EXTRA: The 1978 Walnut Groovy Awards

Some of you may recall that between seasons, I like to share historical artifacts from the Walnut Groovy Awards, a ceremony held every summer during Little House’s original run that recognized the cast and crew’s outstanding achievements for the year. (It is from this annual event that our blog takes its name.) My collection ofContinue reading “EXTRA: The 1978 Walnut Groovy Awards”

The Inheritance

Crap on the Barrel; or Sometimes It Doesn’t Pay to Be an Organ Donor (a recap by Will Kaiser) Title: The Inheritance Airdate: February 6, 1978 Written by Arthur Heinemann Directed by William F. Claxton SUMMARY IN A NUTSHELL: Charles and Caroline stupidly spend an unexpected windfall before they even receive it. RECAP: I hateContinue reading “The Inheritance”

“Be My Friend”

Creek to Nowhere; or They Wouldn’t Just Give it to Some Rando Jezebel (a recap by Will Kaiser) Title: “Be My Friend” [sic] Airdate: January 30, 1978 Written and directed by Michael Landon SUMMARY IN A NUTSHELL: Tortured by her insane dad, a sad girl abandons her baby; but TV’s most meddlesome father/daughter duo intervenes.Continue reading ““Be My Friend””

The Rivals

APPLE BOOBS (a recap by Will Kaiser) Title: The Rivals Airdate: January 9, 1978 Written by John T. Dugan Story by Hindi Brooks and John T. Dugan Directed by William F. Claxton SUMMARY IN A NUTSHELL: Saddened by her lack of, um, “development,” Laura turns to the produce department for help. Meanwhile, Charles and GarveyContinue reading “The Rivals”

“Here Come the Brides”

Midnight in the Garden of Simms and Beadle; or Le Nozze di Pigaro (a recap by Will Kaiser) Title: “Here Come the Brides” [sic] Airdate: December 5, 1977 Written by John T. Dugan Story by Robert F. Metzler and John T. Dugan Directed by William F. Claxton SUMMARY IN A NUTSHELL: Nellie forgets she’s evil,Continue reading ““Here Come the Brides””

“Meet Me at the Fair”

Mehwwy in the Sky With Diamonds; or What Did Fake Irish People Ever Do to Michael Landon? (a recap by Will Kaiser) Title: “Meet Me at the Fair” [sic] Airdate: November 28, 1977 Written by Arthur Heinemann Story by Bradley and Ray Berwick and Arthur Heinemann Directed by William F. Claxton SUMMARY IN A NUTSHELL:Continue reading ““Meet Me at the Fair””

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”

The Wolves

Abandoned Dog-ters; or There is a Lot of Dog Genitalia in This One (a recap by Will Kaiser) EDITOR’S NOTE: This recap is rated 13+ for tasteless observations. Be warned. Title: The Wolves Airdate: October 17, 1977 Written by Lawrence M. Konner Directed by Michael Landon SUMMARY IN A NUTSHELL: It’s a bloodbath when madContinue reading “The Wolves”

“My Ellen”

The Hereditary of Little House on the Prairie Episodes; or Here There Be Busbys (a recap by Will Kaiser) Title: “My Ellen” [sic] Airdate: September 26, 1977 Written and directed by Michael Landon SUMMARY IN A NUTSHELL: Madness and mayhem ensue when Laura accidentally kills yet another Grovester. RECAP: The world is in a frighteningContinue reading ““My Ellen””

Times of Change

Mr. Ingalls Goes to Chicago; or Abyssinia, John Junior (a recap by Will Kaiser) Title: Times of Change Airdate: September 19, 1977 Written by Carole and Michael Raschella Directed by William F. Claxton SUMMARY IN A NUTSHELL: In Chicago, John Junior experiences character assassination, which I suppose is better than the real assassination he’ll alsoContinue reading “Times of Change”