Season 7
7.01 Laura Ingalls Wilder: Part I (138)
7.02 Laura Ingalls Wilder: Part II (139)
7.03 A New Beginning (140)
7.04 Fight Team Fight! (141)
7.05 The Silent Cry (142)
7.06 Portrait Of Love (143)
7.07 Divorce, Walnut Grove Style (144)
7.08 Dearest Albert, I'll Miss You (145)
7.09 The In-Laws (146)
7.10 To See The Light: Part I (147)
7.11 To See The Light: Part II (148)
7.12 Oleson Vs Oleson (149)
7.13 Come Let Us Reason Together (150)
7.14 The Nephews (151)
7.15 Make A Joyful Noise (152)
7.16 Goodbye, Mrs. Wilder (153)
7.17 Sylvia: Part I (154)
7.18 Sylvia: Part II (155)
7.19 Blind Justice (156)
7.20 I Do, Again (157)
7.21 The Lost Ones: Part I (158)
7.22 The Lost Ones: Part II (159)
Starring: Michael Landon (1-12,14-221), Karen Grassle (1,2,4,6-13,142,16-20,221), Melissa Gilbert (1,2,4,6-9,103,11,12,14,16-20,221), Melissa Sue Anderson (2,3,5,6,9-11,15,19,221), Lindsay Sidney Greenbush4 (1,2,4,6-9,11,12,142,16-20,221). Executive Producer: Michael Landon. Produced by Kent McCray (1,2,4,5,7,8,10,11,13,17-19,21,22), William F. Claxton (3,6,9,12,14-16,20). Developed for Television by Blanche Hanalis. Based Upon the "Little House" Series of Books by Laura Ingalls Wilder.
Richard Bull (Mr. Oleson 1,3,4,6,7,10-13,16,17,19), Katherine MacGregor5 (Mrs. Oleson 1,3,4,6,7,10-14,16-20,22), Alison Arngrim (Nellie Oleson 1,2,6,7,9-13,18-20,22), Jonathan Gilbert6 (Willie Oleson 1,4,6-8,11-13,16-18,20,22), Merlin Olsen (Jonathan Garvey 3,5,9,10,15,21), Patrick Laborteaux7 (Andy Garvey 1,3,9,21), Steve Tracy (Percival Dalton 1,6,9-13,208), Kevin Hagen (Dr. Baker 1,4,13,16-20,22), Dabbs Greer (Reverend Alden 1,6,12,14,17,19,20,22), Linwood Boomer (Adam Kendall 2,3,5,6,10,11,19,229), Dean Butler (Almanzo Wilder 1,2,4,6,7,9,11,12,14,16,19,20,2210), Matthew Laborteaux7 (Albert 1-9,11,12,14,16-22).
Don Balluck (Executive Story Consultant), David Rose (Music), Kent McCray (Associate Producer 3,6,9,12,14-16,20), Ted Voigtländer A.S.C. (Director of Photography 1,2,6,7,9,12,13,15,17,18,21,22), Haskell Boggs A.S.C. (Director of Photography 3-5,8,10,11,14,16,19,20), Walter M. Jefferies (Art Director), John Loeffler (Editor 1,3,7,9,11,12,14,16,18,20), Jerry Taylor A.C.E. (Editor 2,4-6,8,10,13,15,17,19,21,22), Don Webb (Set Decoration), Miles S. Middough (Assistant Director 1,2,6,7,9,12,13,15,17,18,21,22), Maury Dexter (Assistant Director 3-5,8,10,11,14,16,20), Reid Rummage (Assistant Director 19), Susan Sukman11 (Casting), Marvin Coil A.C.E. (Supervising Editor), Allan Snyder S.M.A. (Makeup), Larry Germain C.H.S. (Hair Stylist 1-17), Gladys Witten (Hair Stylist 18-22), Mike Termini (Men's Costumer), Richalene Kelsay (Women's Costumer 1,2), Linda Taylor (Women's Costumer 3-22), Dean Wilson (Property Master), Edward P. Ancona (Color Consultant), Ron Housiaux (Key Grip), Lon Massey III (Gaffer), Kenneth Hunter (Camera Operator), Erika Wernher (Script Supervisor), Reid Rummage (Second Assistant Director 1-18,20-22), James E. Benjamin (Second Assistant Director 19), Vince Gutierrez (Sound Effects Editor), Fred Prior (Music Editor), Kay Suffern (Negative Cutter), Frank Meadows (Sound Recording), M. Curtis Price C.A.S. (Sound Recording), Gary Wohlleben / PMS (Production Controller), Photographed with Panavision Equipment®, An NBC Production In Association with Ed Friendly.
Interiors shot at MGM Studios, Culver City (now Sony Pictures Studios).
Copyright © MCMLXXX [1980] by National Broadcasting Company, Inc. (1-13)
Copyright © MCMLXXXI [1981] by National Broadcasting Company, Inc. (14-22)
1 Credited across all episodes, but only appears in those indicated.
2 Only appears with back to camera in episode 14, possibly a double.
3 Voice-over only on episode 10.
4 Carrie is played jointly by twin actresses Lindsay and Sidney Greenbush.
5 aka Scottie MacGregor.
6 Jonathan Gilbert is the brother of Melissa Gilbert (who plays Laura).
7 Matthew and Patrick Laborteaux are brothers.
8 Credited on episode 22 but does not appear.
9 Only appears in long-shot in episode 22, possibly a double.
10 Credited on episode 10 but does not appear.
11 aka Susan McCray.
Overall Nielsen rating for season: 22.1 (10th).
Episode# 7.01 (138)
Written by Michael Landon
Directed by Michael Landon
Broadcast September 22, 1980, NBC / Production #7052
Guest Stars: James Cromwell (Harve Miller), Dean Butler (Almanzo Wilder). Special Guest Star: Lucy Lee Flippin (Eliza Jane Wilder). Featuring: Chris Shaffer (Matt Gray). Brenda Turnbaugh (Grace Ingalls)1, Wendi Turnbaugh (Grace Ingalls)1.
1 Uncredited on episode's titles; these entries have been taken from the Internet Movie Database and have not been verified.
Almanzo's sister, Eliza Jane, starts dating an old friend of his, Harve Miller. Laura is delighted when she gets offered a teaching position in Radnor, but Almanzo makes it clear that he wants her to be a housewife when they are married and forbids her from taking the job. Meanwhile, Almanzo buys some farming land from Matt Gray, but Gray then deliberately blocks off the water supply to the land – which he controls – to force Almanzo to sell the plot back at a price advantageous to him. At the restaurant, Nellie is shocked when she finds out from Dr. Baker that she is pregnant.
Caroline tells Laura that she's glad she married Charles and lived her life the way she did because if she didn't, "There wouldn't be a Mary and a Laura and a Carrie and a Grace and an Albert." She's forgotten that she and Charles adopted Albert.
OTHER COMMENTS
Episode# 7.02 (139)
Written by Michael Landon
Directed by Michael Landon
Broadcast September 29, 1980, NBC / Production #7053
Guest Stars: James Cromwell (Harve Miller), Dean Butler (Almanzo Wilder). Special Guest Star: Lucy Lee Flippin (Eliza Jane Wilder). Co-Starring: Ketty Lester (Hester-Sue), Alvy Moore (Storekeeper), Edmund Stoiber (Reverend Hartwig). Featuring: Judy Sardo (Mary Allenby), Kyle Williams (John Allenby), Jack Lilley (Stage Driver). Brenda Turnbaugh (Grace Ingalls)1, Wendi Turnbaugh (Grace Ingalls)1.
1 Uncredited on episode's titles; these entries have been taken from the Internet Movie Database and have not been verified.
As expected, due to lack of water, Almanzo's crop dies. With money tight, but against Almanzo's wishes, Laura decides to move away and accept the teaching job in Radnor she was offered. The pair argue, cancel their wedding plans, and stop talking to each other. Meanwhile, Harve Miller has met another woman and breaks off the relationship with Eliza Jane. However, in order to help smooth things out, she maintains to Almanzo that she intends to marry Harve and move away. With a local school job now free, Laura has no need to move to Radnor, and the pair's wedding is back on. The couple are married in the blind school.
When Laura and Almanzo are having their argument outside the Ingalls' cabin, he shouts re: her engagement ring, "This is a real diamond in this ring, not just a piece of glass!" Later, when he chases the stagecoach and gives her the ring back, we see it's just a simple gold band.
According to the Internet Movie Database: "In this episode, set in 1885, Charles tells Almanzo, 'Being positive is being wrong at the top of your voice.' It is a paraphrase of an entry from Ambrose Bierce's 'Devil's Dictionary', first published as 'The Cynic's Word Book' in 1906."
Probably the most touching moment of the series, I think, is Eliza Jane's, "I've never been happier. Really, I haven't." Such a sacrifice she made! And since only we viewers know that it's all a ruse so her brother can be guiltlessly happy, it becomes the "lump in the throat tear up" part to me. (ganymede)
Episode# 7.03 (140)
Written by John T. Dugan
Directed by William F. Claxton
Broadcast October 6, 19801, NBC / Production #7054
Guest Stars: Harry Carey Jr. (Sheriff Pike), Med Flory (Pete Rawlins), John Dukakis (Tim Mahoney), Milton Selzer (Elija Pattman). Special Guest Star: John Larch (Arthur Mahoney). Co-Starring: Stuart Nisbet (Jenkins), Paul Larson (Pendergast), Cal Bowman (Abel Thorn), Scott Garrett (Hiram). Featuring: Cliff McLaughlin (Punk #1), Shane Barmby (Punk #2), Ben R. Scott (Punk #3), John Clay Scott (R. J.), Arnold Roberts (Minister), Al Hopson (Drunk).
1 Portrait Of Love was billed erroneously for this date in a few areas in original listings.
Trying to start a new life after the death of his wife, Alice, Jonathan Garvey and his son, Andy, move to Sleepy Eye and start a freight business. The business ends up the victim of a gang of thieves, but the sheriff seems afraid to act. Garvey accepts the position of deputy and begins his own investigations. It turns out the gang is secretly under the control of a self-appointed local law-enforcer, Pete Rawlins, who is taking a cut of the proceeds. Garvey exposes Rawlins, who is arrested. The headstrong leader of the gang is subsequently shot dead when he attempts to rob the town bank.
Episode# 7.04 (141)
Written by Don Balluck
Directed by Michael Landon
Broadcast October 13, 1980, NBC / Production #7056
Guest Stars: William Traylor (Pete Ellerbee), Terrence O'Connor (Sandra Ellerbee), James Jarnagin (Dan Ellerbee). Featuring: Ron Doyle (Referee), Josh Davis (Clyde). Maggie Munro (Student)1.
1 Uncredited on episode's titles; this entry has been taken from the Internet Movie Database and has not been verified.
Pete Ellerbee, a ex-footballer, comes to town and begins to coach the local team, which includes his son – who is less interested in football than his father would like – as well as Willie Oleson and Albert Ingalls. Single-minded Ellerbee's grueling regime takes its toll and the boys' schoolwork begins to suffer. Later, pressure from Ellerbee persuades Albert to play despite sustaining an earlier injury and Charles has to intervene to take the suffering boy out of the game. Albert decides that his priority is his studies and that for him football should only be for fun.
Episode# 7.05 (142)
Written by Michael Landon
Directed by Michael Landon
Broadcast October 20, 1980, NBC / Production #7051
Guest Stars: Ivan Bonar (Mr. Case), David Hollander (Michael). Special Guest Star: Dub Taylor (Houston). Co-Starring: Elizabeth Hoffman (Miss Mason), George Dickerson (Mr. Rooney), Barbara Beckley (Mrs. Rooney), David Faustino (Josh). Featuring: Al Dunlap (Doc Higgs), Michelle Downey (Susan).
An the Sleepy Eye orphanage, two brothers are up for adoption. However, the younger brother appears to be mute, so the prospective parents, the Rooneys, only want the older boy. To avoid being split up, the brothers run away and are hidden by the blind-school's sympathetic janitor, Houston. Eventually, Houston, having grown very attached to the boys, tries to adopt the pair himself, but the idea is rejected by the orphanage. However, after Houston later gives an impassioned speech to the adoption board, the younger boy starts speaking again, and the Rooneys decide to adopt both brothers.
Episode# 7.06 (143)
Written by Michael Landon
Directed by William F. Claxton
Broadcast October 27, 19801, NBC / Production #7055
Guest Stars: Madeline Stowe (Annie Crane), Jim Antonio (Victor Crosby), Ward Costello (Jeremy Unger), Constance Pfeifer (Marge Crosby), Paul Napier (Sorrell Crane). Special Guest Star: Mariclare Costello (Helen Crane). Featuring: Richard Neilson (Malcolm Cole), Jeanne Determann (Mrs. Barnsdale), Jack Lilley (Driver). Brenda Turnbaugh (Grace Ingalls)2, Wendi Turnbaugh (Grace Ingalls)2.
1 This episode was billed erroneously for October 6, 1980, in a few areas in original listings.
2 Uncredited on episode's titles; these entries have been taken from the Internet Movie Database and have not been verified.
Blind Annie Crane is a talented artist and the next big upcoming thing. Annie's estranged birth mother tries to arrange a reunion, but Annie refuses, embittered by memories of being abandoned by her as a child. However, Caroline tricks the two into meeting. When Annie discovers her mother is now also blind, the pair settle their differences.
Viewers will probably recognize the actress playing Annie's mother – Mariclare Costello – from her stint as teacher Rosemary Fordwick (née Hunter) some years earlier on The Waltons.
It's just not possible, is it? I mean, I could possibly buy into a blind artist who paints abstract paintings. But it's just not possible for a blind person to paint what the girl was painting. From a purely practical perspective ... once she has taken her hand away from the canvas, how can she possibly know where to position the brush so that it perfectly hits the same spot to continue painting the tree, leaf or whatever?
I just don't think it's possible for a blind person to paint that precisely, with that much detail, mixing colors, et cetera. (ljw948)
Episode# 7.07 (144)1
Written by Don Balluck
Directed by Michael Landon
Broadcast November 10, 1980, NBC / Production #7057
Guest Stars: Dean Butler (Almanzo Wilder), Tisch Raye (Brenda Sue Longworth). Co-Starring: Alvy Moore (Storekeeper), Eve Brent Ashe (Olga Tuttle). Featuring: Eric Taslitz (Timothy), Gillian Grant (Susan), Patrick Armstrong (Steven). Brenda Turnbaugh (Grace Ingalls)2, Wendi Turnbaugh (Grace Ingalls)2.
1 The c.2014 HD remaster of this episode, as used for the most recent set of US DVDs (and probably the Blu-rays and downloads), is missing two sequences. The first, running 38s at 7:53, shows Charles buying the first pane of glass from Nels in the mercantile. The second, running 2:26 at 17:11, has Harriet and Nels in bed talking about their marriage.
2 Uncredited on episode's titles; these entries have been taken from the Internet Movie Database and have not been verified.
Due to a misunderstanding, Laura comes to believe that Almanzo is having an affair with a friend from his youth, Brenda Sue Longworth. The disagreement ends up with an all-out catfight in front of the school, much to the amusement of Laura's pupils, and Laura returns to live with her parents. Charles arranges a meeting between all parties, and Laura comes to understand the root cause of the disagreement – a song title.
Cat-fighting in the middle of town in the dirt, no less. Talk about trashy. At least, when Pa attempted to fight someone, he gave them a verbal self-righteous smackdown before the fight began. (MsLawDawg)
One of my favorite scenes is in Divorce, Walnut Grove Style. It's when Harriet is spreading gossip and tells Nels that she can do whatever she wants because it is her switchboard. When Nels comes back in with the wires in his hands and informs her that he owns the wires, it's classic.
I'm always distracted, though, after the street fight. Instead of just being dirty and dusty, Laura looks like someone took a Magic Marker to her face. (camom)
Episode# 7.08 (145)
Written by Michael Landon
Directed by Michael Landon
Broadcast November 17, 1980, NBC / Production #7059
Guest Stars: Suzy Gilstrap (Leslie Barton), Diane Shalet (Mrs. Barton). Co-Starring: Martin Rudy (Dr. Marx), Olan Soulé (Mr. McGinnis). Featuring: Dan Priest (Conductor), Jamie Seibert (Timmy), Gillian Grant (Heather), Ruth Foster (Mrs. Foster), Dan Caldwell (Photographer), Dorothy Butts (Maid). Brenda Turnbaugh (Grace Ingalls)1, Wendi Turnbaugh (Grace Ingalls)1.
1 Uncredited on episode's titles; these entries have been taken from the Internet Movie Database and have not been verified.
Albert becomes pen pals with a girl in Minneapolis named Leslie. Both of them make up stories about themselves to appear more attractive to the other: Albert pretends to be an accomplished sports player, as does Leslie, who hides the fact she's confined to a wheelchair. Through the correspondence, Albert finds himself falling in love, and tricks Charles into letting him accompany him to a meeting in Minneapolis. He meets Leslie face to face and, despite all the deceptions, both reaffirm they love each other just the same.
Matthew Laborteaux emotes well in this pleasing tale; Suzy Gilstrap (as his pen-pal girlfriend) is, perhaps, not quite as effective.
Albert has a Pen-Pal – yes I remember why I never liked that one. First, the whole concept was stupid. And I wasn't just being funny about the haircut – Albert's hair really, really bothers me in this episode. And the ENDLESS whining, ugh. "I'm in love! Again! No, really, STOP MAKING FUN OF ME, I'm in love!" STFU already. And over half of the epi was focused on tertiary characters – NEVER a good sign. Not only were they tertiary, but they weren't even WG tertiaries! They were off in freakin' Minneapolis and we're supposed to care?
And how can you care about a "love story" anyhow that is based on lies, the principles only meet once, and you know that the show will never, ever bring it up again? ... The only enjoyable part of it was getting to add to my list of Laura's bitchiest teacher moments ever. (coffeemom)
Albert's handicapped pen pal Leslie said she played basketball, a few years before bball was even invented. (sallyiscool)
Episode# 7.09 (146)
Written by Don Balluck
Directed by William F. Claxton
Broadcast November 24, 1980, NBC / Production #7058
Guest Star: Eddie Quillan (Kavendish). Co-Starring: Terrence Evans (Horace Choate), Patricia Herd (Emma Choate). Featuring: Dan Priest (Conductor), Don Brenon (Cooley), Chad Cowgill (Boy #1). Brenda Turnbaugh (Grace Ingalls)1, Wendi Turnbaugh (Grace Ingalls)1.
1 Uncredited on episode's titles; these entries have been taken from the Internet Movie Database and have not been verified.
Charles and Almanzo race from Walnut Grove to Sleepy Eye to see who knows the fastest route. Almanzo gets stuck on a hill and is forced to move his goods in two batches. However, a passing family appropriates his unattended first batch of goods, and he is forced to spend time tracking them down. Meanwhile, Charles becomes bogged down in a river and ultimately finds his way blocked by a fence; he has to double back. To avoid having to cook dinner for their wives for not making the trip on time, the pair both claim timely journeys... but Caroline has spoken to Jonathan Garvey in Sleepy Eye and knows the truth.
Episode# 7.10 (147)
Written by Michael Landon
Directed by Michael Landon
Broadcast December 1, 1980, NBC / Production #7060
Guest Stars: Peter Hobbs (Mr. Davis), Linwood Boomer (Adam Kendall). Co-Starring: Kenneth G. Patterson (Dr. Raymond), Ketty Lester (Hester-Sue), Sunshine Parker (Parley), Patrick Cranshaw (Manuel Barton). Featuring: Michelle Downey (Susan Goodspeed), Giselle Seibert (Marcy), D. White1 (Jason), Dago Dimster (Boy #1), Clarke Gordon (Judge), Grant Owens (Gardner), John Otrin (Orderly), Jo B. Cummings (Mrs. Davis), Peter James Griggs (Foreman), Diane Hill2 (Nurse #1), Bruce Stidham (Customer #1).
1 aka De'voreaux White.
2 aka Diane Hardin.
In Sleepy Eye, Adam is caught in a nitro-glycerin explosion and this restores his sight. He meets a new circle of friends in the legal business and begins to study to enter law school. But, Mary worries she's gradually losing him to the sighted world. Back in Walnut Grove, Harriet Oleson begins to worry that she's overweight following comments from those around her.
I blame Hester-Sue. Didn't those boxes have EXPLOSIVE stamped on the side? And she thinks it's a good idea to let a blind man stumble around down there? (fuzzbear)
How did Mary go from a blonde to a brunette? Did she use a Prairie Hair Dye? Was it made by Helen Keller? Somehow, I doubt Adam would have snapped on the rubber gloves and helped her out... (msadventuregirl)
The all-time best slo-mo LHOTP run was Adam running in the field after he gets his sight back. I'm laughing just thinking about it! (murphsully)
Adam's "I Can See Run of Joy" (ICSROJ) is about the queerest thing I have seen in a while. (kmp)
"I– I– I'm losing him, Hester-Sue! I– I'm losing him to a world I can't see!" Chew that scenery, Mary. Chew it up and spit it back out again. (BetsyRay)
Adam really became quite a dick when he got his sight back, eh? First he goes to town for one day and comes back and tells Mary he wants to quit teaching and become a lawyer. And, big man that he is, he gives her all of 30 seconds to agree or not. None of this wussy sleep-on-it crap for a man who can see!
Then, he again goes to town for a few hours and comes back and tells her he wants them to move to WG. With the same 30 seconds to mull it all over. And when she hesitates for literally 2 seconds, he's all, come on come on come on!! There ain't no grass gonna grow under my feet now that I can see the damn grass!
I certainly never thought the day would come when I would defend Mary, but, suck it, Adam! (charlieboo)
Episode# 7.11 (148)
Written by Michael Landon
Directed by Michael Landon
Broadcast December 8, 1980, NBC / Production #7061
Guest Stars: Donald Petrie (Alan Barton), Donald Hotton (Professor Mayfield), Linwood Boomer (Adam Kendall). Co-Starring: Ketty Lester (Hester-Sue), Sid Conrad (Doctor). Featuring: Kate Williamson (Nurse #2), Anne Hall (Miriam), Peter Forster (Gray), Michelle Downey (Susan Goodspeed), Dago Dimster (Boy #1), Giselle Seibert (Marcy), D. White1 (Jason), Brian Loeb (Man #1), Troy Melton (Man #2), Jack Lilley (Driver).
1 aka De'voreaux White.
The restored-to-sight Adam travels to Minneapolis to begin a round of entrance exams for law school. However, one evening, he is robbed and left unconscious in the driving rain and develops a serious fever; he thus misses the subsequent exams. Mary travels over and manages to convince the law school to allow Adam to sit the tests he missed, which he passes with flying colors. In Walnut Grove, Harriet Oleson is worried about appearing overweight to a cousin of hers who is coming to visit after many years. However, when the cousin arrives, she is now considerably larger than Harriet.
During the first shot inside the blind school, we pan along the row of blind kids as they eat. One boy (with a grey shirt) is robotically putting his fork up to his mouth repeatedly but without actually putting any food into his mouth. It looks really stupid. (Steve)
Why do The Producers of these things always go to extremes, like saying Adam has to be in the top 3% to get his law scholarship? Why not say something more reasonable like the top 10% or 20%? (He actually comes in the top 1%, which is even more ridiculous!) (Steve)
I watched "Adam Gets His Sight Back and Pisses in a Rich Judge's Bed For Three Days While Recovering from Pneumonia and Being Tended to Lovingly by Purple Sweater Boy" today.
... That episode has one of the funniest LHOTP secondary plots with Harriet trying to lose weight before the arrival of her supposedly svelte cousin. When she hustles across the street with eggs on her butt, I'm only 12 and I have to laugh. Ditto when she flies into the restaurant dressed only in her ruined corset and bloomers.
Anyone else think that the portions at CaroLINE's restaurant are ridiculously huge? (mmecorday)
On the train journey to see Adam, Mary eats a peanut butter and jelly sandwich (and has liked these since she was little). However, peanut butter wasn't available until 1894/5.
But Adam gets well, passes the test with flying colors, and comes home to a big celebratory meal which includes Waldorf Salad (which hadn't been invented yet). (midwestmusician)
Episode# 7.12 (149)
Written by Chris Abbott
Directed by William F. Claxton
Broadcast January 5, 1981, NBC / Production #7062
Guest Stars: Richard Bull (Mr. Oleson), Katherine MacGregor1 (Mrs. Oleson). Co-Starring: Kay Howell (Elizabeth Smith), Ruth Foster (Mrs. Foster). Featuring: Rod McGaughy (Man #1), Robert Balderson (Man #2), Jaye Durkus (Man #3), Brenda Turnbaugh (Baby Grace).
1 aka Scottie MacGregor.
An equality-for-women campaigner comes to Walnut Grove looking for signatures for a petition. The men of the town refuse to sign, including Charles Ingalls and Nels Oleson, who is in the middle of yet another split from Harriet. The womenfolk move out of their houses and rally together in the church, leaving their men to cook, clean and look after the children. The men eventually get fed up with the role reversal and, led by Charles, cave in and sign the petition.
The parts with Landon and a genuinely upset Turnbaugh twin aren't cute either – they are rather uncomfortable (he had laced her food with cayenne pepper, hence all the tears).
One of the weakest episodes.
Near the start, Willy appears to be reading a mass-market paperback. These weren't available at this time (and not for a few decades yet). (Steve)
Similarly, we are decades early for the pre-sliced bread that makes up the sandwiches that Charles and Almanzo eat for lunch at the mill. (Steve)
I have to say, I felt pretty bad for the twins LOL. They were really Not Happy in that episode. Those were real baby-tantrum tears during the "Pa's trying to feed Grace" scenes. And then there's the one where Ma is telling the kids that she's abandoning them to go stay in the hotel so she can prove a point to Pa, and she asks for a kiss from all of them and Grace refuses to kiss her. And KG is all, "No, no kiss?" LOL Poor babies. (coffeemom)
And in the episode all the wives leave their husbands, Mrs. Foster had a tertiary husband and was somehow young enough to have twin babies.
Her family was never heard of again. (Halfpint Ingals)
Episode# 7.13 (150)
Written by Carole and Michael Raschella
Directed by Michael Landon
Broadcast January 12, 1981, NBC / Production #7063
Guest Stars: E. M. Margolese (Benjamin Cohen), Bea Silvern (Edna Cohen), Katherine MacGregor1 (Mrs. Oleson), Richard Bull (Mr. Oleson), Alison Arngrim (Nellie), Steve Tracy (Percival). Featuring: Dan McBride (Mr. Reilly), Jack Lilley (Stage Driver).
1 aka Scottie MacGregor.
When Percival's parents visit Walnut Grove for the upcoming birth of Nellie's baby, Percival reveals that his real name is Isaac Cohen, much to Harriet's consternation. Percival's father, Benjamin, is devoutly Jewish, which brings him into conflict with Harriet and her Christian beliefs. When Nellie gives birth, she unexpectedly has twins – a girl and a boy – so Nellie and Percival compromise and agree to raise their son, named Benjamin, in the Jewish faith, and their daughter, Jennifer, as a Christian.
Oy vey.
Did they have to go to "Central Jewish Casting – Stereotypes are Our Specialty" for the role of Percival's dad? I kept waiting for him to break out into "If I Were a Rich Man" from "Fiddler on the Roof" any minute. (nutgoodie)
Percival's mother would probably not have accepted a slice of Harriet's chocolate cake without enquiring further about its ingredients. It might contain lard or suet, for example, and/or non-kosher milk, butter etc.
According to the Internet Movie Database: "The Sabbath for Jewish people occurs on Friday night and ends on Saturday night, so they really weren't eating a Sabbath meal."
When everybody goes for a meal at the restaurant, Percival's father asks, "Not pork chops, I hope?" and his son replies, "No, Papa – baked ham," and gets an approving nod from his father. Which animal does ham come from? I'm speechless. Was this supposed to be a gag of some sort? This went straight past Michael Landon, who was directing, and had a Jewish background. (Steve)
What a stupid episode! Talk about racist/ethnic stereotypes. Percival's parents are such ridiculous caricatures, especially the father. Besides the many anachronisms and inaccuracies, the whole premise of that episode is completely off-base: their child could not be considered Jewish unless Nellie had an orthodox conversion before giving birth, so the whole argument – as Percival's papa would surely know – was a complete and utter waste of time. (Taran W.)
That, and if what he was really concerned about was continuing a line of Jewish descendants, he'd be more concerned that his granddaughter rather than his grandson is raised Jewish. A child of a Jewish woman is Jewish by default, no matter who she has married. The son would have to be sure to marry a Jewish woman or get the kids to convert. (plk)
I believe in the Jewish tradition, you do not name a child after someone who is still living; IIRC, Nellie and Percival named their son after Percival's father, who was still very much alive... Someone correct me if I'm wrong. (sgittinger)
Episode# 7.14 (151)
Written by Chris Abbott
Directed by William F. Claxton
Broadcast January 19, 1981, NBC / Production #7064
Guest Stars: Woody Eney (Royal Wilder), Aileen Fitzpatrick (Millie Wilder). Co-Starring: Ham Larsen1 (Myron Wilder), Rossie Harris (Rupert Wilder). Featuring: Jack Lilley (Stage Driver), Ruth Foster (Mrs. Foster).
1 Spelled as "Larson" on credits.
Almanzo's brother and sister-in-law, Royal and Millie Wilder, dump their two exasperating sons onto Laura and Almanzo and go off on a vacation. The boys' constant prank-playing tests their aunt's and uncle's patience to the limit and the latter are only too pleased when the boys' parents come to collect them.
Why is Almanzo such a big rube when Royal seems to be relatively affluent and well-educated (I love the smash cut to Almanzo's face when Royal says, "I wonder who would be stupid enough to take the boys for a couple of days?")? (Poppaea)
Wasn't Royal also portrayed as perfectly healthy, married, with two pain-in-the-ass sons who came to stay with the Wilders? ... Then, when the character of Royal is introduced the second time [Times Are Changing in season 9], he is widowed, very sick, and has only Jenny as his daughter. (DoxieMama)
Royal offers his sons two Indian Head nickels to behave. However, Indian Head nickels were not introduced until 1913.
New drinking game contribution inspired by the Zolmondo's nephews episode: each time an entire plot or subplot is devoted to commenting with anvil-like subtlety on the perceived social problems of the '70s, drink. For instance, from the nephews episode, we learned all about the evils of permissive parenting and relying on books rather than "good plain common sense" to raise one's children. (plk)
The scene with the half-plucked (but still live) chickens is rather disturbing. Wasn't the American Humane Association active on 1970's TV sets? (Steve)
So what did Laura and Almanzo do to make the Nephews From Hell start behaving? Gawd, I hate that episode! In one scene, we see Almanzo go into the outhouse where the rat trap snaps (and we're left to speculate which part of Almanzo it snapped on) and we hear Almanzo shout. Then suddenly, Royal and the Wife return and find two little angels working on homework assignments Laura gave them. The hell? Did she just keep pouring buckets of water on them until they behaved? Attach little rat traps to hidden parts of their anatomy? What? (Bubbacat)
When Royal returns to find the boys writing an essay on what they did and Laura and Almanzo act all smug and satisfied, I have always been confused as to how they thought they had punished them. Did they think that their parents would read the essays later and whup the tar out of them? Opinions, please. (prairiegirl)
Episode# 7.15 (152)
Written by Kathleen McGhee-Anderson
Directed by William F. Claxton
Broadcast January 26, 1981, NBC / Production #7065
Guest Stars: Mel Stewart (Hertzell Lundy), Ketty Lester (Hester-Sue), Keith Mitchell1 (Timothy). Special Guest Star: Moses Gunn (Joe Kagan)2. Co-Starring: Starletta DuPois (Freda). Featuring: Simeon Holloway (Minister), D. White3 (Gideon), Randy Gray (Wayne), Tyrrell Winfrey (Organist). Elisha Rapson (Student)4.
1 aka Keith Coogan.
2 This is the last episode for Moses Gunn as Joe Kagan.
3 aka De'voreaux White.
4 Uncredited on episode's titles; this entry has been taken from the Internet Movie Database and has not been verified.
Joe Kagan moves to Sleepy Eye to help with Jonathan Garvey's business. He also tries to resume his romance with Hester-Sue, but in the meantime she has become close to another man, businessman Hertzell Lundy. However, both Mary and Kagan tell Hester-Sue that they don't think Lundy is right for her. After she sees how sympathetically Kagan handles a misfit boy at the blind school, Hester-Sue finally changes her mind – she jilts Lundy at the altar and gets engaged to Kagan.
After she has found Kagan painting her room, Hester-Sue leaves the room and pulls the door shut behind her. But the door does not close fully (this makes the actress look back). However, the dubbed sound effect is of a door closing fully.
The "singing" of Timothy at the end ... well, I'm convinced! (Steve)
Episode# 7.16 (153)
Written by Don Balluck
Directed by William F. Claxton
Broadcast February 2, 1981, NBC / Production #7066
Guest Stars: Katherine MacGregor1 (Mrs. Oleson), Walker Edmiston (Mr. Stohler). Co-Starring: Dennis Dimster (Ralph Parker), Cletus Young (Cole Parker). Featuring: Gillian Grant (Hildy), Terry Wagner Otis (Waif), Patrick Armstrong (Jed). Clay Greenbush2 (School Kid)3, Brenda Turnbaugh (Grace Ingalls)3, Wendi Turnbaugh (Grace Ingalls)3.
1 aka Scottie MacGregor.
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.
An inspector finds deficiencies in the way the school is run and refuses a state grant until things are improved pending a second inspection. In particular he suggests that French, and art appreciation, are added to the syllabus, and a uniform introduced. Laura, the teacher, resigns over these changes and Mrs. Oleson takes over. The kids plan a mutiny during the second inspection but Laura learns of this and stops it. After the inspection and approval of the grant, Laura returns to her job and reverts the changes.
Also – I was always annoyed with the episode where Laura is trying to teach the kids about the "bouroughs". They needed to know because "you might go there someday". What the hell? I didn't even study that. (sgittinger)
New York City didn't become consolidated as the current "five boroughs" until 1898. This scripting mistake is made all the worse as it is specifically being used as education in a schoolroom context.
All this talk about Mrs. Oleson and teaching French brings back lovely memories of my friends and I screaming, "Un, Duh, Twah," and those silly uniforms she made the kids wear to school. I mean really, how the hell did all them poor farmin' folks get the money for their kids to wear special non-Sunday-best clothes? (Hassenfeffer)
Another thing, why the hell did Albert waste all that time putting coal dust on his foot instead of just putting the damn socks on, and why didn't Mrs. Oleson notice? (ubi)
Episode# 7.17 (154)
Written by Michael Landon
Directed by Michael Landon
Broadcast February 9, 1981, NBC / Production #7067
Guest Stars: Royal Dano (Mr. Webb), Olivia Barash (Sylvia Webb). Special Guest Star: Richard Jaeckel (Irv Hartwig). Featuring: Terry Nani (Boy #1), Bradley Greene (Boy #2), Carl Pitti (Man #1). Elisha Rapson (Student)1, Brenda Turnbaugh (Grace Ingalls)1, Wendi Turnbaugh (Grace Ingalls)1.
1 Uncredited on episode's titles; these entries have been taken from the Internet Movie Database and have not been verified.
Albert becomes close friends with a girl in school, Sylvia Webb. However, one day, Sylvia is raped by a masked assailant, but her overbearing father insists on keeping it quiet. When the girl collapses at school, an examination from Dr. Baker reveals that the she is pregnant. Albert insists to his father that he has nothing to do with the girl's state.
Episodes so disturbing I can't watch: First, the aforementioned Sylvia. I said ... how that epi left me traumatized and depressed for days afterwards when I saw it as a kid. What was the point? There was no famous Little House Moral to that story, except that if you're unlucky enough to be one of those girls who develops early you will be: harassed and terrorized by your own father/parents, your classmates, and the school board/community at large. You'll be raped and repeatedly attacked by a psychopathic clown. Who will leave you pregnant, btw, and subject to even more public shame. And then at the end you'll die. Yay! (coffeemom)
The more I watch this ep the more I realize how well-done it is narratively and otherwise. I love the subtext running through the show of people assuming that the father is the one abusing Sylvia. No one says it explicitly, I don't think, but the father's evasiveness makes them suspicious, you can tell. Honestly, her father is so creepy that if the audience wasn't in on the fact that someone else raped her, they would probably suspect him, too, so it's understandable that the people in the story would suspect something. (RhondaGC)
While watching "Thylvia" the other night, did I hear one of the peeping tom friends say "bull" to Albert in response to something he said? Was that really a popular saying on the prairie? (YoungAtHeart)
On the Landon Prairie, absolutely, along with "busting our buns", "pain in the butt" and the ever-popular "Love Ya!" or "See Ya!" (MsLawDawg)
And how did Doc Baker discover Thylvia was "with child"? Was it the norm to test unmarried 14-year olds for pregnancy back in the day? She was not showing yet. He just emerged from that curtain and blabbed the news to Laura and Albert before telling her Mean Father. Way to go with confidentiality there, Doc. (affirmed)
And when you throw in Doc Baker giving important news over the phone KNOWING that nosy Harriet Oleson is listening in (re: Sylvia), it makes me a little more appreciative that I have to sign all of those papers at the doctor's office about my medical records being somewhat private. (ElectricBoogalo)
Episode# 7.18 (155)
Written by Michael Landon
Directed by Michael Landon
Broadcast February 16, 1981, NBC / Production #7068
Guest Stars: Royal Dano (Mr. Webb), Olivia Barash (Sylvia Webb). Special Guest Star: Richard Jaeckel (Irv Hartwig). Featuring: Terry Nani (Boy #1), Bradley Greene (Boy #2). Elisha Rapson (Student)1.
1 Uncredited on episode's titles; this entry has been taken from the Internet Movie Database and has not been verified.
A rumor that Albert is responsible for Sylvia Webb's pregnancy begins to freely circulate, expedited by Mrs. Oleson's gossip on the switchboard. A love-struck Albert declares his intention to marry Sylvia and take on the baby, and the two plan to elope. Eventually, Albert manages to convince Sylvia's father that he isn't the one who made Sylvia pregnant, but the girl has already run off and is holed up in a barn. When Sylvia is found, she is on the brink of being attacked by the masked rapist for a second time. The mystery man – who turns out to be a local blacksmith called Hartwig – is shot dead. However, in the melee, Sylvia suffers a bad fall; she later dies in the arms of a broken-hearted Albert.
When the masked man goes to the old Atkins place to rape Sylvia again, wouldn't this give away his identity, given he is the only person other than Albert who knows where she is hiding? (Steve)
Episode# 7.19 (156)
Written by Carole and Michael Raschella
Directed by Maury Dexter
Broadcast February 23, 1981, NBC / Production #7069
Guest Stars: Jeff Corey (Edgar Mills), Peter Hobbs (Mr. Davis), John Zaremba (Judge). Special Guest Star: Dub Taylor (Houston). Co-Starring: James E. Brodhead (William Sykes), William S. Forester (Dr. Howard Ruddy), Ketty Lester (Hester-Sue), Barbara Collentine (Edna Mills), William Bramley (Jed Finley). Featuring: Vivian Brown (Secretary), Michelle Downey (Susan), Jack Lilley (Stage Driver), Peter James Griggs (Bailiff), Don Brenon (Foreman), Marion Scherer (Blonde). Ruth Foster (Mrs. Foster)1, Brenda Turnbaugh (Grace Ingalls)2, Wendi Turnbaugh (Grace Ingalls)2.
1 Uncredited on episode's titles.
2 Uncredited on episode's titles; these entries have been taken from the Internet Movie Database and have not been verified.
Adam Kendall graduates from law school but cannot find legal work in Sleepy Eye, so he and Mary move to Walnut Grove and set up shop there. Adam's first client is Edgar Mills, a man who has been deceiving local residents into buying worthless parcels of land. At the trial, Mills is found guilty of fraud but Adam reveals that Mills has a terminal illness and only carried out the deception to obtain money to support his family after his death. Given the circumstances, Mills is spared a custodial sentence and the residents of Walnut Grove all pledge to financially support his wife and children.
I've always wondered what happened to these random people that WG promised to help. Adam's client was told his wife would have her medical care provided by Doc Baker and she could work for the Olesons. We never saw her at either the mercantile or the restaurant after that. (PJWatcher)
Episode# 7.20 (157)1
Written by Don Balluck
Directed by William F. Claxton
Broadcast March 2, 1981, NBC / Production #7070
Guest Star: James Gallery (Ed Poulsen). Co-Starring: Sarah Miller (Eunice Poulsen), Dolores Albin (Ada Phipps), Hugh Warden (Amos Phipps). Featuring: Robin Harlan (Myra Louise), Duane LaDage (Henry Poulsen), Win Michaelsen (Steven Poulsen), Steven Spencer (Richard Poulsen), William Benedict (Reverend Lyman). Brenda Turnbaugh (Grace Ingalls)2, Wendi Turnbaugh (Grace Ingalls)2.
1 This is the last episode for Steve Tracy as Percival Dalton.
2 Uncredited on episode's titles; these entries have been taken from the Internet Movie Database and have not been verified.
Both Laura and Caroline announce that they are pregnant. However, in Caroline's case, it is a false alarm and merely the onset of the menopause. Both Caroline and Charles are saddened by the realization that they cannot now produce a son of their own. To cheer themselves up, they attend the wedding of a friend in Wisconsin and, while there, decide to renew their own vows, too, in a double ceremony.
Caroline sure took the change hard. When she was pregnant with Grace she thought she was going through the change and it did not seem to bother her then. (Alex Trenta)
Don't you think she would have been more upset with the idea of entering menopause during the pregnant-with-Grace episode? I mean, she was a few years younger at that time, and thus menopause should've seemed far more unexpected and cruel! (Anosmia)
In the late 1800s, I'm not sure there were ceremonies where people renewed their wedding vows any more than there were high-school reunions! (Steve)
Episode# 7.21 (158)1
Written by Don Balluck
Directed by Michael Landon
Broadcast May 4, 1981, NBC / Production #7071
Guest Stars: George McDaniel (Alvin Cooper), M. E. Loree (Sarah Cooper), Ivan Bonar (Mr. Case), Jason Bateman (James Cooper)2, Missy Francis3 (Cassandra Cooper)2. Special Guest Star: E. J. Andre (Jed Cooper). Co-Starring: Ketty Lester (Hester-Sue), Elizabeth Hoffman (Miss Mason). Featuring: Dan Priest (Conductor), Herb Armstrong (Halstead). Elisha Rapson (Student)4.
1 This is the last episode for Merlin Olsen as Jonathan Garvey, and Patrick Laborteaux as Andy Garvey. Olsen left for his own show, Father Murphy, specially created for him by Michael Landon. See my Related Shows page.
2 This is the first episode for Jason Bateman as James Cooper, and Missy Francis as Cassandra Cooper.
3 aka Melissa Francis.
4 Uncredited on episode's titles; this entry has been taken from the Internet Movie Database and has not been verified.
While on a wagon delivery run, Charles and Albert travel alongside the Cooper family, who are on their way to join their Uncle Jed on a gold hunt. However, an accident en route kills both the Cooper parents, leaving their young son and daughter, James and Cassandra, orphaned. The elderly Uncle Jed feels unable to take on the kids. The blind school and local orphanage also prove to be dead ends. Reluctantly, Charles sends the pair on their way to the state orphanage in Minneapolis. However, he has a sudden change of heart and races off to intercept the train the kids are traveling on. Taking the kids back to the Ingalls cabin, Charles vows to have a fresh search for a family for them.
Another of many occasions where people use the word "Okay" (e.g. Andy Garvey, right near the start). The word wasn't in use for many DECADES yet. (Steve)
I find it odd that Charles thought he and Caroline were in no position to take on two more kids, yet thought Hester-Sue, an African American woman just years after the Civil War ended WOULD be in a better position to raise the Cooper kids. I mean... really?? (Brad80)
Yes, we know EVERYONE was so enlightened in the 1880's, NO ONE would have had a problem with Hester-Sue taking in two orphan white children. Hester-Sue set Pa straight ... when she told him why she couldn't. And Pa acted so surprised, as if bigotry had never occurred to him. (prairiegal)
I always have to laugh at the scene when Pa tries to stop the train to save Bowlcut and Frog from going to the orphanage. He just parks the wagon on the tracks and hopes the engineer can stop it in time. Never mind that he will lose two horses, possibly derail the entire train and create a horrific mess if his plan fails. (Shakespearette)
Episode# 7.22 (159)1,2
Written by Don Balluck
Directed by Michael Landon
Broadcast May 11, 1981, NBC / Production #7072
Guest Stars: Len Wayland (Isaiah Tompkins3), Jason Bateman (James Cooper), Missy Francis4 (Cassandra Cooper). Co-Starring: Barbara Tarbuck (Beth Tomkins3), Randy Norton (Seth Tomkins3). Elisha Rapson (Student)5, Brenda Turnbaugh (Grace Ingalls)5, Wendi Turnbaugh (Grace Ingalls)5.
1 This is the last regular episode for Melissa Sue Anderson as Mary Ingalls/Kendall, but she would return for The Reincarnation Of Nellie and A Christmas They Never Forgot in Season 8.
2 This is the last regular episode for Alison Arngrim as Nellie Oleson/Dalton, but she would return for The Return Of Nellie in Season 9.
3 Presumably the surnames here are supposed to be consistently either "Tompkins" or "Tomkins".
4 aka Melissa Francis.
5 Uncredited on episode's titles; these entries have been taken from the Internet Movie Database and have not been verified.
A strict couple, the Tompkins, visit the Ingalls and adopt the orphaned James and Cassandra. However, the Ingalls, particularly Charles, find the departure of the kids a wrench. In their regimented new home, James and Cassandra are not happy. This is compounded by the Tompkins' existing son, who takes a dislike to his new siblings and plots to get rid of them. After being wrongly accused of the theft of some money, James takes Cassandra and runs off. They are eventually found by Charles who then decides to keep the pair himself, despite his already crowded home.
7.01 Laura Ingalls Wilder: Part I (138)
7.02 Laura Ingalls Wilder: Part II (139)
7.03 A New Beginning (140)
7.04 Fight Team Fight! (141)
7.05 The Silent Cry (142)
7.06 Portrait Of Love (143)
7.07 Divorce, Walnut Grove Style (144)
7.08 Dearest Albert, I'll Miss You (145)
7.09 The In-Laws (146)
7.10 To See The Light: Part I (147)
7.11 To See The Light: Part II (148)
7.12 Oleson Vs Oleson (149)
7.13 Come Let Us Reason Together (150)
7.14 The Nephews (151)
7.15 Make A Joyful Noise (152)
7.16 Goodbye, Mrs. Wilder (153)
7.17 Sylvia: Part I (154)
7.18 Sylvia: Part II (155)
7.19 Blind Justice (156)
7.20 I Do, Again (157)
7.21 The Lost Ones: Part I (158)
7.22 The Lost Ones: Part II (159)
