Originally telecast December 8, 1963, "The Waiting Game" introduces Kathie Browne in the recurring role of Laura Dayton. When Laura's husband Frank (Wade Preston) is killed, she decides not to reveal this tragic fact to her wide-eyed little daughter Peggy (Katie Sweet), who is anxiously awaiting her daddy's return. Agreeing to help keep Laura's secret, Adam Cartwright finds himself falling in love with her. Written by Ed Adamson, this episode was to have been the first of eight to ten installments leading up to the marriage of Laura Dayton and Adam Cartwright-and, ultimately, Pernell Roberts' departure from the series. But thanks to the protests of Bonanza's female fans, things did not quite turn out as planned. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi