vaudreyvil Reviews

Bonanza (1959–1973)

Look at it, Adam!

[28 April 2003]

Forty-four years later, I still recall the first line of the first episode of Bonanza. The 14-season debut opened with Ben Cartwright and Adam--just the two of them--riding up to a ridge overlooking the vast expansive glory of the Ponderosa. Horses stopped, Ben turns to his eldest son, stretches forth his hand, and issues "Pa's" first command ... "Look at it, Adam!"

Adam looked. For about 14 seconds.

And so did this young viewer.

It would require, however, another 14 years of "looking" before a 14-year-old boy would come to fully comprehend the treasure Adam beheld in the single moment he, and we, first laid eyes on that majestic, resplendent land of the Cartwright Bonanza.

Take Me Home: The John Denver Story (2000 TV Movie)

Should have been a mini-series ...

[10/10 · 30 April 2000]

Almost heaven! A convincing Chad Lowe performance and portrayal of the life and loves of Country Boy John Denver. Many of us knew about John; now more of us know John. The film beautifully summarizes John's story for those who have read the book, and is a primer for those who have not. In fact, "Take Me Home" might well serve as a primer for what should have been a CBS mini-series. Now would that have been all that far out?