The episode was rather stereotypical for its time. All I can say is I had a tremendous crush way back in the day for Gale Garnett (of "We'll Sing In The Sunshine" fame).
4 Reviews
Typical for its time
Cuppajoe2go14 January 2022
Kill Bill
grizzledgeezer21 June 2013
Warning: Spoilers
I just couldn't resist.
The fundamental problem with TV stories about American/aboriginal relationships is that they fail to address the fact the American government waged a war of genocide. And regardless of good will (on either side), there was a fundamental economic conflict that ultimately doomed the aboriginals to defeat.
"The Deserter" is only slightly better than average. The chief eventually recognizes that killing the officer who murdered the women and children of his tribe can only bring more tsuris. But the profound distrust and "acidity" of feeling that should remain after his acquiescence is not present. Ultimately, this is yet another "White viewer, you needn't feel too guilty" stories.
Claude Akins gives a pretty good performance. He has scenes were he has to show some subtlety of emotion -- which he was rarely called on to deliver -- and is creditable.
The fundamental problem with TV stories about American/aboriginal relationships is that they fail to address the fact the American government waged a war of genocide. And regardless of good will (on either side), there was a fundamental economic conflict that ultimately doomed the aboriginals to defeat.
"The Deserter" is only slightly better than average. The chief eventually recognizes that killing the officer who murdered the women and children of his tribe can only bring more tsuris. But the profound distrust and "acidity" of feeling that should remain after his acquiescence is not present. Ultimately, this is yet another "White viewer, you needn't feel too guilty" stories.
Claude Akins gives a pretty good performance. He has scenes were he has to show some subtlety of emotion -- which he was rarely called on to deliver -- and is creditable.
Ben Cartwright, the voice of sweet reason
bkoganbing20 February 2015
Claude Akins with gray hair and a mustache plays an iron colonel who is looking for an army deserter from a battle he was in command of against the Shoshone Indians over a decade ago. It was no battle really, Akins led a raid against a village where Shoshone women and children were massacred. And as it turns out the deserter is a neighbor of the Cartwrights and his own son.
The only thing that made sense about this episode was the determination of the Shoshone to see him die slow. Everything else about this Bonanza episode was totally preposterous. Akins finds his son who has married a Shoshone woman and he now has grandchildren.
Lorne Greene gets Shoshone chief Anthony Caruso to reason together with Akins. It all works out, everyone does the noble and right thing.
I think there's no way that Akins would have left the territory alive. But you'll have to see for yourself if you care.
The only thing that made sense about this episode was the determination of the Shoshone to see him die slow. Everything else about this Bonanza episode was totally preposterous. Akins finds his son who has married a Shoshone woman and he now has grandchildren.
Lorne Greene gets Shoshone chief Anthony Caruso to reason together with Akins. It all works out, everyone does the noble and right thing.
I think there's no way that Akins would have left the territory alive. But you'll have to see for yourself if you care.
was that Hop Sing in the background
womackivory1 May 2022
I watched the tail end of this episode once and couldn't believe my eyes. A few years later, I caught it again and watched it to its conclusion; and sure, enough it looked like Hop Sing played one of the Native Americans in the background.
See also
Awards | FAQ | User Ratings | External Reviews | Metacritic Reviews
