Ep 26. The Avenger

The Avenger is the 26th episode of the first season of the classic Western television series Bonanza, which originally aired on March 24, 1960. The episode revolves around a young and bright girl named Cathy Braine, who arrives in Virginia City in search of her father's killer. The Cartwrights, who are the protagonists of the series, soon become involved in the search for justice, and the episode follows their efforts to help Cathy bring the killer to justice.

The episode opens with Cathy arriving in town and announcing to anyone who will listen that she is looking for the man who murdered her father. She is visibly distraught and upset, and her presence in town quickly catches the attention of the Cartwright brothers. They learn that Cathy's father was a wealthy landowner who was killed in cold blood by a member of a rival family, but that the killer had not yet been brought to justice.

Adam, Hoss, and Little Joe Cartwright take pity on Cathy, believing that her cause is just, and they decide to help her search for the killer. They spend several days investigating and interviewing people in the town, gathering clues and piecing together the events leading up to the murder. Along the way, they encounter several obstacles and challenges, including threats from the rival family and interference from the local law enforcement.

Despite these challenges, the Cartwrights persist in their investigation, and over time they gather enough evidence to identify the killer. The final showdown between the Cartwrights and the killer is intense and action-packed, with plenty of gunfights, fistfights, and horseback chases. In the end, justice is served, and the killer is brought to justice for his crimes.

Throughout the episode, viewers are treated to the classic Western themes of honor, justice, and loyalty. The Cartwrights' unwavering commitment to helping Cathy and bringing her father's killer to justice is inspiring, and their willingness to put themselves in harm's way for the sake of their cause is a testament to their courage and determination.

Overall, The Avenger is a classic episode of Bonanza that showcases the series' strengths of action, drama, and moral clarity. Cathy is a sympathetic and relatable character, and her quest for justice is both compelling and emotionally resonant. The Cartwrights are heroic and likable, representing the best of the Western genre's values and virtues. Fans of the series will find plenty to enjoy in this episode, and newcomers will be easily drawn in by its engaging story and thrilling action.