On September 10, 1960, Bonanza launched its second season with the episode titled "Showdown." On the lam from the law, bank robber Sam Kirby (Ben Cooper) and his gang hide out on the Ponderosa. Hoping to keep track of his pursuers, Sam secures a job as a ranchhand under an assumed name. Everybody on the ranch welcomes this friendly stranger to the fold-everyone, that is, except the highly suspicious Joe Cartwright. Ray Teal makes his first series appearance as Sheriff Coffee, while others in the cast include Jack Lambert as Pardo and Jody Warner as Ellie. "Showdown" was written by Dean Riesner. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi