The Fear Merchants

"I think this is a good family episode. Andy (I forget his last name) is clearly based on Sen. Joseph McCarthy, who was responsible for blacklisting many in the theater, films and television only a few years before this episode aired. The way Andy controls Sally's father is creepy but believable.

One thing does bother me. At the beginning of season one in both Death on Sun Mountain and Mr. Henry Comstock, it was correctly shown that the four Cartwrights were there when the Comstock Lode was discovered and Virginia City came into existence. Now, in this episode, the writers make it appear Virginia City has been around since Adam was a teenager. Not only is that historically inaccurate, but it is in flat contradiction to what was shown earlier. Lack of continuity started very early in Bonanza's 14 year run." - Deborah

"I like this episode; it shows that the Chinese were a large part of the Virginia City population, and doesn't patronize them." - ellen

"I have always enjoyed this episode. I'd imagine that it was a bit of a risk to bring up racial bigotry during that time, but it was handled in a gentle way yet got the point across." - DonnaB

"I have to agree with you Donna, definitely was done quite well in showing the prejudices going back that far in history. And to add we still have almost the same prejudices today....No matter what anyone says or believes it is quietly there in many places." - Sunny

"I like this episode, and agree with what already been posted. " - Fanofoldtvshows

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