The Return of Mr. Edwards

The California Ibex; or Old Dan Fuck Yourself (a recap by Will Kaiser) Title: The Return of Mr. Edwards Airdate: November 5, 1979 Written by Arthur Heinemann Directed by Michael Landon SUMMARY IN A NUTSHELL: A beloved comic-relief character returns to this heartwarming family show and immediately attempts suicide. RECAP:  RAJA: You guys have aContinue reading “The Return of Mr. Edwards”

The Halloween Dream

Son of Mustache Man!; or You Give Ugg a Bad Name (a recap by Will Kaiser) Title: The Halloween Dream Airdate: October 29, 1979 Written and directed by Michael Landon EDITOR’S NOTE: Literally everything about this episode is offensive. (Well, almost.) SUMMARY IN A NUTSHELL: In what’s regarded by many as the worst Little HouseContinue reading “The Halloween Dream”

The Third Miracle

Only You Can Prevent Four-Eyes Fires; or Please Save My Nepo Baby! (a recap by Will Kaiser) Title: The Third Miracle Airdate: October 8, 1979 Written by John T. Dugan Story by Kenneth Hunter Directed by Michael Landon SUMMARY IN A NUTSHELL: Ol’ Four Eyes – excuse me, I mean Mary – is BACK!  AndContinue reading “The Third Miracle”

“Back to School,” Part One

Love is a Manly Splendored Thing; or Flippin’ Awesome (a recap by Will Kaiser) Title: “Back to School” [sic], Part One Airdate: September 17, 1979 Written and directed by Michael Landon SUMMARY IN A NUTSHELL: Walnut Grove experiences an outbreak of immortal TV moments when a grown man named Almanzo Wilder comes to town. RECAP:Continue reading ““Back to School,” Part One”

EXTRA: The 1979 Walnut Groovy Awards

Well, it’s that time of year again, when I trudge down to our basement and try to find some memorabilia from the Walnut Groovy Awards. (You may recall the WGA was a ceremony held annually at the Thunderbird Minneapolis Hotel that recognized Little House’s best – and not-so-best – episodes, performances, music, memorable moments, andContinue reading “EXTRA: The 1979 Walnut Groovy Awards”

The Odyssey

How Do They Get the Body Back to Walnut Grove, in a Backpack?; or He Was Just Doing His Job, Chuck! (a recap by Will Kaiser) Title: The Odyssey  Airdate: March 19, 1979 Written by Carole and Michael Raschella Directed by Michael Landon SUMMARY IN A NUTSHELL: This week’s summary is a direct quote fromContinue reading “The Odyssey”

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”

“Dance With Me”

Oh Noes!!; or Pa’s Chest is the Perfect Roast-Chicken Color (a recap by Will Kaiser) Title: “Dance With Me” [sic] Airdate: January 22, 1979 Written by Paul Wolff Directed by Michael Landon SUMMARY IN A NUTSHELL: Toby Noe is captured and extradited to Walnut Grove, where he falls in love. RECAP: No time for aContinue reading ““Dance With Me””

The Craftsman

This Might Be the Oldest Person Charles Has Ever Been Fatherly To; or The Acorn Doesn’t Fall Far From the Tree? (a recap by Will Kaiser) Title: The Craftsman Airdate: January 8, 1979 Written by Paul Wolff Directed by Michael Landon SUMMARY IN A NUTSHELL: Another Albert one: This time, he apprentices to an aphorism-spoutingContinue reading “The Craftsman”

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”