Ep 1. Invention of a Gunfighter

Invention of a Gunfighter is the first episode of the sixth season of the popular western television show Bonanza. The episode originally aired on September 13, 1964, and has since become a fan favorite.

The episode opens with a young man named Johnny Mule (played by Michael Burns) arriving in Virginia City. Johnny is a shy and introverted young man, who has come to town to sell his family's property and start a new life. However, he quickly finds himself in trouble when he is targeted by a group of bullies who take pleasure in tormenting him.

One of the bullies, a man named Coley Claybourne (played by Claude Akins), is particularly cruel to Johnny. Coley is a famed gunfighter in the area, and he sees Johnny's vulnerability as an opportunity to create his own "legend". Coley begins to spread rumors about Johnny, claiming that he is a dangerous gunslinger who has killed dozens of men.

As the rumors spread, Johnny becomes afraid for his life. He seeks help and finds it in the form of the Cartwrights - Ben (played by Lorne Greene), Adam (played by Pernell Roberts), Hoss (played by Dan Blocker), and Little Joe (played by Michael Landon). The Cartwrights are a wealthy and influential family in the area, and they take Johnny under their wing.

The bulk of the episode revolves around the Cartwrights trying to help Johnny. They try to convince him to leave town, but Johnny is determined to stand up to Coley and prove that he is not a gunfighter. The Cartwrights attempt to teach Johnny how to defend himself, but they quickly realize that he is not cut out for a life of violence.

Meanwhile, Coley continues to spread rumors about Johnny, and the tension between the two men builds. Eventually, the two men face off in a dramatic final showdown.

Overall, Invention of a Gunfighter is a powerful episode of Bonanza. It deals with themes of bullying, violence, and redemption in a thoughtful and nuanced way. The performances are excellent, with Michael Burns and Claude Akins both delivering memorable turns as Johnny and Coley, respectively. The episode is also notable for its stunning cinematography, which captures the beauty of the Nevada landscape. Fans of westerns, drama, and character-driven storytelling are sure to enjoy this episode of Bonanza.