Top Five Favorite Episodes from Little House on the Prairie - Season 8

Welcome to Season 8 favorites! I am sharing my top five favorite episodes from the eighth season of Little House on the Prairie today. 

"Dark Sage"

When a stretched-too-thin Doctor Baker hires Dr. Caleb Ledoux to join his practice, he and the residents of Walnut Grove are surprised upon his arrival that the Ledoux family is Black. 

Why I like it: Little House on the Prairie didn't shy away from tough topics of its day. Here, the residents of Walnut Grove, and specifically Doctor Baker, are forced to admit to their prejudices and learn from the dangers of them. [Though Dr. Ledoux is mentioned once again during the series' run, the Ledoux family is never seen again.]

"Chicago"

Upon learning that Isaiah's son John Jr. has been killed, Charles joins him in Chicago. What at first seemed like a tragic accident, along with the newspaper's editor-in-chief, Callahan, they discover Isaiah's son had been working on a corruption story that led to his murder. 

Why I like it: While it takes place outside of Walnut Grove and features mainly new characters, this is a well-plotted murder mystery story. It's great to see Charles and Isaiah together again, and I loved the characters of Callaghan and B.J. 

"A Christmas They Never Forgot"

While celebrating Christmas with the Ingalls family, the Wilders, the Kendalls, and Hester Sue become snowbound by a blizzard. To pass the time, they share memories of Christmases past. 

Why I like it: Keeping in mind that one must suspend belief that everyone would be thrilled over having snowfall that reached up to the top window of the little house, or how possible that would even be, Landon outdid himself with this episode. The music, the return of Mary and Adam, the vignettes from Laura, Caroline, Almanzo, and Hester Sue, and more make this one of the most memorable Christmas episodes of the series. This one and "A Christmas on Plum Creek" from Season 1 are my favorites. 

"Stone Soup"

With Charles and Almanzo away, a pregnant Laura tries to keep the Wilders' new apple orchard growing despite a heat wave.

Why I like it: A grown-up Willie teaching class and rushing off to get Doc Baker when Laura collapses strikes a chord with me. This might be the first episode where they focus on Willie as a young man instead of as a boy. It's nice to see Caroline back in the classroom teaching. 

"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, which causes a rift between Beth and Manly and 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 I like it: This is classic Little House on the Prairie drama. With this two-part episode, Landon threw so much of what happened to the Wilders in real life at Beth and Manly and condensed it into a shortened period of time, which pushed these characters to their limits. Adding Eliza Jane to the mix added more tension. One of my favorite scenes is the exchange between Beth and Manly as he walks to her from the frame of their new house. 

Happy New Year

 As I enter my 18th year of blogging at Laura's Little Houses, I thank all of my loyal readers and blogging friends who have made this such a joyful endeavor. Wishing you a new year filled with good health, happiness, and prosperity. 

Top Five Favorite Episodes from Little House on the Prairie - Season 7

Time to share my five favorite episodes from Season 7 of Little House on the Prairie.

"Laura Ingalls Wilder"

Almanzo is excited when he buys a piece of land to build a home for when he marries Laura, mortgaging it under strict terms. When Mr. Gray dams up the water supply, Manly loses his land and his crop. With no plan and no money, he decides to postpone the wedding, which causes friction between Laura and him, especially when she decides to take a job in Radner to help them get back on their feet. Meanwhile, Eliza Jane develops feelings for Harve Miller, who came to Walnut Grove to help with the farm. 

Why I like it: This is Almanzo's time to step out from under his sister's wings and into a life with Laura. I admire Laura for staying true to herself and deciding to take the job in Radner despite its consequences. Harve Miller is a character who brought out a different side to Eliza Jane. 

"Olseon versus Oleson"

The women of Walnut Grove gather together to stage a protest when their husbands won't sign the petition giving them the right to vote. 

Why I like it: This is an episode that boils down to everyone doing the right thing. Charles even admits that while he considers Caroline an equal partner, not every couple might have that arrangement, which is why he eventually agrees to sign. We also have one of the sweetest moments in Beth and Manly's early marriage days in this episode. When Laura says she feels she must join the other women at the hotel to support her mother, Almanzo asks her if she needs to leave that night, and she agrees to stay until the morning. This is one of the few episodes in Season 7 where we are reminded that they are a young couple in love. 

"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 I like it: We get some of Percival's backstory in this episode, like how he changed his name from Issac Cohen so that he could find work. We see a battle unfold that is familiar in lots of families: Mr. Cohen is afraid Percival is turning his back on this faith and that his grandchild will not be raised a Cohen. Mrs. Oleson wants her grandchild raised as a Christian. It is Nels who comes up with a compromise that everyone can live with. [Side note: The title of this episode is taken from the book of Isaiah.]

"Goodbye, Mrs. Wilder"

When Mrs. Oleson interferes with the school's curriculum, Laura abruptly resigns. She quickly ends up regretting her decision, but possibly not more than the children of Walnut Grove, who are made to wear uniforms and learn French on top of all their other subjects. 

Why I like it: I totally understand Laura in this episode. She makes a decision in haste that she gets to repent in leisure. She willingly admits to Manly that while she wishes taking care of him and the house were enough for her, they simply aren't, and without her teaching, she feels useless. Almanzo supports her, despite his stubbornness being part of the reason their engagement was called off earlier in their relationship. In the end, Laura is proven right, Nels reminds Harriet so, and Laura returns to teaching. 

"I Do, Again"

Almanzo is thrilled to learn that Laura is pregnant. Adding to the family's joy is Caroline's announcement that she is also pregnant. But when she visits Doc Baker, she learns she is likely going through menopause. Not being able to have more children makes Caroline afraid Charles will no longer see her as a whole woman. She pretends to have lost the baby, and when Charles discovers the truth, he decides to take her away on a trip to help them reconnect as a couple. 

Why I like it: Laura is excited at the thought of having a child, despite not wanting to rush into having children. As someone who has been in Caroline's shoes, it is easy to understand her feelings around the transition. Charles and Laura have a tender moment where he tells Half-pint that he knows Caroline lied to him about losing the baby, and he devises a plan to help her, which reveals his deep love and respect for his wife.

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 the United States! That's a real change. Usually, it is outside of this country. Other readers who visit this blog hail from Singapore, the United Kingdom, China, and Brazil. These are the five highest ranking based upon the number of readers in order of highest to lowest. 

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 6

We are already on Season 6 in my list of favorite episodes from Little House on the Prairie. Seasons 6 - 8 had some wonderful episodes. Here are my favorites from Season 6.

"Back to School"

Walnut Grove welcomes new teacher, Eliza Jane Wilder, along with her younger brother, Almanzo. From the moment he pulls up in front of the restaurant, Laura Ingalls is smitten. However, Mrs. Oleson sees Almanzo as the perfect suitor for her daughter, Nellie. Jealous, Laura plays a prank on her archenemy, which backfires, and when Nellie exacts her revenge, Almanzo pays the price. 

Why I like it:

The introduction of Dean Butler's Almanzo marks a definite shift in Laura's character. Viewers witness as she hovers in the uncomfortable place between childhood and adulthood. Change comes for Nellie Oleson as well, with her parents gifting her a hotel and restaurant, which she is totally uninterested in running. This will lead to the introduction of one of my favorite characters later in the season. We see Caroline stepping in to provide for the family when Charles is injured and unable to work. Oh, and that mud fight is epic!

"Annabelle"

The circus comes to Walnut Grove, and one of the performers is a person from Nels' past. Laura struggles to ask Almanzo to the circus, and when she finds out he is taking snippy Christie Norton, she devises a plan that reveals she is still a kid at heart.

Why I like it: Exploring a character's backstory is often an interesting concept. Here, the viewer discovers that Nels has a relative he's kept a secret for less-than-noble reasons. There is this random girl who lives in town, who just happens to be courting Almanzo, but Laura puts her in her place. The circus scenes are fun.

"Preacher Takes a Wife"

Reverend Alden and the widowed Anna Craig begin courting. Their relationship is threatened by Mrs. Oleson's interference and an unexpected visit from the reverend's superior. 

Why I like it: This one comes down to two things: romance and backstory. It seems some of the men in Walnut Grove were destined to be alone: Lars Hanson, Isaiah Edwards, and Doc Baker. But in this episode, Reverend Alden has his chance at love. When Mrs. Oleson writes to his superiors, Harriet is surprised to see that a man from her past is the one sent by the church to investigate her outlandish claims. This was such a great backstory for her. 

"Wilder and Wilder"

The youngest member of the Wilder family, Perley Day, shows up in town. Unbeknownst to all, he is a liar and a thief, but Charles thinks the adventurous young man might be just the thing to get Laura's mind off the older Almanzo. After Perley Day nearly cripples Almanzo's horse, he is sent packing, and the Ingalls family helps tend to Barnum until his leg is better. 

Why I like it: So many great things happen in this episode. Perley Day sees that Laura is older than Almanzo realizes, and by the end of the episode, Manly's opinion of her begins to shift. Laura teaches the spirited Barnum how to accept the bit, much to Manly's amazement. Laura chooses a better man than her pa, which Caroline gently teases him about. How Almanzo forfeits the arm wrestling match to save his horse. The embrace between Almanzo and Laura once they knew Barnum would be okay. 

"Sweet Sixteen"

Laura earns her teaching certificate before her sixteenth birthday, so that she can teach in Curry while the regular teacher recovers. Almanzo helps Charles out by bringing her to Curry and picking her up a week later, which is enough time apart for Almanzo to realize she is no longer a little girl. Once home, Laura confides in Ma that she thinks what she has been dreaming of is finally happening between Almanzo and her, but his jealousy threatens their budding romance. 

Why I like it: Another episode with tons of wonderful moments. Laura finally becomes a teacher. Almanzo's odd reaction when he picks her up in Curry a week after dropping her off, which she credits to the high-heeled boots she bought. Eliza Jane and Almanzo's heart-to-heart talk. Laura tells Manly she has to "think" about going to the social with him. Charles and Almanzo's heart-to-heart, where he admits his feelings for Laura have changed. The touching, yet awkward, first kiss.