by Hal Erickson
synopsis
Originally telecast on November 16, 1969, "Meena" was the first of three Bonanza episodes featuring the troublesome Calhouns. When Joe Cartwright is kidnapped by bumbling crooks Jesse (Victor French), Owen (Robert Donner), and Virge (George Morgan), he is rescued by pretty Meena Calhoun (Ann Prentiss) and brought to the girl's home, an abandoned gold mine. Almost immediately, Meena's ill-tempered prospector father Luke (Dub Taylor) tries to force a marriage between his daughter and Joe. Meanwhile, the trio of would-be kidnappers refocus their energies on stealing the gold which they believe that Luke has salted away. "Meena" was written by Jack B. Sowards.
