do the Cartwrights stick with their aggressive tactics from Episode 1, or will they finally show a little personality? Meanwhile, "discount Gene Barry" is threatening Virginia City with sky-high meat prices. Fortunately this plot is a step up from last week’s tree-thieving shenanigans!

In this debut episode of Yee-Haw! A Bonanza Podcast, Melissa and her sister Theresa dive into Bonanza Season 1, Episode 1, "A Rose For Lotta." Discussion points include the Cartwrights' hilariously aggressive behavior, Lorne Greene's over-the-top delivery of every line, and, of course, the unprecedented Adam/Lotta kiss at the end. This first Bonanza episode is packed with plenty of moments worth discussing—join in for the fun!