While I would not list this as a favorite episode, I must say there are several things about this episode that are outstanding, IMO.
The relationship between Joe and Sally springs up out of nowhere - they are engaged; ring, fathers' blessings, and all. Knowing the nature of the show, viewers know from moment one that Sally will either leave town or meet an untimely death. So, it is hard to become invested in the sparks flying between her and Joe. However - there are sparks, IMO. Something we don't usually see in Bonanza romances, especially Joe's. The chemistry between Mike and Shirley Bonne is there - really there. She's happy, not needy, and obviously a good match for Joe.
Beau Bridges, as Horace Perkins (Could he be related to Farmer Perkins?
) is wonderful. He plays the shy, awkward bank teller so well, and then at the end, he comes across as the psycho murderer he truly is. Wonderful performance by Mr. Bridges.
Also, Lurene Tuttle as the loving Mrs. Colter, trying to replace her deceased son with Horace - she is quite good in this role. You can't help but feel for her.
George Bristol, played by Roy Roberts, makes his first appearance as the banker. We see him again in season 8's "Clarissa," where there is no mention of his now deceased daughter or the fact that she and Joe had been engaged. There is one scene, right after Clem, Joe, and Mrs. Colter leave the grieving George Bristol in his home -- wow. He turns away from the closed front door slowly and looks around his living room, the place where he last saw his daughter alive. Great moment well played by Roberts.
One obvious thing that bothers me is the use of two very, very different Cochises. In the closer shots, Joe is riding a Cochise who has white socks, and is about 50/50 black and white. In the distance shots, he's riding a Cochise who has four white legs and is more white than black.
