The internet has been abuzz with news, thoughts, and opinions on the Netflix adaptation of Little House on the Prairie since its July 9th premiere. Debuting its first week as Number 3 in the streamer's English-language television ratings, it jumped to the Number 1 spot in its second week.
Some critics argue this new version will make you appreciate and watch the original series, starring Michael Landon and Melissa Gilbert, more. Others have claimed it woki-fied the source material. The TV critic for TIME stated it "fails the test of time." One opinion that has been made clear by more than one person is that Luke Bracey is no Michael Landon. Julianne MacNeill, Digital Assistant Editor for Woman's World, compared the two portrayals in this article.
Given all the buzz, I’ll drop my own buzz‑worthy thoughts into the mix. I will do my best to keep spoilers to a minimum for those who haven't watched every episode. Laura narrates the opening of the first episode as viewers watch the Ingalls family (Charles, Caroline, Mary, and Laura) driving away from their house in the Big Woods. Lured by a railroad flyer to move west for "free land," the journey presents challenges, but they finally arrive in Independence, Kansas. If the journey was tough, getting settled will be even worse. I winced when Caroline got injured. As Season 1 progresses, they will settle, make friends, and become part of the Independence community. What Charles discovers, however, is that this "free land" is Osage land, and unless the government and Native Americans sign a treaty, the land and what they build on it won't ever be theirs. Wooed by the wealthy Eli and Jemma James, Charles and Caroline must stand up for what is right, and as they are driven deeper into debt, Mary and Laura find a way to help the family, which has since welcomed Baby Carrie.
The first season of the new Little House on the Prairie covered a lot of ground, and I have to admit to being impressed with the acting, the cinematography, and how the team developed secondary characters like Mr. Edwards, Dr. George Tann, shop owner Emily Henderson, Caleb--who lives with Emily, and Mr. Scott.
Like when Netflix adapted Anne of Green Gables into the three-season series Anne with an E, the Netflix adaptation of Little House on the Prairie explores subjects that might make people uncomfortable...but dark history can do that. It also provides different context for why the Ingalls family left the Big Woods, a deeper look into Mary and Laura's relationship, as well as Caroline and Charles' relationship, and establishes a friendship between the Ingalls family and an Osage family, the Mitchells.
Scenes familiar to Little House on the Prairie fans have been reimagined in this new adaptation, like the Ingalls family crossing the river and losing Jack, Caroline and Charles working to build the house, and the Native Americans visiting the house while Charles is away. While this remains Laura's story, the proximity to Independence and the development of the secondary characters make you feel like the series is also about the community.
As the season concludes, circumstances cause the Ingalls family to leave Independence behind to embark on their next adventure. They will do so with a friend they met while living in Kansas, who, in this adaptation, has a connection to their future hometown.
While some have attempted to compare the Netflix adaptation to the original Little House on the Prairie series of my childhood, I don't feel it is fair to do so. Life, people, and television were different back then. The original existed in a world of episodic television, whereas now we expect story arcs and explore backstory. Landon and his team were shooting 20+ episodes a season, and viewers had to wait for the fall for a new season to start. The new series has 8 episodes that I can stream whenever I want. I also feel we must give the actors freedom to explore these beloved characters without comparing them to those who portrayed the Ingalls family in the past. The source material is now being tackled 94 years after Wilder's first book was published. The internet provides the ability to fact-check and research, allowing for greater authenticity and for creators to approach Laura's world from multiple points of view.
Ultimately, this new adaptation of Little House on the Prairie gives fans of Wilder and her books another way to honor her legacy. Bring on Season 2!
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