None of the original cast members of the long-running (1959-73) TV western series Bonanza are on hand for the 1993 TV movie Bonanza: The Return. However, Michael Landon Jr., son of the series' Little Joe, shows up as Joe's son Benj Cartwright; and Dirk Blocker, son of Dan Hoss Blocker, has a supporting role as a journalist. One of the Cartwrights in this film is a woman. Her name is Sara Cartwright, and she's portrayed by Emily Warfield. Set in 1905, the descendants of the original Ponderosa bunch take on an evil strip-mining tycoon, played by Dean Stockwell. A well-directed climax aboard a speeding train caps this enjoyable retro film. When it was first telecast on November 28, 1993, Bonanza: The Return was preceded by a nostalgic one-hour special devoted to the old series, Back to Bonanza. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide.

The Bonanza theme song was composed by Jay Livingston and Ray Evans. Lorne Green, Dan Blocker and Michael Landon recorded a lyric version of the song for the pilot, but it never aired.

Tom Lemming and Texas Tech football coach Mike Leach visit the O'Donnell museum to pay respects to Dan Blocker

Little Joe is shocked to learn that he could have another brother -- from the SAME mother! Episode #101: First Born.

You d be hard-pressed to find any three brothers who look less alike than the Cartwrights. Little Joe explains why. Episode #1: A Rose For Lotta. First air date: 9/12/1959.

A pretty blonde visitor brings bad news about Little Joe, but not before Hoss literally sweeps her off her feet. Episode #79: The Tin Badge. First air date: 12/17/1961.

What goes around comes around. Right around in this case! The Cartwrights learn that Hoss was shot out of vengeance for another man s killing. Episode #53: Vengeance. First air date: 2/11/1961.

When the man Little Joe believes is his long-lost brother faces an angry mob in town, he's right by his side. Episode #101: First Born. First air date: 9/23/1962.