by Hal Erickson
synopsis
In this sequel to the previous season's "The Big Shadow of the Land", Jack Kruschen returns as Giorgio Rossi, the bombastic patriach of a family of Italian winegrowers. Hoping to improve the Rossis' financial situation, Ben Cartwright grants Giorgio eighty acres of Ponderosa property, which the effusive immigrant immediately converts into a lush vineyard. A crisis develops when Ben's nasty neighbor Gurney (Donald Woods shuts off Rossi's water supply. Also making return appearances are Penny Santon and Brioni Farrell) as Giorgio's wife Maria and daughter Regina. Written by William F. Leicester as the pilot episode for a projected TV series, "The Deed and the Dilemma" first aired March 26, 1967.
