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.