MovieChat Forums > Bonanza (1959) Discussion > The Crucible

The Crucible

posted 7 years ago by Lovesclassics11
9 replies | jump to latest

What a fantastic episode! Lee Marvin was really great, but this episode really belongs to Pernell Roberts - he was terrific! This was definitely his best and most powerful performance on the show. The scene where Ben and the boys finally find him, he's hysterical and exhausted. He's been through absolute hell. He's first laughing and then finally completely breaks down and collapses into tears, as his father holds him. It's. heartbreaking. It's probably my favorite episode of the series. Roberts displayed such wide emotion in this episode. Both Roberts and Marvin gave really dynamic performances. Great episode!

[–] firstnamejane 7 years ago

This is one of my least favorite episodes, probably because I don't like to see Adam (or any of the characters, really) suffer. And I don't like how Lee Marvin's character gets in Adam's head and really manipulates him to the point where he won't do what's necessary to save his own life. And while the reunion of all the Cartwrights is amazing, it's just so sad to see Adam break down like that. I'm guessing that most of the reasons I don't like this episode are the reasons people do like this episode.

[–] Lovesclassics11 7 years ago

Oh, I agree - it definitely is hard to watch. I love the character of Adam, and it's hard to see him go through such torment. So I understand where you're coming from. It's not at all a pleasant episode, it was definitely dark and unsettling. I just think it had some of the greatest acting from this series. The performances are very layered and complex, and I think it's interesting to see Adam, who is always so strong and held together, come undone a little, to see him in another, more vulnerable way. It really allowed Pernell Roberts to show his acting skills. I guess that's why it's one of my favorites. It's upsetting, but intriguing

[–] firstnamejane 7 years ago

The performances are very layered and complex, and I think it's interesting to see Adam, who is always so strong and held together, come undone a little, to see him in another, more vulnerable way.

I think it's an episode that I'd have to watch a few times to really get past how awful the situation is and how terribly Adam is being treated, in order to appreciate it. It feels like they're trying too hard in this episode to get too many lessons across to the viewer and trying to teach Adam something too.

[–] Lovesclassics11 7 years ago

I understand. I guess the episode can be a little divisive: some people like it, some feel the episode is trying a little too hard. I know others who feel as you do about the episode.

[–] Jennie_Portrait 7 years ago

Terrific episode! After reading your comment, I just watched it on YouTube: https://youtu.be/JsvjMfEA0Es. The final scene is amazing.

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Never say never...

[–] Lovesclassics11 7 years ago

I'm glad you like it too! The final scene really is something great! It's so sad, but very touching to see Ben cradle Adam in his arms. You can really feel his love for his son. It's a really powerful ending.

[–] Lovesclassics11 7 years ago

I understand. I guess the episode can be a little divisive: some people like it, some feel the episode is trying a little too hard. I know others who feel as you do about the episode.

[–] firstnamejane 7 years ago

I think most people really like the episode a lot. I'm glad to hear that you at least know others who feel the way I do. 😉

[–] Jennie_Portrait 7 years ago

Although I like it, I can see that the bit of the story at the start that gets everything set in motion is sort of unbelievable. You know, when Joe is in the bar drinking the first of several beers. Adam comes in and says -- in a very audible voice-- "I got $5,000 from selling the herd." Oh, and I am going off into the wilderness for a few days all by myself to go hunting and fishing.

The bandits heard all of that and they trailed Adam, took his horse, and robbed him of the $5,000 (which, back then was a fortune!) I could see Hoss (who was not very shrewd) doing something like that. But --- hey -- Adam was the "smart one." It's not very bright to march into a bar and flash big wads of cash.

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Never say never...