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Bonanza (1959)

S4E1 The First Born

Sep 23, 1962 Season 4 Episode 1 Western, Action & Adventure, Drama, Family

Clay Stafford begins working for the Cartwright family, but things take a dark turn when he shoots and kills a man who accuses him of cheating at poker. The local miners threaten Clay, insisting he leave town, though it seems he acted in self-defense. In a surprising twist, he reveals to Little Joe that they are half-brothers, sharing the same mother, Marie. Ben believes Clay's story, but Adam and Hoss suggest verifying his identity with the judge in New Orleans. As Clay and Joe grow closer, the miners escalate their threats, culminating in Joe getting attacked. Ultimately, Clay realizes that ranch life isn't for him.