Bonanza (1959)

Episode Overview

Greedy schemer Mark Burdette and his partner Early Thorne create discord between the Paiute tribe and the people of Virginia City. When Ben learns that Burdette and Thorne are charging miners exorbitant prices for antelope beef, he steps in to provide a better deal. In response, Burdette and Thorne escalate their tactics by disguising themselves as Paiutes and attacking ranchers. This tension leads to serious conflict, all portrayed through Lorne Greene's inaugural voice-over and before the construction of the Ponderosa's stairway is completed.