I─── Kid

EDITOR’S WARNING (HE BEGAN DEFENSIVELY . . .) This recap features semi-fictional characters (at best) who use racist language in the context of a strongly anti-racist storyline and is rated 13+.    Grandpa Stokes is Not Alright; or Life Ain’t Easy for a Boy Named Spotted Eagle (a recap by Will Kaiser) Title: I─── Kid Airdate:Continue reading “I─── Kid”

Centennial

An Ingall in Time; or Who Wrote This One, Jimmy Carter? (a recap by Will Kaiser) Title: Centennial Airdate: March 17, 1976 Written by John Hawkins Directed by William F. Claxton SUMMARY IN A NUTSHELL:  An immigrant tries to help people understand what America is really all about. And because it is a fictional story,Continue reading “Centennial”

The Spring Dance

The Love of Willie Oleson; or She’s My Cherry Pie (a recap by Will Kaiser) Title: The Spring Dance Airdate: October 29, 1975 Written by Gerry Day Directed by William F. Claxton SUMMARY IN A NUTSHELL: Laura fakes a love affair with Willie to get a boy’s attention. Meanwhile, Grace Snider does the exact sameContinue reading “The Spring Dance”

Haunted House

Everybody Likes a Sad Story (a recap by Will Kaiser) Title: Haunted House Airdate: October 8, 1975 Written by Ray Goldrup, John Hawkins and B.W. Sandefur Story by Ray Goldrup Directed by Victor French SUMMARY IN A NUTSHELL: Having already befriended the second-scariest guy in town, Laura now targets the first. She’s extra that way.Continue reading “Haunted House”

The Richest Man in Walnut Grove

The Return of Lemon Verbena (a recap by Will Kaiser) Title: The Richest Man in Walnut Grove Airdate: September 10, 1975 Written and directed by Michael Landon SUMMARY IN A NUTSHELL: After getting laid off, Charles panics because he can’t pay his bill at the Mercantile, even though Nels says it’s no big deal. That’s theContinue reading “The Richest Man in Walnut Grove”

Christmas at Plum Creek

“Do you see what the tree’s decorated with?” “Yah. Sexcorn.” (a recap by Will Kaiser) Title: Christmas at Plum Creek Airdate: December 25, 1974 Written by Arthur Heinemann Directed by William F. Claxton SUMMARY IN A NUTSHELL: The Ingallses all get each other stupid Christmas presents. Laura sells Bunny to Nellie to buy Ma aContinue reading “Christmas at Plum Creek”

The Award

Stupid Mary; or, How I Learned To Stop Worrying And Skip My Final (a recap by Will Kaiser) Title: The Award Airdate: December 11, 1974 Written by Michael Landon Directed by William F. Claxton SUMMARY IN A NUTSHELL: Stupid Mary almost burns down the barn while studying for a test. Ma freaks out and forbidsContinue reading “The Award”

If I Should Wake Before I Die

The Soul of Patience; or, Go Tell Miss Amy Her Old Gray Roommate’s Dead (a recap by Will Kaiser) Title: If I Should Wake Before I Die Airdate: October 23, 1974 Written by Harold Swanton Directed by Victor French SUMMARY IN A NUTSHELL: An insane old woman fakes her death to drive her children crazy.Continue reading “If I Should Wake Before I Die”

Mr. Edward’s [sic] Homecoming

“Is this the one where they play ‘Old Dan Tucker’ through the whole thing?” “That’s every Mr. Edwards episode.” (a recap by Will Kaiser) Title: Mr. Edward’s [sic] Homecoming Airdate: October 2, 1974 Written by Joel Murcott Directed by Michael Landon SUMMARY IN A NUTSHELL: Charles bumps into drunken madman Mr. Edwards in Mankato andContinue reading “Mr. Edward’s [sic] Homecoming”

Country Girls

She’s Heeeeeeeere. . . .(a recap by Will Kaiser) Title: Country GirlsAirdate: September 18, 1974Written by Juanita BartlettDirected by William F. Claxton SUMMARY IN A NUTSHELL: Laura and Mary start school, where they’re mocked by cruel Nellie. Mrs. Oleson declares Egg Wars on Caroline. Laura learns to read in like three days. RECAP: We openContinue reading “Country Girls”