In the instance of Bonanza, the show’s discernible split was brought about by the departure of Dan Blocker, well recognized for his legendary portrayal of Hoss Cartwright.
Even the on-screen characters remarked how much his absence was felt, even after only one season. Following Blocker’s death,
Michael Landon—who played Little Joe Cartwright—was entrusted with rewriting the first episode’s screenplay. To find out more about this remembrance of Dan Blocker, watch the video below:
