DIFFERENT PINES, SAME WIND
Episode First Shown:
While attempting to stop lumber tycoon Jason Milburn from
cutting down the
"Pines"
is one of my very very favourites episodes, right from the beginning where
Kerry holds Joe up with a rifle and feels his muscles to see if he's strong
enough for any tasks LOL!
Kerry to me has all the real life qualities of women who were pioneers, strength,
courage, tenacity and a strong sense of justice. She will not give up her land
and her "piney trees" to anyone just because of a lack of a piece of
paper (claim to her land).
The theme of Jason Milburn wanting to cut down forests for financial gain is a
very modern one too and makes us reflect on the environment and the earth's
resources.
There are some very tense and nail-biting moments when Kerry is terrified that
her damaged hand may have to be amputated and her appeals to Joe are heart-rending
and his responses are so tender and caring.
I won't spoil the story for those of you who haven't yet seen it or replayed the
tape but "all's well that ends well".
The chemistry between Joe and Kerry is just wonderful with mutual respect, affection
and occasional sparring (two strong characters!). Joe is marvellously kind as
he cares for her and she realises that he is a
trustworthy person who will help her. I am certain that Michael and Irene Tedrow
also had a terrific chemistry together - this is one of those episodes where
you know that there was a perfect blending of acting talents.
I wonder if the fact that Kerry is so real and believable is because the script,
very unusually, was written by a woman? Suzanne Clauser in this case.
Given that the portrayal of women was very often poor in Bonanza (a sad reflection
of the times) it is so good not to have a "Bonanza bimbo" and a real
woman instead. Far from fainting at the sight of a branding Kerry's faintness
is due to a damaged hand and no food, perfectly realistic for a woman or a man.
There is also a nice touch at the end, after Joe's fight scene, where Kerry
literally pulls him back to her cabin
so that she can tend to him - her turn now. I also think that having an elderly
woman works perfectly as she and Joe meet as equals, he doesn't have to fall in
love and want yet another ill-fated partner "more than anything else in the
world" LOL! Instead, a genuine and equal friendship results.
A tremendously satisfying episode, a real treat for all Bonanza fans not just
the Joe fans and one in which justice is done.
Hilary
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