A wise woman once said, “It’s me, hi. I’m the problem, it’s me.” These aren’t just pretty words; they’re an important reminder to always be aware of your own behavior. Being self-aware is an important quality for anyone to have. By recognizing your own flaws, you open yourself up for the opportunity to grow and become better.
Even Bonanza, a show centered around the familial bond between father and sons, was not without its issues of ego. Pernell Roberts, best known for playing the eldest Cartwright son, Adam, departed the series earlier than expected. Throughout his time on Bonanza, Roberts was vocal about his issues with the series, so it’s not necessarily a surprise when he left the series for greener pastures.
But years after Bonanza had ended, Roberts became reflective during an interview with the Gannett News Service. Roberts admitted that if there was a “troublemaker” on the set of Bonanza, it was him. However, Roberts maintained that he wasn’t simply making waves for no reason.
“Only because they asked for trouble,” he said. “For the first three years of the show I fought all the way, then just became resigned to serving out my time.”
Apparently, Roberts didn’t take issue with the series as a whole, but rather, the creative process of network television. “Everything was done under the aegis of ‘efficiency,'” he said. “The scripts were ground out like sausage, handed to us the night before we were to shoot. There was no time for rehearsals or character development. It was a lousy way to work, and I let them know it.”