As I watched the ponderosa, I noticed a few things. First was the way they explained how Hoss and Little Joe got their nicknames. The next thing which struck me as interesting was how one ranch was named the Green (Lorne Greene) Ranch, how the big guy has the name 'Big Dan' Larson (Dan Blocker), Mr. Orowitz is the owner of the store (Eugene Orowitz was Michael Landons real name!), and another character with the last name Roberts (Pernell Roberts). I thought the show was interesting to see, especially how Hoss was cast to be very similar to the original Hoss. I wish there were more than 20 episodes, but it is interesting to see how they are explaining how Ben Cartwright gained his fortune, is widowed, and other simple hints of the original unanswered questions of Bonanza.

The Ponderosa is a prequel to Bonanza, taking place 10 years before the start of Bonanza. The Cartwrights have just acquired the land on which to build their ranch, and haven't yet acquired the wealth they have in Bonanza. But these younger versions of the Cartwrights still have the same values they have 10 years later: Courage, Integrity, Love of Family, Respect for all people, Honesty.These values are hard to find on TV today. It's wonderful to see a show on TV that the whole family can sit down together to watch. The actors portraying the younger Cartwrights (Daniel Hugh Kelly, Matt Carmody, Drew Powell, and Jared Daperis) are awesome in their roles--they stepped into shoes they knew would be very difficult to fill. But they have filled them magnificently!This show is a diamond in the rough. Throughout the first season, the writers and producers were finding what worked and what didn't work. I hope the series can be brought back again because I'm sure the second season will reveal to the country (and the world) just what a true Gem this series is!

The Ponderosa captured my interest from the pilot. The idea of doing a prequel to a well-known series was a tremendous risk, but throughout the first season, the show just got better and better as the writers found their mark, and as the actors became familiar in their roles and with each other. Matt Carmody (Adam) is a phenomenal actor! Besides being very handsome, his facial expressions speak volumes. He has captured the character of Adam Cartwright very well. Drew Powell IS Hoss! He looks more like Dan Blocker than some of Dan Blocker's kids. And he does a wonderful job of portraying Hoss' sweetness, and his kindness to all living creatures, human and animal. Jared Daperis is fantastic as a young Little Joe, showing his enthusiasm for life. And Daniel Hugh Kelly makes a great Ben, capturing the love for his family while bringing the boys up alone in the West.Two Thumbs Up for this fantastic show!

The Ponderosa is a well made show, that we looked forward to watching at our house. The stories were interesting and very well acted. The hard work of all who brought it together was quite apparent. Having a younger version of the Cartwrights is such a great idea, with so many possibilities. I was able to introduce my daughter to the characters and she really loved them. After one season, this show was really coming together and I hope to see more of it in the future.