When Guy Williams joined the cast of Bonanza in 1964, the series had already been on the air for roughly five years. Centered around patriarch Ben Cartwright and his three adult sons, Bonanza seemed to be a top-notch television series with no shortage of fans. However, looks can often be deceiving, for there was disruption amongst the cast.

Actor Pernell Roberts, best known as Adam Cartwright, had long expressed his desire to leave the series. Apparently, he nearly got his wish with the introduction of Williams' character. According to an interview with Bonanza actor Dan Blocker, the show's original plan was to bring in Williams' character, Adam, to take on Roberts' role in the series.

"The idea is for him to replace Adam," said Blocker during an interview with The Pittsburgh Press. "They're going to see what response they get to suggesting Adam will leave, then they'll marry him off and move him out. By mutual agreement."

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Of course, this original plan didn't end up working out, and Williams ended up leaving the series before Roberts did. Even so, Blocker felt that there were better ways to send Roberts out of the series.

"I think it would have been better if they wanted to get rid of Adam, just to let Adam be killed off," said the actor. "I think a tragedy like this would enhance family feeling. And every fourth script or so, the three of us could go off looking for the man who killed Adam."