Episode 139 - THE TOY SOLDIER

[Episode Guide]

Date: October 20, 1963

Summary: Adam gets to know an artist named James Callan, who is married to an Indian woman. Callan can’t defend himself against the hostilities.

Written by: Warren Douglas
Directed by: Tay Garnett
Guest Stars: Philip Abbott as James Callan, Morgan Woodward as McDermott, Donna Martell as Esther Callan.


Slideshow courtesy of Tracy

[littlejoenice]

I recently watched this episode, and I liked it. Like most Bonanza episodes, I've noticed that they start out with comedy before leading up to the dramatic climax. All in all, an enjoyable episode. The ending was perfect. For some reason, I don't know why, but I wasn't expecting Adam's family to show up.

[Janet the Wicked]

I loved when Ben, Hoss and Lil' Joe showed up at the end. The Cartwrights to the rescue!!! And they drew their guns at the same time. It was very impressive.

[Adamant]

Other than the opening scene (although I find it ridiculous that Hoss could be toppled over by a tug on his shirt collar) and the first scene in the bar, I don't really care for this episode. I find the end, the deus ex machina of the C's riding into town to save the day, absurd. Also, the Indian who throws his lance and kills McDermott's right hand man, has committed murder and no one seems to care. The man was just standing there and the Indian (Esther's brother) slaughters him. Where are the Cartwright standards--or anyone's standards? You tell the man to drop his weapon first and if he doesn't and makes a menacing move, then you act.

Other than watching the beginning, I tend to skip this one. But PR does look good. (Funny how the Indian portrait appeared in the earlier seasons and also here in season 5. Hmmmm. I did a Guest Star POD featuring the Indian Portrait which at one time, hung in Joe's room.)

[barbp]

I wondered about the portrait- thanks for mentioning and explaining

[ellen]

...Also, the Indian who throws his lance and kills McDermott's right hand man, has committed murder and no one seems to care. The man was just standing there and the Indian (Esther's brother) slaughters him. Where are the Cartwright standards--or anyone's standards? You tell the man to drop his weapon first and if he doesn't and makes a menacing move, then you act.

I SO agree! That was horrifying.

But the opening scene is terrific - typical brother stuff, I love it!

[dougsgirl]

I personally enjoyed this episode. I guess because as usual, Adam was for the underdog, being the Paiutes in this case.

[Janet the Wicked]

Other than the opening scene (although I find it ridiculous that Hoss could be toppled over by a tug on his shirt collar) and the first scene in the bar, I don't really care for this episode. I find the end, the deus ex machina of the C's riding into town to save the day, absurd. Also, the Indian who throws his lance and kills McDermott's right hand man, has committed murder and no one seems to care. The man was just standing there and the Indian (Esther's brother) slaughters him. Where are the Cartwright standards--or anyone's standards? You tell the man to drop his weapon first and if he doesn't and makes a menacing move, then you act.

Other than watching the beginning, I tend to skip this one. But PR does look good. (Funny how the Indian portrait appeared in the earlier seasons and also here in season 5. Hmmmm. I did a Guest Star POD featuring the Indian Portrait which at one time, hung in Joe's room.)

But isn't that what the Cartwrights did? As corny as the ending is, and I love them all drawing their guns at once, isn't this was the show was about?

[Adamant]

But isn't that what the Cartwrights did? As corny as the ending is, and I love them all drawing their guns at once, isn't this was the show was about?

What? Absurd plot endings, synchronized gun-drawing, and the condoning of murder? No, I don't think so. But it does smack of poor writing and that happened often in the series.

But to each his own.

(Do note though, that after the "murder", no one is horrified; Adam and Callan calmly walk into the depot to send him off to Washington. "God's in His heaven: All's right with the world.")

[Janet the Wicked]

But isn't that what the Cartwrights did? As corny as the ending is, and I love them all drawing their guns at once, isn't this was the show was about?

What? Absurd plot endings, synchronized gun-drawing, and the condoning of murder? No, I don't think so. But it does smack of poor writing and that happened often in the series.

But to each his own.

(Do note though, that after the "murder", no one is horrified; Adam and Callan calmly walk into the depot to send him off to Washington. "God's in His heaven: All's right with the world.")

I just thought it was a fun scene. In my world, an avid movie fan, I thought the actors did a great job of handling guns, drawing at the same time. That's how I enjoy the show. They arrive at Paramount Studios in the morning, handle real guns, ride horses, have a lot of laughs at the commissary, and make us laugh. In the meantime, they are acting with all kinds of Hollywood stars and drinking beer on the side.