Ep 22. Tax Collector

The episode Tax Collector from the second season of the show Bonanza revolves around the arrival of a new tax collector in Virginia City. The family of the Cartwrights is initially hopeful that this new addition to the town will bring some positive changes. However, their optimism quickly turns into disappointment as the so-called "tax collector" engages in a series of dishonest and unethical practices.

The episode begins with the arrival of a middle-aged man named Jonathan May in Virginia City. May is introduced as the new tax collector, who has come to the town to collect taxes from the residents. The Cartwrights are initially happy about the arrival of May, as they believe that he will bring needed infrastructure changes to Virginia City. However, they soon realize that May is not what he seems.

May is shown to be a conniving and corrupt individual who is more interested in lining his own pockets than collecting taxes from the citizens of Virginia City. He is immediately suspicious of the Cartwrights, particularly when he sees the luxurious Ponderosa Ranch that they own. May believes that the Cartwrights must be hiding something, and he decides to investigate further.

As the episode progresses, May is shown to engage in a series of unethical practices in his efforts to increase the taxes collected from the residents of Virginia City. He conspires with local businessmen to artificially inflate their tax bills, and he even goes so far as to confiscate the property of innocent townspeople.

The Cartwrights are incensed by May's behavior, and they decide to take matters into their own hands. They confront May and try to reason with him, but he refuses to listen. In the end, it is up to the Cartwrights to expose May's corrupt practices and put a stop to them.

The episode Tax Collector is an interesting portrayal of the themes of power and corruption. Through the character of Jonathan May, the show highlights how easy it is for individuals in positions of power to succumb to greed and lose sight of their moral responsibilities. The episode also shows how the Cartwrights, who are depicted as just and honest individuals, are willing to risk their own safety to expose corruption and protect their fellow townspeople.

Overall, the episode Tax Collector is a thrilling and engaging installment in the second season of Bonanza. It is well-written, expertly acted, and offers a thought-provoking commentary on the dangers of power and corruption. Fans of the show will undoubtedly enjoy this episode, and it is definitely one of the highlights of the season.