Episode 154 - BULLET FOR A BRIDE

[Episode Guide]

Date: February 16, 1964

Summary: Joe is shooting at an animal and accidentally shoots a girl named Tessa blinding her, who’s riding in a wagon with her family. She and the family stay with the Cartwright’s and Joe, out of guilt, asks Tessa to marry him.

Written by: Tom Seller
Directed by: Tay Garnett
Guest Stars: Marlyn Mason as Tessa Caldwell, Denver Pyle as Marcus Caldwell, Steve Harris as Lon Caldwell


Slideshow courtesy of Tracy

[CowgirlAtHeart]

I re-watched this episode tonight and couldn't help thinking Tessa was more blind at the end, when she could see Joe and decided she wasn't in love with him, than when she couldn't see! How could she not fall in love with that man? (Maybe she was a secret Adam or Hoss gal? )

[daisy60]

I re-watched this episode tonight and couldn't help thinking Tessa was more blind at the end, when she could see Joe and decided she wasn't in love with him, than when she couldn't see! How could she not fall in love with that man? (Maybe she was a secret Adam or Hoss gal? )

She must have been a Hossgal since Marlyn Mason also played in Ponderosa Birdman! I would have jumped at the chance to marry Joe.

[ellen]

Tessa turned out to be "a fine girl" - as Ben would say.

But Ben, again... what were you thinking? Letting the wedding proceed that far was so risky - what if she hadn't changed her mind at the last minute? And leaving Joe at the altar was embarrassing to the entire family.

[Janet the Wicked]

What was Ben thinking indeed. Little bit of a shocker for me that Ben didn't give that family the old heave ho. This is one trait of Ben's that I'm not thrilled with - he's too trusting. In a case like this one, his trust was overboard.

[rogell]

This is a good episode until the end. Ugghhh. Ben is so wonderful he sends the swindlers on their way with a letter for a job in San Francisco. Obviously Papa Marxus and Lon didn't want to work or they wouldn't be looking for a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. Why couldn't the Ben Cartwright of season 1 come out and get rid of these people. One thing I truly enjoyed was watching Little Joe. He does angst, pain and longing better than anyone I know

[flabirder]

This is a good episode until the end. Ugghhh. Ben is so wonderful he sends the swindlers on their way with a letter for a job in San Francisco. Obviously Papa Marxus and Lon didn't want to work or they wouldn't be looking for a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. Why couldn't the Ben Cartwright of season 1 come out and get rid of these people. One thing I truly enjoyed was watching Little Joe. He does angst, pain and longing better than anyone I know

Chances are, if Tessa hadn't been there, Ben probably would have sent Papa Marcus & Lon on their way. I guess he didn't want to see her stuck living with a pair of swindlers & potentially going hungry.

[daisy60]

This is a good episode until the end. Ugghhh. Ben is so wonderful he sends the swindlers on their way with a letter for a job in San Francisco. Obviously Papa Marxus and Lon didn't want to work or they wouldn't be looking for a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. Why couldn't the Ben Cartwright of season 1 come out and get rid of these people. One thing I truly enjoyed was watching Little Joe. He does angst, pain and longing better than anyone I know

Chances are, if Tessa hadn't been there, Ben probably would have sent Papa Marcus & Lon on their way. I guess he didn't want to see her stuck living with a pair of swindlers & potentially going hungry.

I think Ben was so anxious for one of his sons to marry and give him grandchildren, he forgave a lot of the circumstances surrounding the marriage. I'm sure Ben would have kicked Marcus and Lon out the door when he realized they were freeloaders but once he realized Tessa could see he wanted to give her a chance to tell Joe the truth.

[dougsgirl]

I imagine Ben did want to be a grandfather, but I can't imagine him wanting one at any price.