10 Things You Missed in the 'Bonanza' Final Episode

Do you think you know everything there is to know about the Bonanza final episode? Well, think again! This brilliantly crafted series finale was filled with little details that even the most die-hard fans probably missed. The final episode of Bonanza, entitled "The Hunter," finished off the fourteenth season of this beloved Western TV show. While most shows these days usually end with all of the characters getting back together for one last episode, Bonanza went in a completely different direction.

Even if you've never watched Bonanza before, this episode was so well-written that you could watch it as a stand-alone episode and still enjoy it thoroughly. It is a gritty and action-packed episode that will leave you on the edge of your seat the whole time. In this video, we're going to show you the ten things you missed from the Bonanza final episode. Make sure you stick around to the very end, where we will reveal which other popular Western TV show copied the plot of this episode. We hope you like this video, and don't forget to subscribe to Facts Verse for more!
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[bettypotter]

It was never the same for me after Adam left.

[wvpirate]

Once Hoss passed away, Bonanza was never the same. Dan Blocker was wonderful in that role.

[kitbailey]

Dan Blocker was not only an amazing talented actor, but he was also the most highly educated actor on set. A Masters Degree. His contributions to this series is exactly why it was continuously rated high among other TV shows of that era.
All the main original actors were fantastic. I believe had Blocker not pass away and Robert's stayed on board, this show would've ran easily 6 to 8 more seasons. Making it historically the longest ever TV show in television history. Still, 14 seasons is no easy deal. Especially since its two most popular characters had to be written out.

I love Hoss. How can you not love Blockers characterizations of his most famous character. The gee shux soft hearted big guy with a heart equally as huge. The man made this series work. Yet, all four original series characters really worked so well together, that by the end of season one, its as if they'd been together for 10 or more seasons already. Blocker smoked and was a life long Democrat of the old school type. He was the real deal. Generous beyond the very definition of the word. A great husband, father, friend. His legacy is indeed as big as the man was himself.

[anniemaull]

Each person on this Show was perfect for their part. Watched Bonanza growing up and still do. There is not any get tired of the show. Always something exciting to watch or a warm part to enjoy.

[oliviaperrin]

So far away from the wonderful early years. The first six seasons were the best, after Adam left it held no joy for me..

[carolmarshall]

Always loved Bonanza. It ended when I was in high school. I’ve read about all of the characters, but wonder why they never mention Hop Sing? He was a great character. And I hear Lorne Green lived in a house that was a replica of the ranch house all of the guys lived on. The Bonanza home.

[suzannal]

I thought the episode was great but I really missed seeing Adam! He was my favorite because he was like the coolest cowboy!

[carmentorres]

It was not the same without the originals the hunter was not my favorite.bonaza will always live in our hearts.

[johnkishell]

I grew up with this show, one of the best!!

[christopherphillips]

I loved this episode of Bonanza. This episode showed Michael Landon's talent as an actor and as a writer and a director. He and Tom Skerritt played the scenes between the two of them very well in this episode. There are two things that I would have done differently if I were writing and directing this episode. I would have had one more fight scene with Michael Landon as Little Joe. Michael Landon's fight scenes on Bonanza were the best. I would have had one more to remember him by as Little Joe. And, I would have found a way to put Lorne Greene as Ben in the final scene. I would have loved to have seen one more Pa and Little Joe moment. Otherwise, this was a good episode.

[prycerobertson]

The actual final episode of Gunsmoke, broadcast March 31, 1975, was about a family who struggle to get their crops planted before they're evicted. Lead character Marshal Matt Dillon (James Arness) just barely appears. By this time, the show had slipped to #23 in the ratings but no one at CBS ever mentioned to the cast that the end would be a possibility.

[mariesatterly]

The show was never good after Dan Blocker died. He was truly the heart and soul of the show. He was the glue. Dan Blocker was an educated true family man that played Hoss to a tee and made him seem to epitomize strength, compassion, family, and integrity.

[ronclifford]

Actually I cant remember ever seeing that episode? After "Forever" I kind of lost interest in the show. Adam had left, now Hoss was gone, without much concern from the show being projected in my opinion, I kind of got the feeling they should have wrapped it at that. I'm sure many Hoss Fans felt the same? He certainly, in my opinion, deserved a lot more than a brief picture appearance in that episode. Little Joe remained one of my favorite actors in his future shows but to me Bonanza died with Hoss.

[suegermaine]

Bonanza was never the same without Dan Blocker however Michael Landon did well. Having recently watched the entire 14 seasons of Bonanza and then Little House (Covid lockdown) I realised the studio must of have a vast amount of the same material as many woman wore it in Bonanza and then Laura’ s grown up dress in Little House and much more. Plus in Bonanza they used the same clothes all the time and I lost count of one dress being worn from season one to season thirteen! Bonanza was a staple Saturday afternoon series in the UK but I was grown up and doing my registered nurse training when little house came out. So watching it now at the age of 67 was interesting. I am afraid I did not like Highway to Heaven but each to their own. However Bonanza and the chemistry between the main stars was magical and was glad to have seen it when I was young and now as I get older. That childhood I had was very happy and loved by my parents so sitting watching a western with my father was wonderful (I was a bit of a Tomboy). I would love to believe if there is a heaven that the Bonanza boys are still playing the Cartwrights once again.

[scottliberati]

Well done overview! Think that Victor Sen Yung, loyal to that role since 1959, should have at least had a line or two. Same with Canary, who carried numerous episodes on his own. But Bonanza ended in 1/73 not 1/74.

[FreeSpiritBudgieLady]

The last episode was mid season l think, so it wasn’t chosen to be a final episode, it was just the episode next on the list. Beautifully written and crafted by Michael Landon. The actors were told of the cancellation by a letter to the set or phone. The studio treated them all disgracefully after 14 years of exceptional work.

[Shield.]

Marshal Matt Dillon was the character, played by James Arness, not the other way around....

[sandrasanders]

This show never had a chance to have a great goodbye..it was a surprise to them it was cancelled..this final episode was filmed before cancellation..

[donaldmcauliffe]

Note in 14 season of bonanza it was only a half season it was cancelled in January of THAT year six more episodes were written never done they had originally wanted a last show a two hour movie

[lesknight]

I also grew up watching this show and and disappointed with the show’s ending