The Quality of Mercy (1963) || Bonanza (TV Series)

CREDIT:
Bonanza (TV Series)
The Quality of Mercy (1963)
Season: 5 -- Episode: 9
Date: Sunday, November 17th, 1963
Director: Joseph H. Lewis
Creator: David Dortor
Writer: Peter Packer
Genres: Western
IMDB: www.imdb.com/ti...
DESCRIPTION:
Michael Landon as Little Joe Cartwright struggles with his conscience, trying to believe that his friend, Seth Pruitt (played by Richard Rust), did the right thing after Seth admits to the mercy-killing of his fiancée's (Nancy Rennick plays Sara, Seth' fiancée) father (John Dagliesh plays Sara's Father) when Sara's father was in agony from a broken back and begging for death.
This was certainly an unusual topic for a western, but Landon goes to Lorne Greene (Little Joe's father, Ben Cartwright) for some sage advice and if there's one thing Ben Cartwright was always handy with, it was sage advice. Ben talks quite seriously about the difference between people and animals and the force of nature in a struggle to survive.
NOTE(S):
1. The title alludes to a quote from William Shakespeare's The Merchant of Venice, Act IV: "The quality of mercy is not strain'd, It droppeth as the gentle rain from heaven. Upon the place beneath. It is twice blest: It blesseth him that gives and him that takes."
2. This one was first-aired the very week President Kennedy was shot in Dallas. It was actually being shown in parts of Britain, and taken off the air immediately after his death was announced there.
FOR CONSIDERATION:
God has always intended for humans to live fulfilling lives, with the final goal to have eternal life in His kingdom. "Beloved, I wish above all things that you may prosper and be in health, even as your soul prospers" (III John 2).
God is the giver of life! "For with You is the foundation of life" (Psa. 36:9). Thus God alone has the right to authorize the taking of a life. He does allow this world's governments (Rom. 13) to put to death those who commit heinous crimes, but He does not grant the right to put someone to death because of disease, sickness or old age. In fact, God's Word tells us to care for the weak among us! "Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men (I Thes. 5:14).

[@t.m.hackley1720]

Great episode, great scene between Loren & Michael love Pa & Joe's relationship. & I agree Both Michael & Loren were great actors & amazing on screen together for 14 seasons. ♡Little Joe Fan always ♡

[@bonscott602]

Pain is fighting to survive, not fighting to die. Very wise and spot on.

[@shannonroylance5480]

Love Bonanza!! Love The Cartwright's!! Poor Little Joe!! Love Him.

[@christopherphillips8027]

One of the best Bonanza episodes ever. The Quality of Mercy. Everyone who believes in euthanasia and doctor assisted suicide needs to watch this scene. A known fact. This was one of Michael Landon's favorite episodes. I can see why.

[@ForgetMeNot2022]

I'm against Bens advice and opinion on this. I have been in a situation where mother nature can't heal any bones or make things better, if I had been asked I would have helped. You can't judge or comment until you're in a position like that

[@danielwilliamson6180]

Michael Landon was such a good actor. May he rest in peace.

[@user-bj2xq4rz5o]

I like the relationshipbetween them

[@olivialikens1188]

I like the tv show bonanza

[@laurellejoseph4223]

Landon so gorgeous

[@elainewilliams6411]

How could Joe be so wise in some episodes, and so foolish in others? Ben is 110% correct.

[@greedyd5524]

And how many has Saint Ben killed

[@soulaesthete8563]

If Ben killed them, they deserved to die.

[@ForgetMeNot2022]

Exactly, sometimes he was too sanctimonious for his own good

[@nellyklinger4233]

Q... pena não tem legenda! ! ! !. 💭💬💭💬💭💬💭💬.

[@boydasmith]

Does anyone know what 'name', or person Ben is speaking of (5:34 on time-line of this clip) as to '"...?..' believed,... that when a man is badly hurt,..."... ? It sounds something-like 'Ulvost'? Have any ideas??

[@midnight1963]

He’s saying “I’ve always believed…”

[@beckyshell4649]

IA friend of mine knew a police officer that was put in this position,tThere was a man that had a car accident and was trapped in his burning car and begged the oficer to shoot him or give him the gun.I think it would stay with you the rest of your life no matter what your choice was.I agree with Ben on this one and feel I don't have that right to make that dission but I couldn't condim someone for making the other choice.