by Hal Erickson
synopsis
Singer Hoyt Axton made his dramatic debut in this episode of Bonanza, which first aired April 4, 1965. Axton is cast as drifter Howard Mead, whose singing skills are matched only by his predilection for running afoul of the law. While trying to straigthen Mead out, Adam Cartwright is forced to defend his new friend against a robbery charge. But Adam's troubles are only beginning: Mead has fallen in love with Hilda Brunners (Susanne Cramer), the sister of the man (Steve Ihnat) Mead is accused of robbing. Written by Paul Schneider, "Dead and Gone" was the last Bonanza episode in which Pernell Roberts appeared, though not the last one to be telecast.
