The focus is on new series regular Will Cartwright (Guy Williams) in the Peter Packer-scripted Bonanza episode "The Roper." In the absence of Ben and his sons, outlaws invade the Ponderosa, attempt to rob Ben's safe, and take Will as hostage. As the crooks await Ben's return-the better to demand the combination of the safe, then kill the Cartwright patriarch-Will desperately concocts a scheme to save himself and Emma (Julie Sommars, the put-upon wife of outlaw leader Lee Hewitt (Scott Marlowe). "The Roper" first aired April 5, 1964. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi