Entertainment
10 Perfect ‘Little House on the Prairie’ Episodes To Revisit Before the Netflix Reboot
This July, Netflix is doing what some have previously considered impossible by rebooting Little House on the Prairie. Hoping to keep more in-step with the original novels by Laura Ingalls Wilder, the streaming series will likely feel like a departure for many longtime fans of the original Michael Landon-led series. But for those still unsure about Netflix’s upcoming reimagining, there’s no better time to jump back into the original NBC program.
Little House is best known for its generally upbeat, Midwestern-style of storytelling that, in many respects, was ahead of its time. The mixture of traditional family values and old-time religion with pure Americana is nostalgic for many, and every rewatch is a genuine delight. So, before Netflix’s new take on Wilder’s famed tale, return to Walnut Grove with these memorable Little House on the Prairie episodes.
10
“Country Girls”
Season 1, Episode 2
In only the second episode of the series, Little House establishes one of its most important on-screen dynamics. “Country Girls” introduces Laura (Melissa Gilbert) and Mary (Melissa Sue Anderson) to their longtime Minnesota nemesis Nellie Oleson (Alison Arngrim), who uses the titular term to deflate the newcomers. Of course, as the Ingalls girls deal with Nellie, Caroline (Karen Grassle) struggles to hold her tongue around the girl’s mother, Katherine MacGregor‘s never-changing Harriett Oleson.
“Country Girls” is classic Little House in every sense. As the Ingalls wrestle with taking the high road, the Olesons push every button imaginable, infuriating us as much as they do the Ingalls mother and daughter. Of course, in all of this, Charles (Landon) and Nels (Richard Bull) are stuck firmly in the middle.
9
“A Harvest of Friends”
Season 1, Episode 1
The first hour-length episode of Little House, “A Harvest of Friends” brings the Ingalls family to the banks of Plum Creek just outside Walnut Grove. It’s here that the regular cast of characters is introduced. Mr. and Mrs. Oleson, Reverend Alden (Dabs Greer), “Doc” Baker (Kevin Hagen), and Lars Hanson (Karl Swenson) all welcome the Ingalls to their neck of the prairie, as Charles overworks himself around town.
“A Harvest of Friends” is largely Charles-centric (and was directed by Landon too), establishing his honest, hard-working, and morally-upright character from the very beginning. The episode is an effective glimpse into the warm, cozy feelings that would be invoked by the series long-term, and is a perfect watch for those hoping to recapture the nostalgia.
8
“The Collection”
Season 3, Episode 1
You may have forgotten that Johnny Cash guest starred on Little House back in the day, which means there’s no better time to rewatch “The Collection.” Cash has an interesting (and strange) filmography, but this is undoubtedly one of his best roles. Playing ex-con-turned-faux-preacher Caleb Hodgekiss, Cash befriends young Mary and weasels his way into the hearts of all in Walnut Grove after Rev. Alden is unable to fulfill his ministerial duties. Of course, the truth eventually comes out.
In addition to Cash, June Carter Cash appears as Mrs. Hodgekiss, with both offering their musical talents. While Little House wasn’t a show that ever needed to rely on guest stars to bring in an audience, “The Collection” presents viewers with a well-known entertainer by playing to his strengths and organically including him in the story. Sure, it just feels like “Johnny Cash has come to Walnut Grove,” but there’s nothing wrong with that.
7
“The Richest Man in Walnut Grove”
Season 2, Episode 1
Laura and Nellie were always fighting on Little House, but never was their rivalry more mean-spirited and violent than in “The Richest Man in Walnut Grove.” The Season 2 premiere pits the two against each other once again when Nellie makes fun of Charles for smelling like manure after he’s forced to take another job to make end’s meet. The result? Laura finally socks Nellie right in the nose.
This Little House episode balances Laura’s insecurities with Charles’ determination, culminating in the former’s final speech to her rival. “Hardworking folks only smell bad to folks who have nothing to do but stick their noses in the air,” Laura tells Nellie. “Well, whenever you stick your nose in the air with me, Nellie, it’s gonna get punched.” That’s our girl.
6
“School Mom”
Season 1, Episode 9
Few Little House episodes center so diligently on Caroline, but one of the best came early on during the show’s first season. “School Mom” puts Mrs. Ingalls in the teaching seat after Miss Beadle (Charlotte Stewart) is injured and school would otherwise be canceled. With the town unwilling to keep their children home for some time, Caroline steps up, only to find that one student in particular needs special attention.
As Caroline attempts to teach Abel McKay (Dirk Blocker), her efforts are challenged when Mrs. Oleson humiliates the boy. Of course, an Ingalls doesn’t give up so easily. “School Mom” also doubles as a Bonanza reunion of sorts (not unlike another Little House episode which copied the plot from a Bonanza episode), as Dirk Blocker was the son of Dan Blocker, Michael Landon’s former castmate on the hit Western program.
5
“The Legacy”
Season 8, Episode 14
One of the more creative episodes of Little House on the Prairie, “The Legacy” lives up to its name by exploring how Charles Ingalls would be remembered a century after the fact. No, the episode doesn’t address the true Ingalls family history, but rather begins in the 1980s with a young couple who purchase an antique folding-leaf table that boasts the initials “CI” on the side of it. Looking back to the 1880s, the episode explores Charles’ journey in carpentry.
“The Legacy” is a great episode. It’s meditation on what it means to make a name for yourself is quite profound, and it’s one of only two episodes (the other being Season 9’s “Once Upon a Time”) that include a “present day” sequence. Of the two of them, “The Legacy” most stands out as Charles wrestles with his life and the type of man he wants to be remembered as.
4
“The Wisdom of Solomon”
Season 3, Episode 18
One of the more well-known episodes of Little House, “The Wisdom of Solomon” follows the young Solomon Henry (Todd Bridges), a blind boy from the South who arrives in Walnut Grove after running away from home. While there, his existence challenges the racist views of people like Mrs. Oleson who can’t help but see color. Unable to see it himself, Solomon treats everyone with kindness and respect, encouraging others to do the same.
“The Wisdom of Solomon” has some heart-wrenching moments that may just bring you to tears, but also offers real levity in the way of one of Charles’ best jokes (you’ll just have to hear it for yourself). The episode also introduces Don Pedro Colley as Dr. Tann (spelled Tane here for some reason), a character fans will be familiar with from Wilder’s original books. Sadly, he only shows up once here on the NBC program, but he played a bigger role in the 2005 miniseries adaptation.
3
“I’ll Be Waving as You Drive Away”
Season 4, Episodes 21-22
Speaking of episodes that will bring you to tears, the two-part “I’ll Be Waving as You Drive Away” has often been considered the very best of Little House on the Prairie. Those familiar with the Season 4 finale will remember that this is the episode where Mary’s historical fate is sealed as she begins to go blind. Few episodes centered on Mary (most favored Laura), but this memorable two-parter offered Melissa Sue Anderson truly exceptional material to work with.
As the Ingalls wrestle with the right thing to do for their daughter, Mary begins the next part in her Little House journey. It’s a wonderful tale that reminds the Ingalls (and the viewer) that God’s plans are often not our own. Although this moment would change Mary’s life forever, it never stopped her from being a part of the show, sticking with the series (albeit, in a deceased role at times) through its eighth season.
2
“The Lord Is My Shepherd”
Season 1, Episodes 13-14
Another gut-wrenching episode of Little House, the two-part “The Lord Is My Shepherd” puts the Ingalls family through the wringer as it explores a lesser-known event in their real-life history not disclosed in Wilder’s novels. As the Ingalls family welcomes a new baby boy, tragedy strikes when he suddenly gets sick and dies. Laura, who had been jealous of her little brother, is distraught by the experience, and runs away into the mountains to make a deal with God.
As Charles and Isaiah Edwards (Victor French) go in search of “Half Pint,” Laura meets a stranger named Jonathan (Ernest Borgnine), who eventually encourages her to signal for her father. The whole two-part episode is a grand portrayal of grief, loss, and faith as the Ingalls family wrestles with their toughest challenge yet. In the end, although not everything turns out as they hope, the family is able to unite once more and brave another day.
1
“Little House on the Prairie”
Pilot Film
Before “A Harvest of Friends” ever aired on NBC, Little House began as a made-for-TV pilot film that covered many of the events disclosed in both the Little House in the Big Woods and Little House on the Prairie novels. Setting the stage for their eventual settling in Walnut Grove, the 96-minute pilot film takes the Ingalls family from Wisconsin to Kansas (though it’s all really California) to make a new life for themselves out West. Of course, that comes with plenty of challenges.
Directed by Michael Landon and penned by Blanche Hanalis, who developed the series, the pilot film is essential viewing for anyone hoping to brave the Midwestern frontier. Although not every piece of the series itself would fall into place, the film establishes the Ingalls family as a hard-working, persistent unit who will stick together through thick and thin. It also introduces Mr. Edwards, who would be a major part of the show’s early years and a consistent guest throughout it’s entire nine-season run.
Little House on the Prairie
- Release Date
-
1974 – 1983
- Directors
-
Victor French, William F. Claxton, Leo Penn, Alf Kjellin, Joseph Pevney, Lewis Allen, Maury Dexter, Michael Ray Rhodes
You must be logged in to post a comment Login