Barn Burner

Look How Mad His Butt Is; or Hit Him With the Moose Head! (a recap by Will Kaiser) Title: Barn Burner Airdate: February 19, 1979 Written by Don Balluck Directed by Michael Landon SUMMARY IN A NUTSHELL: After the Barn of Garve burns down (again), the rule of law finally comes to Walnut Grove.  DarkContinue reading “Barn Burner”

Blind Man’s Bluff

Bad Acrobat-itude; or If You Don’t Like That Ending, Blame God (a recap by Will Kaiser) Title: Blind Man’s Bluff Airdate: January 15, 1979 Written by Arthur Heinemann Directed by William F. Claxton SUMMARY IN A NUTSHELL: You may experience déjà vu as the show reimagines a previous episode. See if you can guess which one.Continue reading “Blind Man’s Bluff”

The Godsister

Far From Heaven; or How Do You Solve a Problem Like Carrie? (a recap by Will Kaiser) Title: The Godsister Airdate: December 18, 1978 Written by Don Balluck Directed by Michael Landon SUMMARY IN A NUTSHELL: Two Carries? Utter insanity! RECAP: [UPDATE: It’s occurred to me that at no point during this episode did anyContinue reading “The Godsister”

There’s No Place Like Home, Part One

Noe Country for Old Men; or You Gotta Noe When to Fold ’Em (a recap by Will Kaiser) Title: There’s No Place Like Home, Part One Airdate: October 9, 1978 Written and directed by Michael Landon SUMMARY IN A NUTSHELL: A fool named Toby Noe and his money are soon parted. Ma gives Laura anContinue reading “There’s No Place Like Home, Part One”

The Man Inside

La Bohèmoth; or We Should Never Make Unkind Remarks About Anyone (a recap by Will Kaiser) Title: The Man Inside Airdate: October 2, 1978 Written and directed by Michael Landon SUMMARY IN A NUTSHELL: A new classmate of Laura’s is ashamed of her father because of his size. RECAP: Oh boy, this one I haveContinue reading “The Man Inside”

“I’ll Be Waving as You Drive Away,” Part Two

You’re Not the Boss of Me; or Do Not Hasten to Bead Me Adieu (a recap by Will Kaiser) Title: “I’ll Be Waving as You Drive Away” [sic], Part Two Airdate: March 13, 1978 Written by Carole and Michael Raschella Directed by William F. Claxton SUMMARY IN A NUTSHELL: Fate takes Mary to a blindContinue reading ““I’ll Be Waving as You Drive Away,” Part Two”

The Stranger

The Charles Effect (a recap by Will Kaiser) Title: The Stranger Airdate: February 20, 1978 Written by Arthur Heinemann Directed by Michael Landon SUMMARY IN A NUTSHELL: A depressed child who lives in a palace and is somehow related to Nels comes to town. He’s got some problems, but fortunately Nels knows a good socialContinue reading “The Stranger”

EXTRA: Alison Arngrim: The Walnut Groovy Interview

After a number of unfortunate scheduling fails, I’m delighted to report we finally connected with Alison Arngrim, who proved to be a spectacularly entertaining and animated interview subject. (You’re shocked, I know.) Enjoy! – WK *** ALISON ARNGRIM: You don’t want, like, the laptop and the headphones? This is fine, right? WILL: Oh no, we’reContinue reading “EXTRA: Alison Arngrim: The Walnut Groovy Interview”

The Fighter

The Strongest Smaller Person in Walnut Grove; or You Know, I’ve Never Been With a Black Man Before (a recap by Will Kaiser) EDITOR’S WARNING: This episode contains racist language and images of (barely) covered human penises. Thank you. Title: The Fighter Airdate: November 21, 1977 Written by Michael Landon Story by Lawrence M. KonnerContinue reading “The Fighter”

Castoffs

The She-Hobo; or It’s Dead Jack’s Point of View! (a recap by Will Kaiser) Title: Castoffs Airdate: September 12 September 12, 1977 Written by Tony Kayden Directed by Michael Landon SUMMARY IN A NUTSHELL: Nels gets drunk, and a plot to drive away a British kook is foiled by The Magic of Walnut Grove! Oh,Continue reading “Castoffs”