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 Spitfire” Season 2 Episode 17 While riding out on the range, Joe comes across a man starting a fire on the Ponderosa. Joe tries to stop the man but ends up shooting him in self-defense. Feeling guilty, Joe takes it upon himself to look after the man’s daughter, Willow. Willow isn’t happy about this situation and does all she can to show it. When the rest of the Hoad clan arrive intent on killing Joe in revenge, Ben finds himself in a position of keeping Joe alive and the Hoads at bay.