When an actor passes away unexpectedly, it affects both the show and its fans deeply. This was the case with Dan Blocker, whose portrayal of Hoss Cartwright in *Bonanza* left a lasting impact.
TV shows handle such losses in different ways. Some honor the actor with a dedicated episode, while others weave the character’s death into the storyline. Occasionally, a lighter approach allows the character to exit off-screen. However, ignoring the loss often disappoints viewers.
In *Bonanza*, Dan Blocker’s absence after his death created a noticeable gap in the series. Even though only one season continued without him, “his presence was sorely missed.” The show’s characters acknowledged his absence on screen.
Michael Landon, who played Little Joe Cartwright, had the challenging task of rewriting the first episode after Blocker’s passing to address the loss.
