Most Favorite Episode from Each Season of Little House on the Prairie (Seasons 7 - 9)

Continuing to share my favorite episode of each season of Little House on the Prairie, this time covering Seasons 7, 8, and 9.

Season 7 - "Come, Let Us Reason Together"

Percival's parents visit Walnut Grove as they anticipate the birth of their first grandchild. Harriet Oleson and Benjamin Cohen argue over whether the baby will be raised Jewish or Christian, which upsets the happy couple and leads to a unique way to settle things. 

Why it's my favorite from Season 7: Choosing a Season 7 favorite seemed like an impossible task. I could have chosen any of the five I mentioned in this post. What made the decision for me was that I love Nellie and Percival together. They are adorable, and the actors have fabulous chemistry. Percival's dedication to Nellie never wavers. When she fears his parents won't like her, he reassures her. When the arguing between his father and Nellie's mother becomes too much for his wife, he protects her. And Percival reminds all the parents of the importance of staying focused on what faith is truly about. 

Season 8 - "Days of Sunshine, Days of Shadow"

Almanzo's recovery from diphtheria is hampered by a stroke that paralyses him. The arrival of Eliza Jane delays Almanzo's progress, causing rifts between Beth and Manly and between Laura and her sister-in-law. After the birth of Rose, Eliza Jane's plans deepen the divide, but when it seems darkest, Almanzo faces some hard truths that lead to a remarkable change.

Why it's my favorite from Season 8: I often note this episode as my favorite in the series. Dean Butler's portrayal of a man in the depths of despair is outstanding. Not that Melissa Gilbert's acting is anything less than stellar, but the character of Almanzo is generally a happy, even-keeled guy until this happens. He admits to Laura that he can't believe how horribly wrong life has gone. He tells his sister to go away because he is praying to die. To watch Butler dig deep into the effects of depression on Almanzo is something unexpected for viewers. Then, to watch Almanzo turn it around when Laura is at her breaking point displays Manly's love for his wife, and this becomes the catalyst for his recovery. 

Season 9 - "A Child with No Name"

The Wilders welcome a son to their family, but his sudden death finds a grieving Laura blaming Doc Baker. Soon, the entire town turns against him. When Rose comes down with smallpox, Doc Baker works night and day caring for her despite Laura's misgivings.

Why it's my favorite from Season 9: Maybe I like to see the Wilders in crisis mode. One's heart can't help but break for Laura and Almanzo when they lose their son. This episode starts off lightheartedly, with the family trying to figure out what to name the baby and experiencing more first-time parent jitters than they did with Rose--which Laura justifies because of her family's history and the lack of boys born to the Ingalls family. After that, it becomes a story of survival--for Doc Baker's reputation and Rose Wilder's life. The conversation between Harriet and Nels when he is angry over her shunning his friend is intense. She is in total Mama Bear mode. It was great to see the residents of Walnut Grove congregate in the center of town to convince Doctor Baker to stay. 

That brings us to the end of the series. We will discuss the three post-series movies next.