Top Five Favorite Episodes from Little House on the Prairie - Season 3

Let's take a peek at some of my favorite episodes from Season 3 of Little House on the Prairie.

"The Collection"

After rescuing an ill Reverend Alden on his way back to Walnut Grove, Caleb Hodgekiss decides he will pretend to be a minister on a charitable errand to help the people of Gray's Corner. The townsfolk of Walnut Grove welcome him, unaware of his devious plot.

Why I like it: It's hard not to like an episode featuring Johnny and June Cash, but what makes this such a special episode is how the kindness and generosity of the people in Walnut Grove impact Caleb and help him turn over a new leaf. 

"The Race"

Thrilled to have Bunny back, Laura plans to enter the Hero Township horse race. With Nellie upset about losing Bunny, and to spite her husband's punishment for Nellie lying about being hurt, Mrs. Oleson buys her a thoroughbred to compete against Laura and Bunny, putting up a treasured family heirloom as the prize. 

Why I like it: It is nice to see Bunny back where she belongs. The two oldest Ingalls girls have some nice scenes in this episode, and Willie is hilarious. 

"Little Girl Lost"

When Carrie falls down an old mine shaft, the town works together to save her. Mr. Hanson allows a past hurt to cloud his judgment, which could impede rescue efforts.

Why I like it: This is such a dramatic episode. I remember watching it as a child, but it plays differently on my emotions now that I am a mother. The look on Caroline's face when they tell her it is hopeless---I felt that deep in my soul. Grassle gave an amazing performance in this episode. It is also neat to learn some of Hanson's backstory. 

"Blizzard"

On Christmas Eve, Miss Beadle lets the children out early when it begins to snow, unaware that a blizzard is headed their way. Doctor Baker sets up the schoolhouse as a clinic as the men go out to search for missing children. 

Why I like it: I enjoy episodes that create drama based on real-life hazards of living on the prairie. It is believed that Landon drew inspiration from "The Children's Blizzard" of 1888. This episode also has one of the sweetest Willie moments. 

"Little Women"

When the schoolchildren decide to put on skits from famous books for their parents, Mrs. Oleson soon takes over, casting Nellie in the starring role in Little Women. Meanwhile, Ginny Clark, a classmate, has befriended the kindly Mr. Mayfield. Although he would love to have a closer relationship with Ginny's widowed mother, Mrs. Clark shuts him down, forcing Ginny to take drastic measures. 

Why I like this: Mrs. Oleson is over the top even for her. She takes over writing the play, makes Nellie the star, and even brings in a famous wig maker so Nellie can have dark hair. What ends up stealing the show, however, is the sacrifice Ginny makes to show her mother how much she loves her. 

Which Areas of the World Read Laura's Little Houses

 

Occasionally, I check to see where this blog's traffic is coming from. Most recent stats show that the most readers of Laura's Little Houses originate from Brazil. Singapore, the United States, and Hong Kong bring in the next highest group of readers in that order.  

Thank you to everyone who takes the time to read Laura's Little Houses!

Top Five Favorite Episodes from Little House on the Prairie - Season 2

 Today, I will be sharing my favorite episodes from Season 2 of Little House on the Prairie. 

"Remember Me, Parts 1 & 2"

The Widow Sanderson discovers she is dying, so she tasks Charles Ingalls with finding a home for her three children: John Junior, Carl, and Alicia. After her passing, Grace Snider and Isaiah Edwards care for the children while Charles searches for people to adopt them. Just when Charles loses hope of keeping the Sanderson children together, an unexpected solution arises. 

Why I like it: Patricia Neal is an amazing actress. This also brings together two wonderful characters, creating a new family for them and the Sanderson children.

"His Father's Son"

Trying to connect with his adopted son, John Jr., Isaiah buys him a rifle for his birthday and takes him hunting. A book and poetry-loving young man, when he pens a letter to Isaiah explaining how he feels, he doesn't get the reaction that he desires, which leads him to believe Isaiah doesn't care. While hunting, Isaiah is attacked by a bear, but John can't bring himself to shoot it. This leads to an unexpected revelation and a new understanding between Isaiah and his oldest son. 

Why I like it: Mr. Edwards was portrayed as a happy bachelor for so long that it's wonderful to see him in his new role as father. True to life, there are bound to be misunderstandings along the way. 

"Matter of Faith"

Left alone while Charles takes the girls on a camping trip, Caroline develops an infection from a cut on her leg. She makes a tough decision that ultimately saves her life.

Why I like it: We don't get many episodes that focus solely on Caroline. This episode displays Grassle's talent and shows what a strong woman of faith Caroline is. 

"For My Lady"

Charles's work for the Widow Thurman gets Harriet's tongue wagging, which causes tension between Charles and Caroline. Because of some white lies Charles tells to hide a secret he is planning, Caroline worries the rumors might have some truth. 

Why I like it: This is one of those episodes that reminds us not to jump to conclusions or to think we know what's going on if we haven't heard it from the person themselves. 

"Centennial"

America is turning a hundred years old, and the townsfolk of Walnut Grove are determined to celebrate. But when their taxes are raised, they all become bitter and angry, until one of their own reminds them of the "Land of Freedoms" and how great it is. 

Why I like it: This is an episode about having a different perspective. No country's history is without blemish. No government run by flawed humans is perfect. 

New Chapter in the "Times Are Changing" Season 9 Rewrite

 

Part 5 of my "Times Are Changing" Season 9 rewrite is now posted on Fanfiction.net. You can find all five chapters here. Enjoy!

Top Five Favorite Episodes from Little House on the Prairie - Season 1

We all have our favorite Little House on the Prairie episodes. As we discuss favorite episodes, I will break them down by season and share my top five favorites, starting with Season 1.

"Harvest of Friends"

After settling in Walnut Grove, Charles takes on a job with Hanson at the mill to pay for the lumber to build a new house. When he is rejected for credit at Olseon's Mercantile, he enters into a deal with Liam O'Neil, owner of the Feed and Seed. When Charles is injured on a family picnic, he can no longer finish the job. Thanks to his generous help during his short time in Walnut Grove, the town's residents step in to lend a hand.

Why I like it: This sets up most of the town as we know it in the first season: Reverend Alden, Doctor Baker, the Olesons, and Hanson. We see the Ingalls family settle in. We expect that Mrs. Oleson will pit herself against them in the name of good business. And we quickly discover that this is a town of mostly good people.

"If I Should Wake Before I Die"

After the death of her dear friend, Amy Hearn decides the only way her family will visit her is if they think she has died. She strongarms Doctor Baker and the Ingalls family into throwing an eightieth birthday party disguised as a wake. 

Why I like it: This episode reminds us to cherish the older generation and to keep family close. We can't get so busy that we forget to spend time and make memories with the ones who mean the most to us.

"School Mom"

Caroline Ingalls steps in to teach school when Miss Beadle is injured. She takes extra time to help an older boy, Abel, learn how to read. But when Mrs. Oleson interferes, all her work is ruined.

Why I like it: Caroline truly shines in this episode, showcasing her tender and caring nature. This episode, like others in the series, focuses on tolerance and acceptance of those who are differently abled than others. 

"Christmas at Plum Creek"

The Ingalls family spends their first holiday season in Walnut Grove, secretly planning special gifts for each other. 

Why I like it: It is so fun to watch them trying to hide what they are doing from each other. While one part of this episode is sad, overall, this is a playful episode about the excitement and spirit of the season. 

"Survival"

On their way back from Mankato, a late blizzard strands the Ingalls family in a deserted cabin with little food and supplies. Forced to hunt between storms, Charles is saved by Sioux Chief Jack Lame Horse. Being hunted by Marshal Jim Anders, Lame Horse has managed to evade capture, but helping Charles puts his life in danger.

Why I like it: I appreciate the episodes that focus on the hardships pioneers faced. This also has an excellent lesson surrounding the treatment of Native Americans and the bigotry and prejudice they endured.