The Legacy

"I think the Legacy is one of the best episodes.

One reason is that it deals with the Cartwrights and their personalities. It is very touching to see Ben reflect on his sons, his emotionality is heartrending, and the dialogue, especially the things Ben says, is profound, IMO.

Ben does not very often share his thoughts about his sons, but this is an occasion where he does, therefore I think it takes a special place among Bonanza episodes, especially the early ones.

In a way, we get a similar storyline in Springtime - the boys have a mission, but in the end they can't do what they intended to do - but that does not diminish the message of The Legacy. I rated it 5." - TeddyBuletti

"I really like The Legacy for a lot of reasons. For example, it shows how well Ben knows his sons. When he describes Adam to Jacob Dohrman, he says, "That oldest boy of mine—Adam—oh, he's real calm in an emergency, real calm." We see that very quality when the three brothers confront the old man who runs the way station. Joe loses his temper and alienates the old man, but Adam calmly offers the man money and gets the information. Later, Ben tells Dohrman, "I don't think Adam could do anything without givin' it some real deep thought. Anymore than Hoss could do anything without givin' it some real deep feelin'." Of course we see that Ben is exactly right about both of them.

Later, when Ben worries about Joe, both his older brothers stick up for him. Hoss says, "He's hot-tempered, but he's still one of your sons, Pa." Adam tells Ben, "Look, even if Joe did find his man, and he did kill him, he did it believing that that man had killed you."

I like the ending when Ben tells Dohrman that he hasn't paid him and Dohrman, who was very cynical when we first met him has been so moved by seeing that Ben's legacy will live on in his sons, quietly answers, "I've been paid."

I really can't think of any episode that does a better job of demonstrating the close bonds among the four Cartwrights." - Deborah

"One of my all time fav episodes. I agree with everything Deborah said and also because it has one of my all time favourite JPM moments at the end I gave it a 5." - Dodo

"I also agree with Deborah . This is one of the best episodes of Bonanza long run." - Fanofoldtvshows

"One thing I really like about this episode is that it features everyone in the family, and they all have a chance in the spotlight. There are (of course!) some plot holes, but I just sit back and enjoy watching the Cs. I love the scene where the 3 boys ride up to the stage stop (or whatever it is) and pry information out of that old man, then they all go off in search of their man. I do wish there were more scenes of the boys together after they determined that Ben was missing, but there just aren't enough minutes in an episode, I guess!" - ellen

"I think it's all been said - great ep!!!" - jfclover

"Excellent episode from a family point of view. It is strongly charged with emotion, loyalty and devotion to one another.

Only one complaint...I always wished for a real touchy, huggy JPM at the end, but alas we got a very understated but brilliant one instead (at least that's what everyone keeps telling me)." - territell

"One of the very best episodes. It shows us what Ben thought of his sons and how they all responded to what would have been the most devastating time in their lives; the murder of their father. Deborah summed up the high points beautifully." - grimesgirl

Bonanza Episode Guide by Julie-Ann Sanderson © 2008
Compiled for Bonanza Brand
All episodes are rated out of 5