Hoss and the Leprechauns

I'm in my 60's, and am currently in home detention, like most of the country, because of a dang virus. This old episode of Bonanza came on the TVLand network and I remembered how much I enjoyed it as a kid, so I thought I'd give it another look.

It's a funny and enjoyable episode, but at my age, you can't help but break it down a little bit. You have to give some leeway to comedy, as suspension of disbelief is necessary for such things, but it's harder to swallow in your 60's than when you're 6.

I believe every member of the Cartwrights has proven their tracking ability in the past. And yet, somehow, nobody could see the tracks of these little men, their ponies, or the wagon they were using. It's a stretch, but it moves the story along, so what are you going to do? Let's call it poetic license. Still a warm and amusing episode of an old, beloved series.

BTW, one piece of fun trivia, Felix Silla, who played one of the "leprechauns", also played Cousin Itt, on the Addams Family.

I would classify this episode as a comedy even though there are a couple of somber moments. Dan Blocker and Michael Landon are the best comedians. They make a great pair. Little Joe's laugh, played by Michael Landon, is contagious. The chase scenes are just as funny. The show starts out with unbelief from everyone from what Hoss has seen. Even his family does not believe him. Then Little Joe sees the same thing that Hoss has seen and the outrageous laughter never stops. The show actually shows the issue of prejudice in a different way. It was not the usual example of prejudice for that time period. Eventually everyone believes Hoss when everyone sees what he sees. He has a wonderful view of the guest stars in the end.

This episode was mentioned by Roseanne Barr on her show because it was never forgotten by kids who saw it back then. It was a kind of Christmas event, being shown in the holiday season.

However, there was something about this show I had definitely forgotten. It was shown just about ten days after JFK's assassination when the country definitely needed a laugh.

So today is the luck of the Irish day and what a great idea that whomever planned this TV schedule aired this today. Enjoy folks. Life is short. Hoss is the perfect fella to come across a bear trying to munch on a little fella. Hilarity ensues.

I think let me preface, my son has cystic fibrosis.

With COVID19, he could die. People think I'm crazy to wear a mask in southern West Virginia. I feel like Hoss in this episode.

I'm a Public Health Physician and I know the truth but everyone thinks I'm crazy for wearing a mask.

I wish I had a professor that people respected that rode into town to help people understand.