Bonanza - The Hopefuls

Directed by: NBC

Set in Nevada in the 1860's, Bonanza chronicled the adventures of the Cartwright family who owned a large ranch called The Ponderosa. Ben Cartwright and his three sons, Adam, Hoss, and Joe fought for what was just and decent in a time where lawlessness was common. The widowed patriarch Ben Cartwright had three sons, each by a different wife: the oldest was the urbane architect Adam Cartwright, who built the ranch house. The second was the warm and lovable giant Eric, better known by his nickname "Hoss." And the youngest was the hotheaded and impetuous Joseph or "Little Joe." They all lived and worked on The Ponderosa. Nearby Virginia City helped populate the episodes with guest starring characters from all over America. Broadcast between September 1959 and January 1973. Filmed by the National Broadcasting Company at Paramount Studios. "The Hopefuls" Season 2 Episode 5 Whilst in Virginia City on ranch business, Adam mets up with Sam Board. As they are leaving town, they come across a wagon train and they both decide to help the settlers out. Adam finds himself falling for the daughter of the group's leader. However, when Board carries out a drastic plan of his own, Adam soon finds out that love doesn't overcome personal morals and beliefs.