### Dan Blocker’s Last Episode on Bonanza Is Too Hard to Watch
In the annals of television history, few shows have left as enduring a mark as *Bonanza*. Running from 1959 to 1973, this Western drama captivated audiences with its tales of the Cartwright family navigating life on the Ponderosa Ranch. Central to its success was Dan Blocker, whose portrayal of Hoss Cartwright, the gentle giant, endeared him to millions. However, Blocker’s unexpected death in 1972 brought a sudden and somber change to the show, making his final episode an emotional watershed moment that remains difficult to watch even today.
Dan Blocker’s last episode, “One Ace Too Many,” aired on March 12, 1972. At the time, no one could foresee it would be his last performance as the beloved Hoss. The episode itself, a tale of deception and justice, was emblematic of the moral storytelling that *Bonanza* was known for. However, knowing the context of Blocker’s untimely passing shortly after filming, the episode takes on a haunting significance. Blocker died on May 13, 1972, at the age of 43 due to complications from gallbladder surgery, a loss that sent shockwaves through the entertainment world and left the cast and crew reeling.
The impact of Blocker’s death was immediate and profound. His character, Hoss, was written out of the show with a brief mention of his death in the 14th season’s premiere episode. The absence of such a central figure disrupted the dynamic that had become familiar to audiences over the years. The show attempted to fill the void with new characters, but the loss of Hoss Cartwright was a blow from which *Bonanza* never fully recovered.
In the end, Blocker’s last episode serves as a poignant reminder of his contributions to the show and the larger-than-life presence he brought to his role. Watching “One Ace Too Many” is a bittersweet experience, encapsulating the end of an era for *Bonanza* and marking the departure of an actor who was as much a part of the show’s heart as the sprawling landscapes it depicted. It’s not just the storyline or the performance that makes it hard to watch; it’s the knowledge that a beloved character and the man who played him would never grace the screen again. For fans and colleagues alike, Dan Blocker’s final bow was a moment of true television history, wrapped in the sadness of real-life loss.
