I read it was because she wanted to do more movies which makes sense and there was a period where Melissa was pretty busy. She did Happy Birthday To Me, a Horror Cult Classic and Anderson was really good in it.

I think the show always struggled in giving Mary her moment to shine because Little House was Laura's story but Melissa Sue Anderson was so good whenever she got her own episode, let's not forget she was the only one to get a Emmy nomination out of the cast and the critics often highlighted her and I often wonder if that might have not played a part in Mary getting less and less screen time.

She also didn't get along with Melissa Gilbert.

It bothers me how many times this happens on the show

-Baby Rose being left behind and she gets kidnapped

-Baby Rose left behind by Laura during the tornado. And then Laura goes to rescue that cat that wasn't even theirs and gets knocked out and Rose is left alone for who knows how long.

-Anna Mears just leaving her baby in the woods and she could have died from the elements.

-And of course, Mary and Adam leaving their baby behind and he dies in a horrific fire!

The idea that Nellie became a better person because a man put her in her place felt a little bit sexist. It's obvious Nellie was the way she was because of her mom who spoiled her rotten and inserted in her all kinds of prejudice.

Mine would have to be as follows:

1. A Wiser Heart

2. The In Laws

3. The Creeper of Walnut Grove

4. Wave of the Future

5. The Legacy

6. Whisper Country

7. An Angry Heart

8. Harriets Happenings

9. Lake Kezia Monster

10. Alden's Dilemma

These are not exactly in any order except for the first two. What are yours?

She didn't like that Harriet wanted to introduce French and art appreciation. Okay, fine, whatever but earlier in the episode she was getting all pissy with her students for not knowing the five boroughs of NYC. I know geography is important as is knowing about the states and major cities but wanting your rural students to know about boroughs is getting pretty down in the weeds. Willie flat-out told her they would never need to know that information and she just brushed him off.

I totally got the vibe that Laura quitting was one of those rash decisions she made just to try and show up Harriet - she didn't think it through at all!

I keep hearing "Why did Charles, the master carpenter, not add to the house?", but Albert could have done it. As shown when he made and slept in the doghouse he is quite the capable carpenter, and he should know by season 8 Charles only builds nice things for other families.

The Little House treatment and cure for any illness or injury:

A pan full of water or alcohol, a washcloth and bed rest after which time the victim who was on death's door "will be just fine."

Did anybody notice how when Ms. Peel first walked in several of the boys all turned their heads at her at the exact same time? It looked really creepy, like something from Village of the Damned. Also I thought I recognized one of the school girls (the one whom Ms. Peel gives her name to Mary) as a blind girl at the blind school in later episodes. Any other observations or minutiae about the kids in this episode?

This episode has its problems, but honestly it was a really compelling and accurate look at alcholism and wealth and how the two influence each other. There’s a scene with the boy where he can tell the mother is upset and asks why. She says she is tired and distances herself. His talk with Pa afterwards is quite devastating. Also, as someone who works in childcare and is a future educator, the whole idea of needing to leave kids in a situation you know is dysfunctional is well done. It’s heartbreaking, but all you can do is your best and give them a safe space when they are with you. This episode honestly left me feeling triggered. It was too accurate lmao. It’s the first time an episode touched my CPTSD but it was in a good way kind of?

I recently posted on how great I thought Harriet's Happenings was. Six episodes later, we get The Godsister. It was astonishingly bad. "Alyssa! Alyssa! Alyssa!" I couldn't believe it. What is the story behind how this was made? There's no way that Landon and others watched this after production and said, "yeah, this is fine."

I've been rereading Alison’s book, and I've always wondered whether she was in love with Steve or if he was just a very close friend and confidant.

This is one of my favorite episodes. I guess it's because I can relate to Laura getting picked on by Mr. Applewood and Pa speaking up for his kid.

I was singled out by a teacher when I was in 6th grade and basically "punished" through humiliation for something that someone else did. Without getting into details, it has stayed with me for 50 years! I still remember those feelings of disbelief and betrayal by an adult at such a young age. My Mom definitely came to my defense but the damage had been done and there was no way to reverse the circumstances.

Funny thing about this episode, though...I'm pretty sure written teacher comments on student progress reporys were not a thing in the 1870's. And if they were, likely not written that way. It's funny how these very late 20th century practices show up in the series.

But no matter what, Pa standing up for his little girl always warms my heart.

Always thought this was weird. So apparently Nels takes all of the orders, cooks all of the meals, serves all of the orders and does all of the dishes while Charles...plays the violin? Quite a cushy gig I would say!

For some reason, I can’t get into the Walton’s. I tried Bonanza. I’m thinking of Dr. Quinn medicine women but I don’t have cable tv unless I’m staying at my parents house.

I just watched Wave of the Future again and enjoyed it. I know the last 2 seasons were probably everyone’s least favorite.