The Unwritten Commandment - S7-E28
Factual error: Wayne Newton sang "Scarlet Ribbons." "Scarlet Ribbons" wasn't written until 1949. The TV show Bonanza was set in the 1860s.
The Hostage - S6-E2
Other mistake: A gang kidnaps Ben Cartwright and holds him for ransom. He is chained to a post in an abandoned mine. When the men walk around inside the mine, the sound of their footsteps make it obvious that the floor of the mine is actually plywood covered with a layer of dirt. Additionally, when Ben finishes eating stew that was brought to him and sets the container down, it makes a loud "clunk."
Other mistake: Ben and Little Joe do not see the horse belonging to Ben's brother Will, who is staying with the Cartwrights. Joe says, "I'll see if he's in his bedroom." Joe is out of the scene for only five seconds, then returns and says, "He's not there." Five seconds is not nearly enough time to go upstairs, check a bedroom and come back downstairs.
The War Comes to Washoe - S4-E7
Other mistake: In early evening, Hoss and Adam discover the body of a man who had been shot with an arrow and killed. Even though it is still very bright sunlight, Adam lights a match and holds it close to the man's face so he can see who it is, then lights another match so he can read a letter that was in the man's coat pocket.
Continuity mistake: When Adam goes after Howard, he doesn't have his jacket on. When they sing "Endless Road," he is wearing his jacket again.
Continuity mistake: In The Beginning of the movie, Adam goes from wearing a black shirt to a yellow jacket after he fights the man that stopped the couple on The Wagon.
Other mistake: A windstorm in the opening scene was obviously created by a wind machine. The branches of the trees in front of the Ponderosa are swaying, but no dust or leaves are blowing on the ground, and the trees in the background are motionless.
Springtime - S3-E2
Visible crew/equipment: When Adam is approaching a ranch to evict the residents on behalf of the owner, a white car is visible at the corner of the house. (00:30:40)
Something Hurt, Something Wild - S8-E1
Plot hole: Laurie Ferguson is outside the Ponderosa ranch with Joe Cartwright. In an attempt to frame him for sexually assaulting her, she begins screaming. She emits six loud piercing screams before the scene shifts to Ben, Hoss and her father and brother inside the home. It is not until her seventh scream that the four men look up and start to run outside.
Ride the Wind: Part 1 - S7-E17
Factual error: "Bonanza" is set in the 1860s and the Pony Express mail service operated from 1860 to 1861. In this episode, Curtis Wade and his partner set up a Pony Express office in Virginia City and begin hiring riders. Wade tells them that the job will not be easy, adding, "I won't be giving you sweet cakes and cotton candy." Cotton candy, originally called "Fairy Floss," was invented in 1897 by William Morrison and John Wharton.
Revealing mistake: Near the end of the episode, Tracy Ledbetter is carrying a double barreled shotgun, trying to get her dogs back. There is the sound effect of a shotgun blast, then video of another blast with Hoss running inside the barn. She gets inside the barn and another shot goes off inside without her reloading. How did the third shot come from the gun? It only holds two shells.
