Season 3
3.01 The Collection (47)
3.02 Bunny (48 - part 1 of 2)
3.03 The Race (49 - part 2 of 2)
3.04 Little Girl Lost (50)
3.05 The Monster Of Walnut Grove (51)
3.06 Journey In The Spring: Part I (52)
3.07 Journey In The Spring: Part II (53)
3.08 Fred (54)
3.09 The Bully Boys (55)
3.10 The Hunters (56 - 1½ hours)
3.11 Blizzard (57)
3.12 I'll Ride The Wind (58)
3.13 Quarantine (59)
3.14 Little Women (60)
3.15 Injun Kid (61)
3.16 To Live With Fear: Part I (62)
3.17 To Live With Fear: Part II (63)
3.18 The Wisdom Of Solomon (64)
3.19 The Music Box (65)
3.20 The Election (66)
3.21 Gold Country (67 - 2 hours)
Starring: Michael Landon, Karen Grassle, Melissa Gilbert (1-16,18-211), Melissa Sue Anderson, Lindsay Sidney Greenbush2 (1-9,11-16,18-211). Executive Producer: Michael Landon. Produced by John Hawkins (1-8,10-21), B. W. Sandefur (9). Developed for Television by Blanche Hanalis. Based Upon the "Little House" Series of Books by Laura Ingalls Wilder.
The Town: Richard Bull (Mr. Oleson 1-5,9,11,14,16,19-21), Ted Gehring (Mr. Sprague 1), Dabbs Greer (Reverend Alden 1,4,8,9,15,16), Kevin Hagen (Dr. Baker 1-4,8,9,11,13,16,18), James Jeter (Hans Dorfler 3), Katherine MacGregor3 (Mrs. Oleson 1-3,5,8,9,11,14,16,18-20), Charlotte Stewart (Miss Beadle 2,4,5,8,9,11,13-16,18,20), Karl Swenson (Mr. Hanson 3,4,9,11,13,16).
B. W. Sandefur (Co-Producer 1-8,10-15), John Hawkins (Co-Producer 9), David Rose (Music), Kent McCray (Associate Producer), Haskell Boggs A.S.C. (Director of Photography 1,4,8,11,12,14-19), Ted Voigtländer A.S.C. (Director of Photography 2,3,5-7,9,10,13,20,21), Walter M. Jefferies (Art Director), Jerry Taylor (Editor 1,4,8,11,12,14-18,21), John Loeffler (Editor 2,3,5-7,9,10,13,19,20), Don Webb (Set Decoration), Maury Dexter (Assistant Director 1,4,8,11,12,14-19), Miles S. Middough (Assistant Director 2,3,5-7,9,10,13,20,21), Susan Sukman4 (Casting 1,5-7,9,11-14,16-21), Edward R. Morse (Casting 2-4,8,10,15), Marvin Coil A.C.E. (Supervising Editor), Allan Snyder S.M.A. (Makeup), Larry Germain C.H.S. (Hair Stylist), Andy Matyasi (Men's Costumer), Richalene Kelsay (Women's Costumer), Edna Bullock (Music Editor), Edward P. Ancona Jr. (Color Consultant), Charles Knight (Sound Recording), Dave Dockendorf (Sound Recording 1-5,8-21), Jay Harding (Sound Recording 6,7), Photographed with Panavision Equipment®, Processed by Consolidated Film Industries, Sound by Glen Glenn Sound, An NBC Production In Association with Ed Friendly.
Interiors shot at Paramount Studios, Hollywood.
Copyright © MCMLXXVI [1976] by National Broadcasting Company, Inc. (1-12)
Copyright © MCMLXXVII [1977] by National Broadcasting Company, Inc. (13-21)
1 Credited across all episodes, but only appears in those indicated.
2 Carrie is played jointly by twin actresses Lindsay and Sidney Greenbush.
3 aka Scottie MacGregor.
4 aka Susan McCray.
Overall Nielsen rating for season: 22.3 (15th).
Episode# 3.01 (47)
Written by Arthur Heinemann
Directed by Michael Landon
Broadcast September 27, 1976, NBC / Production #3008
Guest Star: Victor French (Mr. Edwards). Special Guest Stars: Johnny Cash (Caleb Hodgekiss), June Carter Cash (Mattie Hodgekiss). Co-Starring: Hope Summers (Addie Bjornesen), Kyle Richards (Alicia Edwards). Featuring: Queenie Smith (Mrs. Whipple). Ruth Foster (Mrs. Foster)1.
1 Uncredited on episode's titles.
Reverend Alden gets badly hurt while on his way to Walnut Grove to collect urgent donations for a town which has been destroyed by a prairie fire. Caleb Hodgekiss, an ex-convict, finds the Reverend and takes him to his house where his wife nurses him. Hodgekiss offers to gather the donations but secretly plans to keep the money himself. However, his experiences with the honest folk of Walnut Grove bring about a change of heart.
However, the premise that an unbelieving criminal can successfully carry out a lot of a minister's pastoral work is rather an uncharacteristic one for the usually ultra-reverent LHOP. A few people have also noted that the turnaround in Hodgekiss is, perhaps, a little too good to be true?
Nels' bloodhound has changed genders since Family Quarrel in the first season (where it was male), but I suppose nothing is saying it's definitely the same dog.
When Rev Alden walks into the church, someone asks him how he's feeling. No one knew he was sick – he was supposedly in Mankato. (charlieboo)
Also ... at the end of the episode with June and Johnny Cash, Reverend Alden asks Mrs. Foster to sing. She sings "In the Garden" – which wasn't written until 1912. (ljw948)
OTHER COMMENTS
Episode# 3.02 (48)1
Written by Michael Landon
Directed by Michael Landon
Broadcast October 4, 1976, NBC / Production #3001
Guest Stars: Eric Shea (Jason), Alison Arngrim (Nellie Oleson). Featuring: Jonathan Gilbert2 (Willie Oleson). Ott (Bunny)3.
1 This story is a two-parter with The Race, below.
2 Jonathan Gilbert is the brother of Melissa Gilbert (who plays Laura).
3 Uncredited on episode's titles; this entry has been taken from the Internet Movie Database and has not been verified.
Nellie Oleson is apparently paralyzed after falling from Bunny, the horse that used to belong to Laura. However, Nellie is feigning injury and starts to exploit Laura's guilt over the incident and runs her ragged demanding errands. However, Nellie's ruse is exposed and, as punishment, Mr. Oleson gives Bunny back to Laura.
Teacher Miss Beadle gives the class 10 minutes to review their work. Laura and Nellie have a brief private conversation for which Miss Beadle scolds Laura, then says there are 5 minutes of review time left. Nellie and Laura only talked for a minute or less, but the time has gone from 10 minutes to 5.
Bunny is referred to as a "she" in this episode. In Christmas At Plum Creek the horse was (mostly) a "he".
Of course there was the Nellie storyline about Bunny, which because it involved an Oleson was a "lighthearted" tale... hmmm. You have Nellie being a complete terror of a little girl who is abusing her horse, gets thrown off it and fakes paralysis. Then basically blackmails Laura into being her slave. I thought it was a bit psychotic and out of character for Nellie, it seems more like something Nancy would have done. Nellie could be mean, but that was a bit much. Especially the fit she throws at the end of that episode (the full one).
The other thing that always gets me about that episode is that, while Nellie acting paralyzed is totally wrong, and Laura is understandably furious when she finds out she is faking, Laura's revenge on her is awful! Pushing her down a very steep hill in that rickety-ass chair? I have no idea how they were able to film her just rolling down the hill when, in reality, that chair would have probably flipped over and she would have been thrown down that steep hill and probably severely injured. Of course, because Nellie deserved it, she was just fine and able to "walk" again. What would have happened if she had hit her head and truly been injured from what Laura did, and then only Laura would have known she was faking before. And Laura would have looked like a horrible bully. (DoxieMama)
DoxieMama, that Nellie scene bugged me a bit, too. It's played for funny, "Oh look at Laura getting Nellie back good!" but IRL of course Nellie could have seriously been hurt. Fake cripple or no. And no way would Ma (book OR show Ma) have let her get away with that, regardless. (coffeemom)
A modern dental brace can be seen on Alison Arngrim's teeth as she is pushed down the hill in the chair.
Episode# 3.03 (49)
Written by John V. Hanrahan
Directed by William F. Claxton
Broadcast October 11, 1976, NBC / Production #3005
Guest Stars: Walter Brooke (Sandler), Alison Arngrim (Nellie Oleson). Featuring: Jonathan Gilbert1 (Willie Oleson), Jack Lilley (Jack), Carl Pitti (Carl). Ott (Bunny)2.
1 Jonathan Gilbert is the brother of Melissa Gilbert (who plays Laura).
2 Uncredited on episode's titles; this entry has been taken from the Internet Movie Database and has not been verified.
Despite Nellie Oleson's recent naughtiness (see last episode), her mother buys her an expensive new horse. The local township horse race is looming and Laura wants to compete, but first she has to take on mucking-out work in order to pay for a new set of shoes for her horse, Bunny. Nellie is going to compete too and her mother donates a valuable family heirloom as the prize, confident she will get it straight back. It's a close race, but Laura just pips Nellie to the post. Good-naturedly, Laura gives the prize back to Mrs. Oleson.
Bunny is back to being both sexes in this episode. For example, the blacksmith says "she" in the opening scenes, but then Charles says "his" in the barn scene.
When Nellie shows Laura the silver winner's cup, Bunny is standing right behind her but is not shown in the reflection in the cup (I fancy we can see the crew reflected though!) (Steve)
Episode# 3.04 (50)
Written by Paul W. Cooper
Directed by Michael Landon
Broadcast October 18, 1976, NBC / Production #3006
Guest Star: Victor French (Mr. Edwards). Special Guest Star: John Ireland (Wendell Loudy). Co-Starring: Bonnie Bartlett (Grace Edwards), Brian Part (Carl Edwards). Featuring: Alison Arngrim (Nellie Oleson), Jonathan Gilbert1 (Willie Oleson), Carl Pitti (Man). Cindy Moore (Tall Schoolgirl)2.
1 Jonathan Gilbert is the brother of Melissa Gilbert (who plays Laura).
2 Uncredited on episode's titles; this entry has been taken from the Internet Movie Database and has not been verified.
Carrie falls down an old mineshaft while out collecting insects for school. Wendell Loudy, a drunken and jobless old engineer – with whom Mr. Hanson has a ongoing feud over the death of an old flame – is instrumental in helping the menfolk rescue Carrie before the crumbling shaft collapses. Loudy, having proved himself competent, is forgiven by Hanson and offered a job.
When searching for jars, Mary closes both of the doors on the cupboard. Then, the next shot shows one door open.
It is probably not something John Ireland likes to talk about. He was probably hated by LH fans for many years for playing that character that rescues Carrie; he could have had something "go wrong" and no one would have blamed him. After all, she was trapped in a mine for Pete's sake. Maybe that is why she was a MushMouth – lack of air supply or something down there. (Shakespearette)
Episode# 3.05 (51)
Written by John Hawkins
Directed by William F. Claxton
Broadcast November 1, 19761, NBC / Production #3007
Co-Starring: Brian Part (Carl Edwards), Milton Parsons (Thaddeus Moon). Featuring: Alison Arngrim (Nellie Oleson), Jonathan Gilbert2 (Willie Oleson), Jack Lilley (Homer Bjorgsen), Cindy Moore (Sarah). Ruth Foster (Mrs. Foster)3.
1 The Hunters was billed erroneously for this date in a few areas in original listings.
2 Jonathan Gilbert is the brother of Melissa Gilbert (who plays Laura).
3 Uncredited on episode's titles.
Nels Oleson has yet another argument with his wife and vents his frustration by beheading a dressmaker's dummy in lieu of her. However, Laura is watching from outside the window and misinterprets the decapitation as being real! Nellie Oleson and her brother Willie decide to play along to have some fun at Laura's expense, but Laura has the last laugh.
Really, it is like a mini-horror movie. First, Laura goes innocently to soap windows as a prank, and she thinks she sees someone BEHEADING someone else. Of course in true horror movie fashion, no one believes her tall tale. Then follows a series of extremely terrifying, eerily life-like dreams where several other people, including herself, are beheaded. Then two minions of Satan (Nellie and Willie) discover her fear and try to capitalize on it, and send Laura and her not-so-bright best friend into the Oleson House of Horrors. In the end, it all works out, as Laura and Co. realize the innocent mistake that was made, no one was beheaded – but what the hell, let's just toss another mannequin head down the stairs for good measure.
Then the final scene, when Laura and friend are girlishly giggling and tra-la-laing home, the headless horseman appears. Honestly, WG is hiding a treasure trove of freaks!
This episode does make me laugh though, because it does cause Laura to have a serious Carrie moment. She has to go to the outhouse badly, but those howling wolves make her too scared. The shot of her running frantically in the morning is pretty funny. If I were her, I would have just peed all over Prisspot [Mary]. (Shakespearette)
Episode# 3.06 (52)
Written by Michael Landon
Directed by Michael Landon
Broadcast November 15, 1976, NBC / Production #3011-1
Guest Stars: Victor French (Mr. Edwards), Jan Sterling (Laura Colby Ingalls), Matthew Laborteaux1 (Young Charles). Special Guest Star: Arthur Hill (Lansford Ingalls). Co-Starring: Mark Lenard (Peter Ingalls), Hersha Parady2 (Eliza Ingalls), Brian Part (Carl Edwards), Kyle Richards (Alicia Edwards). Featuring: Jim Boles (Brewster). Carl Pitti (Carl)3, Carlena Gower (Amelia Ingalls)3.
1 Matthew Laborteaux would go on to play regular Albert in Season 5 onwards.
2 Hersha Parady would go on to play regular Alice Garvey in Season 4 onwards.
3 Uncredited on episode's titles; these entries have been taken from the Internet Movie Database and have not been verified.
Charles' mother passes away after a long illness – and he finds himself reflecting back on his youth. He travels back to Wisconsin to handle the funeral arrangements. His father, Lansford, becomes very depressed and, after an argument with Charles, tries to kill himself by setting his house on fire. Charles rescues his father and talks him into coming to Walnut Grove to sort out his emotions.
It is me, or does Charles' mother's headstone teleport from place to place during this episode? Also, watch out when Charles gets up from kneeling beside the headstone – it wiggles about. (Steve)
Episode# 3.07 (53)
Written by Michael Landon
Directed by Michael Landon
Broadcast November 22, 1976, NBC / Production #3011-2
Guest Star: Victor French (Mr. Edwards). Special Guest Star: Arthur Hill (Lansford Ingalls). Co-Starring: Brian Part (Carl Edwards)1, Kyle Richards (Alicia Edwards)1. Featuring: Robert Gibbons (Clerk), Jim Boles (Brewster). Ott (Bunny/horse)2.
1 Only appear in long-shot.
2 Uncredited on episode's titles; this entry has been taken from the Internet Movie Database and has not been verified.
When Laura's horse has a bad accident, Grandpa Lansford assures Laura he can save the animal. Charles sees that the horse is beyond hope and destroys it. Believing he broke his word, Laura takes against Lansford. Feeling he only causes trouble, the old man quietly leaves on foot. Laura, now feeling guilty about her attitude, goes after him and grandfather and granddaughter are reconciled.
Bunny is referred to as a "she" in this episode. In Christmas At Plum Creek the horse was (mostly) a "he". The horse itself seems a lighter brown color than previously.
Episode# 3.08 (54)
Written by Robert Vincent Wright
Directed by William F. Claxton
Broadcast November 29, 1976, NBC / Production #3002
Guest Star: Victor French (Mr. Edwards). Co-Starring: Arthur Space (Phineas Jenks), Bonnie Bartlett (Grace Edwards), Don "Red" Barry (Rufe Parsons), Brian Part (Carl Edwards). Featuring: Joan Tompkins (Mrs. Parsons), Alison Arngrim (Nellie Oleson), Jonathan Gilbert1 (Willie Oleson), Bryce Berg (Boy). Ruth Foster (Mrs. Foster)2.
1 Jonathan Gilbert is the brother of Melissa Gilbert (who plays Laura).
2 Uncredited on episode's titles.
Laura takes on a pet goat, which she names Fred, to prevent it being put to sleep. The goat proves to be a handful – being particularly fond of savagely butting people – and Charles orders Laura to get rid of it. After several failed attempts to palm the animal off, Laura leaves it in the company of a herd of wild goats.
Fred was on last night, and I realized that this is one episode I have never seen all the way through in its entirety. I have only ever seen bits and pieces of it, which probably add up to me actually seeing every scene randomly. Plenty of good things in this episode – Laura being stupid enough to accept a freaking goat as a payment instead of cold hard cash; Fred magically appearing whenever anyone has to bend over; Mr. Edwards and his "secret place" (which I'm quite sure Pa is more than familiar with); the little-known fact that herds of goats roam all over Walnut Grove hero township; and, of course, the lusciousness of a wet, dripping, naked Pa swimming in all his manly glory amongst the strategically placed reeds. (Shakespearette)
Episode# 3.09 (55)
Written by B. W. Sandefur
Directed by Victor French
Broadcast December 6, 1976, NBC / Production #3009
Guest Stars: Victor French (Mr. Edwards), Roy Jenson (George Galender), Michael Le Clair (Bubba Galender). Special Guest Star: Geoffrey Lewis (Sam Galender). Co-Starring: Rayford Barnes (Bert Henderson). Featuring: Alison Arngrim (Nellie Oleson), Jonathan Gilbert1 (Willie Oleson). Cindy Moore (Tall Schoolgirl)2.
1 Jonathan Gilbert is the brother of Melissa Gilbert (who plays Laura).
2 Uncredited on episode's titles; this entry has been taken from the Internet Movie Database and has not been verified.
The three loutish Galender brothers arrive in Walnut Grove and proceed to make nuisances of themselves. At school, when Mary takes the youngest Galender to task, she is thumped in the face. Meanwhile, the two older brothers pester Caroline and beat up Charles when he complains. Back at school, Mary leads the kids in collective revenge and this, in turn, makes Reverend Alden revise his turn-the-other-cheek stance. In church, the Rev. shames the brothers and leads the menfolk in running them out of town.
The only person I see getting the crap beaten out of was Mary, in the schoolyard, by the tertiary bully. Is it sad that I laughed when he punched her in the face, followed by some melodramatic music? (ubi)
No, ubi, that is great to see Mary get coldcocked, but Pa breaks into the bad boys house after they break Ma's eggs, and gets the S--t knocked out of him – then Rev Alden turns into Prairie Terminator and kicks them out of town. (prairiegirl)
That should have led to a spin-off: "Robert Alden: Prairie Justice". Tune in each week as the Reverend travels the prairie looking for injustice and banishing mean people so they can move on and hurt others. (charlieboo)
A slight problem with the script is that people like the Galenders are unlikely to have shown up to the church service at the end of the episode in the first place. They don't strike me as the church-going types. (Steve)
Episode# 3.10 (56) – 1½ hours
Written by Harold Swanton
Directed by Michael Landon
Broadcast December 20, 19761, NBC / Production #3003
Guest Star: Victor French (Mr. Edwards). Special Guest Star: Burl Ives (Sam Shelby). Co-Starring: Johnny Crawford (Ben Shelby), Paul Brinegar (Glover). Featuring: Michael Rougas (Dr. Canby).
1 This episode was billed erroneously for November 1, 1976, in a few areas in original listings.
While out on a remote hunting trip with Laura, Pa Charles is seriously injured in an accident with a gun. Leaving her father, Laura sets off for a cabin where an elderly blind trapper, Sam, lives. After moving Charles to the cabin, Laura and Sam then set out on a long, wobbly journey to fetch help. After getting lost in the forest several times, the incongruous pair eventually find Mr. Edwards and summon assistance.
Episode# 3.11 (57)
Written by Paul W. Cooper
Directed by William F. Claxton
Broadcast January 3, 19771, NBC / Production #3013
Guest Stars: Victor French (Mr. Edwards), John Carter (Ted McGinnis), Luana Anders (Lottie McGinnis), Bonnie Bartlett (Grace Edwards). Co-Starring: Don Dubbins (Jim Bowers), Helen Stenborg (Betty Bowers), Brian Part (Carl Edwards), Kyle Richards (Alicia Edwards), Robert Gibbons (Mason). Featuring: Alison Arngrim (Nellie Oleson), Jonathan Gilbert2 (Willie Oleson), Johnny Timko (Henry McGinnis), Christopher Page (Joey Bowers), Aaron Fletcher (Peetrie). Ruth Foster (Mrs. Foster)3.
1 I can find no original evidence that this episode was aired on December 27, 1976, as suggested by e.g. Wikipedia and Epguides; a re-run of At The End Of The Rainbow was shown.
2 Jonathan Gilbert is the brother of Melissa Gilbert (who plays Laura).
3 Uncredited on episode's titles.
A surprise pre-Christmas snowstorm hits Walnut Grove, so teacher Miss Beadle dismisses her class early so everyone can get home. The weather worsens and the kids fail to arrive at their various homes. A search is organized and the children are found one by one and returned to the school where a makeshift rescue center has been set up. For most, the outcome is a happy one, though Christmas will be a sad time for one family – a father, Ted McGinnis, has died in the storm.
If by blizzard, you mean a skiff of snow making a few little drifts against rocks and bushes, while it blew around them even as you could see their shadows from the California sunshine, then okay. And we were supposed to believe this was such an epically blinding blizzard that one dad got lost and froze to death? I could see dirt ground, and worst of all, leaves on the trees and bushes! (Migzo)
"Blizzardo Diablo" was also on today and I still love it when Willie comforts Miss Beadle and tells her it's not her fault. (mmecorday)
Episode# 3.12 (58)
Written by Harold Swanton
Directed by William F. Claxton
Broadcast January 10, 1977, NBC / Production #3010
Guest Stars: Victor French (Mr. Edwards), Bonnie Bartlett (Grace Edwards), Radames Pera (John Jr.). Co-Starring: Walker Edmiston (Deering), Brian Part (Carl Edwards), Kyle Richards (Alicia Edwards).
Mary's boyfriend, John Jr., is offered a university scholarship in Chicago that will allow him to live his dream of becoming a writer. The pair, who are on the verge of marriage, must decide whether to remain together as farmers in Walnut Grove or risk a separation for the sake of John's career. After much soul-searching, everybody eventually agrees that John must be true to himself and he departs for Chicago.
At one point while Jr. is helping Edwards pitch hay, he looks up at a hawk flying in the sky and Jr. wonders what the hawk is thinking. Considering hawks are birds of prey, he was probably thinking, "Hmm, what looks edible down there?" Dumbass. (mmecorday)
Episode# 3.13 (59)
Written by John Hawkins
Directed by Victor French
Broadcast January 17, 1977, NBC / Production #3015
Guest Stars: Victor French (Mr. Edwards), Bonnie Bartlett (Grace Edwards). Co-Starring: Rance Howard (Simpson), Marshall Kent (Dr. Quimby), Brian Part (Carl Edwards), Kyle Richards (Alicia Edwards). Featuring: Alison Arngrim (Nellie Oleson), Jonathan Gilbert1 (Willie Oleson), Dick Farnsworth (Wall), Alex Sharp (Burman), Ray Guth (Dixon). Cindy Moore (Tall Schoolgirl)2.
1 Jonathan Gilbert is the brother of Melissa Gilbert (who plays Laura).
2 Uncredited on episode's titles; this entry has been taken from the Internet Movie Database and has not been verified.
Mr. Edwards accidentally brings a fever to Walnut Grove and all families are put into quarantine. Mr. Edwards' daughter, Alicia, also develops the fever and Laura, unwisely disobeying the restrictions, briefly visits her. When Laura later exhibits a red rash, she too goes into quarantine with the Edwards. Dr. Baker is away and Charles journeys to fetch him. Meanwhile, the Edwards have recovered and Dr. Baker explains that Laura's own rash is simply from poison ivy.
Edwards come across as particularly stupid in this episode when he knowingly shares a drink from a bottle with a person from a plague-infected town.
Also, Edwards "knows" he is immune from the disease as he has had it before (and, indeed, managed to kill his previous family by infecting them). But how does he know this is the same strain of the illness?
Also also, Edwards knows he is a carrier of the disease, so why is he mixing with healthy people (Grace, Charles, Caroline etc.) near the end of the episode? How does he know that he isn't still infectious/contagious? Etc. etc. (Steve)
When Charles is trying to get Doc Baker back from Elmsville, at one point he jumps from a building while being chased – you can see and hear (from the thud) that he just lands on an air-filled mattress.
Episode# 3.14 (60)
Teleplay by Dale Eunson and B. W. Sandefur, story by Dale Eunson
Directed by William F. Claxton
Broadcast January 24, 1977, NBC / Production #3014
Guest Stars: Victor French (Mr. Edwards), Warren Vanders (Harold Mayfield), Kay Peters (Della Clark). Co-Starring: Roger Bowen (Samuel Mason), Rachel Longaker (Ginny Clark), Brian Part (Carl Edwards), Kyle Richards (Alicia Edwards). Featuring: Alison Arngrim (Nellie Oleson), Jonathan Gilbert1 (Willie Oleson), Bryce Berg (Teddy), Ruth Foster (Mrs. Foster). Jack Lilley (Townsman)2.
1 Jonathan Gilbert is the brother of Melissa Gilbert (who plays Laura).
2 Uncredited on episode's titles; this entry has been taken from the Internet Movie Database and has not been verified.
At school, Mary, Laura, Nellie and their friend, Ginny, plan to stage a scene from Alcott's "Little Women". Mrs. Oleson immediately puts herself in charge of proceedings to ensure her daughter Nellie has the best part. Ginny's widowed mother is a semi-recluse and refuses to attend the play, so Ginny buys her a new dress to persuade her to go, but is secretive about how she managed to pay for it. It turns out that, inspired by Jo in "Little Women", Ginny has sold her own hair to raise the money. Her mother comes out of her shell, and even starts to date an admirer.
That was Amy Godsey from "The Waltons" playing Ginny/Jo in the Little Women episode, right? Her wig was worse than Nellie's. (jodela-he-hoo)
As Laura and Mary walk home from Nellie's, Laura moans that her only lines in the play are: "Oh yes," and, "Oh my." However, when they get home, Laura tells Ma that her lines are: two yeses, "That's right," and, "Let Meg tell you."
Willie is seen to be painting a fence panel but his brush seems to have no paint on it. (Steve)
This isn't so much an inappropriate laugh moment, but in Little Women when Willie comes into the schoolhouse covered in paint, naturally everyone erupts into laughter. And I notice that ML's laughter is very loud, because Mr. Edwards is saying something to him. To me, this has always looked like an unscripted moment. Obviously, they were supposed to laugh, but it appears that they are sharing some kind of joke that is making ML laugh even harder. I thought it was a cute moment between them, especially since they were very close friends. (Shakespearette)
Ginny's haircut wig makes her look like Rod Stewart... (Tim McD)
Episode# 3.15 (61)
Written by Arthur Heinemann
Directed by Victor French
Broadcast January 31, 1977, NBC / Production #3004
Guest Stars: George Murdock (Jeremy Stokes), Bonnie Bartlett (Grace Edwards). Co-Starring: Ivy Jones (Amelia), Willie Aames (Seth). Featuring: Caesar Ramirez (Joseph), Alison Arngrim (Nellie Oleson), Vincent Cobb (Omaha), Jonathan Gilbert1 (Willie Oleson), Bryce Berg (Boy). Clay Greenbush2 (School Kid)3, Jack Lilley (Stage Driver)3.
1 Jonathan Gilbert is the brother of Melissa Gilbert (who plays Laura).
2 Clay Greenbush is the brother of Lindsay and Sidney Greenbush (who play Carrie).
3 Uncredited on episode's titles; these entries have been taken from the Internet Movie Database and have not been verified.
Laura befriends Joseph Stokes, the son of a Sioux Indian, who has moved to Walnut Grove. Joseph's grandfather virtually disowns him because the boy is the product of a mixed marriage – a Native American father and a white mother – and is not shy about sharing his bigotry. Things are no better at school, where Joseph is picked on. However, the boy finds the courage to stand up to the bullying and, for doing this, his grandfather comes to respect him.
It's probably just me, but the actor George Murdock (who plays the grandfather) is so dark-complexioned that, at the start of the story, I thought he was Indian (or part Indian) too. It becomes clear that he isn't as the episode progresses.
I think ML took that whole "wooden Indian" phrase literally when he was giving acting direction to the kid. Do all Native Americans really speak in a monotone?
But wasn't it touching to watch [him] over the next few seasons and become best friends with Andrew Garvey and graduate at the head of the class with Laura? Oh, wait... that's right. We never saw him again. (charlieboo)
Look at the edges of the water in the scene where Spotted Eagle is taming the horse – you can see black pond liner. (Steve)
Episode# 3.16 (62)
Written by B. W. Sandefur
Directed by William F. Claxton
Broadcast February 14, 1977, NBC / Production #3016
Guest Stars: Victor French (Mr. Edwards), Ivan Bonar (Dr. Mayes). Co-Starring: Bonnie Bartlett (Grace Edwards), Darrell Zwerling (Horace Benson), Brian Part (Carl Edwards), Kyle Richards (Alicia Edwards). Featuring: Naomi Ross (Nurse Johnson), Alison Arngrim (Nellie Oleson), Jonathan Gilbert1 (Willie Oleson), Sheldon Coburn (Dr. Washburn), Ralph Smiley (Conductor). Ruth Foster (Mrs. Foster)2.
1 Jonathan Gilbert is the brother of Melissa Gilbert (who plays Laura).
2 Uncredited on episode's titles.
Mary takes a kick from a horse and a severe internal infection sets in. Dr. Baker orders that Mary be sent away for an operation, which is performed, but her condition worsens and a further procedure is deemed necessary. Charles is struggling to pay the doctors' bill so, to get enough money, Charles and Mr. Edwards depart to work on building railroads.
The "accident" where she first gets sick really annoys me. When she falls backward over the railing, it looks like she's broken her back, not gotten a tummy-ache. (Brn2bwild)
According to the clock, her FIRST surgery lasted 3 hours. Who would have survived that in the 1870's? (BetyBee)
The ceilings of the sets of some of the hospital rooms seem to be made of stretched white fabric – you can see the ripples in it. This was presumably some sort of cost-cutting measure? (Steve)
Episode# 3.17 (63)
Written by John Hawkins
Directed by William F. Claxton
Broadcast February 21, 1977, NBC / Production #3017
Guest Stars: Victor French (Mr. Edwards), James Shigeta (Sam Wing), Ivan Bonar (Dr. Mayes). Special Guest Star: John McLiam (Harris). Co-Starring: James Sikking (Franklin), Darrell Zwerling (Horace Benson), M. P. Murphy (Clancy). Featuring: Naomi Ross (Nurse Johnson), Cordy Clark (Sarah Mulligan), Paul King (Chinese Workman), Sheldon Coburn (Dr. Washburn).
Charles and Mr. Edwards find work in blasting a railroad tunnel. Desperate for the money from a completion bonus, Charles plays fast and loose with safety and starts using excessive amounts of explosives. The tunnel collapses and Charles almost loses his life, but is dug out by Mr. Edwards and the other workers. Mary eventually recovers and all return to Walnut Grove.
Someone walks into Mary's hospital room to find her bed bare, and we are led briefly to think she's died. When was that mini-cliffhanger done before? Oh yes – in the first part! (Steve)
At the end, though, when Pa sees Mary walking in the hospital and runs to her and grabs her and hugs her tightly – after Mary having had several intestinal surgeries – all I could think, as Pa threw his arms around her and gave her the tight hug – was, "OUCH!" on Mary's part. (ljw948)
Episode# 3.18 (64)
Written by Scott Swanton
Directed by William F. Claxton
Broadcast March 7, 1977, NBC / Production #3019
Guest Star: Todd Bridges (Solomon Henry). Co-Starring: Maidie Norman (Mrs. Henry), David Downing (Jackson Henry), Frederic Downs (Kramer). Featuring: Don Pedro Colley (Dr. Tane), Russ Marin (Man), Alison Arngrim (Nellie Oleson), Jonathan Gilbert1 (Willie Oleson), Bryce Berg (Boy). Cindy Moore (Tall Schoolgirl)2.
1 Jonathan Gilbert is the brother of Melissa Gilbert (who plays Laura).
2 Uncredited on episode's titles; this entry has been taken from the Internet Movie Database and has not been verified.
Solomon Henry, a cheeky 11-year-old black boy, runs away from home because he is tired of being treated as part of an underclass. Claiming he has no family, he is taken in by the Ingalls. Much to Mrs. Oleson's horror, Charles takes Solomon to start at the local school. After a period of reflection, Solomon comes to realize he will never fit in on an equal par with white society and leaves Walnut Grove for home.
I'm not knocking this story's message, but three episodes out of the last four with a race theme might have been pushing things a tad (although this is probably the best delivered of that bunch).
Fans may remember that in the following TV season, The Waltons did a very similar story to this, again featuring Todd Bridges, called The Stray.
Todd B – he gave an amazing performance and the last scene, when Charles puts him on the stagecoach, just kills me. Todd Bridges' crying was on a par with ML's. (prairiegal)
Episode# 3.19 (65)
Written by Robert Janes
Directed by Michael Landon
Broadcast March 14, 1977, NBC / Production #3020
Guest Star: Katy Kurtzman (Anna Gillberg). Featuring: Fred Stuthman (Judge), Lidia Kristen (Mrs. Gillberg), Alison Arngrim (Nellie Oleson), Jonathan Gilbert1 (Willie Oleson). Maggie Munro (Girl)2, Daniel Selby (Winston)2.
1 Jonathan Gilbert is the brother of Melissa Gilbert (who plays Laura).
2 Uncredited on episode's titles; these entries have been taken from the Internet Movie Database and have not been verified.
Laura is disappointed with her birthday present and, acting on impulse, steals a music box from Nellie – a deed which later gives her nightmares. Nellie finds out and blackmails Laura into being nasty to Anna, a friend who has a stutter. Feeling guilty, Laura confesses everything to her parents. Nellie's father is then told the whole story and Nellie is punished.
Laura's third dream sequence (the one with the gallows) starts with a tree branch tapping against her window. But there is no tree that close to the house.
Episode# 3.20 (66)
Written by B. W. Sandefur
Directed by Victor French
Broadcast March 21, 1977, NBC / Production #3018
Guest Stars: Charles Aidman (Sam Dobkins), Eric Olson (Elmer Dobkins). Co-Starring: Mitzi Hoag (Ellen Dobkins), John Herbsleb (Joel Turner), Dermott Downs (Kenny Bagby). Featuring: Alison Arngrim (Nellie Oleson), Jonathan Gilbert1 (Willie Oleson), Leslie Landon2 (Kate), Michael Landon Jr.3 (Jim), Wade Alberty (Steve). Cindy Moore (Tall Schoolgirl In White Dress)4, Maggie Munro (Student)4.
1 Jonathan Gilbert is the brother of Melissa Gilbert (who plays Laura).
2 Leslie Landon is the daughter of Michael Landon.
3 Michael Landon Jr. is the son of Michael Landon.
4 Uncredited on episode's titles; these entries have been taken from the Internet Movie Database and have not been verified.
The school kids hold a campaign for class president. A gang of bully boys arrange for two girls to be nominated, Nellie Oleson and Mary Ingalls. However, this is a ruse to split the girls' vote so the boys can ensure their usual target for bullying, slow-witted Elmer Dobkins, will win and become their puppet leader. Assorted dubious electioneering practices follow. On the day, Elmer gives an impassioned speech about bullying and Mary withdraws from the race and gives her support to Elmer. In the end, Willie Oleson gets the casting vote between Nellie and Elmer; fed up of his sister, he votes for Elmer.
Watch out for two of Michael Landon's kids in the supporting cast: Leslie and Michael.
The class has 20 pupils (2 rows of 5 benches each seating 2) yet Mary says the class has 25 votes (24 are indicated on the board before Willie comes in). (Steve)
Episode# 3.21 (67) – 2 hours
Written by John Hawkins and B. W. Sandefur
Directed by Michael Landon
Broadcast April 4, 1977, NBC / Production #3021
Guest Stars: Victor French (Mr. Edwards)1, Bonnie Bartlett (Grace Edwards). Special Guest Star: E. J. André (Zachariah). Co-Starring: Larry Pennell (Griffin), Wil Albert (Mr. Delano), Larry Golden (Reverend Phillips), Robert Forward (Harlan), Brian Part (Carl Edwards)2, Kyle Richards (Alicia Edwards), Vernon Weddle (Anderson). Featuring: Steve Shaw (Sam Delano), Alan McRae (Angus Thoms), Vanna Salviati (Mrs. Delano), Sparky Watt (Mr. Sawyer), Dick Armstrong (Grady Jennings), Brian Libby (Jake). Barbara Cason (Nellie)3, Carl Pitti (Carl)3, Connor Quinn (Boy 1 Panning)3, Mark Stanoch (unknown)3.
1 This is the last episode for Mr. Edwards until The Return Of Mr. Edwards in Season 6, as Victor French departed for his new show, Carter Country.
2 This is the last episode for Brian Part as Carl Edwards, although the character would return in Season 8's A Promise To Keep though played by David R. Kaufman.
3 Uncredited on episode's titles; these entries have been taken from the Internet Movie Database and have not been verified.
Prolonged rain washes out the Ingalls crop, so, along with the Edwards, they head off the try their luck panning for gold in Dakota. Once there, the kids discover a half-mad old miner who warns about the way greed for gold changes people for the worse. After several encounters with bandits, coupled with the general seediness of the lifestyle, Charles realizes his family is riches enough, and everybody returns to Walnut Grove.
During the sunset shot of the families traveling west a jet contrail can be seen. (Steve)
He buried his wife in the creek on a bed of gold. I was distracted by the logistics of burying someone in a moving body of water. First you'd have to dig the hole, trying to keep it from filling up as you dug it. Then you'd have to drag the body in, hoping it wouldn't float downstream. Next you'd have to weight it down and pile rocks, dirt, whatever on top. What a job. Why didn't he just bury her on the side of the creek? Not to mention fouling up his water supply. (BambiJo)
Okay, at the end of Gold Country, one of Laura's creepy old man friends immolates himself and his wife's corpse (family viewing at its finest!) :)
Pa has time to 1) put out the fire 2) dam the creek 3) dig a grave (albeit probably pretty small for the crispy remains) 4) bury the bodies 5) un-dam the creek and 6) carve a new headstone – all before church, 5 miles away, where he's dressed in clean, dry clothes. (Palandine)
3.01 The Collection (47)
3.02 Bunny (48 - part 1 of 2)
3.03 The Race (49 - part 2 of 2)
3.04 Little Girl Lost (50)
3.05 The Monster Of Walnut Grove (51)
3.06 Journey In The Spring: Part I (52)
3.07 Journey In The Spring: Part II (53)
3.08 Fred (54)
3.09 The Bully Boys (55)
3.10 The Hunters (56 - 1½ hours)
3.11 Blizzard (57)
