Porridge (1974)

Episode Overview

While Ben, Hoss, Candy, and Hop Sing head out for a cattle drive, Little Joe remains at the Ponderosa to manage things as a fierce thunderstorm rolls in. In the barn, he tries to calm a frightened horse, but when the animal suddenly panics, it knocks Joe down, injuring his left arm and breaking his leg. As he drifts in and out of consciousness, Joe battles the torrential rain and strong winds to reach the house and treat his injuries. Concerned about an infection in his arm and the possibility of gangrene, he wrestles with the difficult decision of whether to amputate.