Little House On The Prairie - General Discussion

[Fostersmom]

UP TV is having a Pa-ther's Day marathon this weekend. And, the oddest part? There's going to be little snippets of interviews with Albert! I don't know if they've done this in past Father's days and I just never saw it or if it's new, but Matthew Laborteaux doing little clips is new to me at least. 

[Mr. Sparkle]

On 6/19/2020 at 8:46 PM, Fostersmom said:

UP TV is having a Pa-ther's Day marathon this weekend.

I'm watching right now! The Johnny Cash episode is on now, and it looks like they're showing season 3, but not in order for some reason. 

[BigBingerBro]

I've been watching the Pa-ther's day marathon most of the evening.  I like Matthew Labyorteaux's comments. and memories.  Too bad that's the only actor they could find to do it.

[Mr. Sparkle]

Today is pretty Albert-heavy. It's the one with his real father now, and next is the blind school burning down. 

[Fostersmom]

LOL! I just came to post Baby Battering-ram is on right now! Happy Father's Day to Adam!

 

[Mr. Sparkle]

That fire scene is still pretty brutal. Seriously, and forgive me if this has been covered before, but how the hell did Mary or Adam not immediately go get the baby the second they heard there was a fire?? 

I won't even mention Doc Baker finding a dark pipe in a burned out basement in 2 minutes, and then immediately deducing that the pipe was the cause of the fire. 

[CountryGirl]

I’m watching the BBR aka “May We Bake Them Brown” episode right now, too. 

I’ve posted my anger before over the sheer ridiculousness of any parent, blind or not, WALKING AWAY from their baby when they know their home is ON FIRE. Adam dragging Mary away when she could and should have picked Adam Jr up then and there really grates. 

But you also have sighted Hester Sue, SEEING and SMELLING the smoke BEFORE she opens the cellar door. WTF did she think was going on down there? 

And I had forgotten the stupidity of sighted Alice, who physically stops Mary from getting her baby and sending her down the stairs  Then she leaves the bedroom, still WITHOUT the baby to get James out of the bathroom.

And then she gets him started down the stairs and only THEN does she go to finally get the most helpless of them all.

So damn stupid! I hate this two-parter so much and that everyone insta-forgave Albert is just the cherry on this shit sundae. 

But not to worry, we’re just a few episodes away from the “Sweet Sixteen” episodes where Ma tells Pa she’s “just DYING to call him GRANDPA.”

WTF to Ma.

This show.

 

[Mr. Sparkle]

Thank you, @CountryGirl. I thought that's what happened. 

[Mr. Sparkle]

I just saw one I don't remember. Albert is pen pals with a girl from Minneapolis who's in a wheelchair. Pretty boring. 

Now it's 2 hours of Albert on morPHINE. Then the marathon is over! 

[Katy M]

1 hour ago, Superclam said:

I just saw one I don't remember. Albert is pen pals with a girl from Minneapolis who's in a wheelchair. Pretty boring. 

I feel like I've seen that one a million times.  Yep, pretty boring.

[jason88cubs]

5 hours ago, CountryGirl said:

I’m watching the BBR aka “May We Bake Them Brown” episode right now, too. 

I’ve posted my anger before over the sheer ridiculousness of any parent, blind or not, WALKING AWAY from their baby when they know their home is ON FIRE. Adam dragging Mary away when she could and should have picked Adam Jr up then and there really grates. 

But you also have sighted Hester Sue, SEEING and SMELLING the smoke BEFORE she opens the cellar door. WTF did she think was going on down there? 

And I had forgotten the stupidity of sighted Alice, who physically stops Mary from getting her baby and sending her down the stairs  Then she leaves the bedroom, still WITHOUT the baby to get James out of the bathroom.

And then she gets him started down the stairs and only THEN does she go to finally get the most helpless of them all.

So damn stupid! I hate this two-parter so much and that everyone insta-forgave Albert is just the cherry on this shit sundae. 

But not to worry, we’re just a few episodes away from the “Sweet Sixteen” episodes where Ma tells Pa she’s “just DYING to call him GRANDPA.”

WTF to Ma.

This show.

 

you hit the nail on the head lol

[debraran]

23 hours ago, jason88cubs said:

you hit the nail on the head lol

And the fact Michael wrote it and directed it and felt he had to do it for ratings of course. He could have had one tragedy but not killing off babies and Mrs Garvey. It was a good 2 part of wholesome goodness on the praire while dodging the resident rapist. I still remember the phone going off and my aunt exclaiming "What was that!" because without internet and gossip, you didn't hear too much ahead of time.

So sad, not because of what happened as much as it was the beginning of the decline. The Albert part of it and his guilt and absolute forgiveness was puke worthy but very Christian and what most try but can't do. I know Charles loved him and his guilt was enough but Garvey acting the same when he was devastated seemed over the top. I did like Garvey's rant against God because many feel that way.

It was one of the most hated episodes and we always have Country Girls and others like it. I just skip it like Sylvia and He was only 12.

Edited June 22, 2020 by debraran

[CountryGirl]

While I understand why ML deviated from the books where Mary was concerned, having her become a teacher, marrying Adam, having a child, etc., what was the point of all that, for him to then kill off her child in what had to be one of the worst ways imaginable? And Mary had already lost her first child, also a son as she was far enough along for them to know. 

I can deal with the sheer silliness of episodes like The Halloween Dream or The Godsister but the sheer stupidity of episodes like May We Make Them Proud and normally sharp people just losing all sense of reason makes zero sense  

And propping up Drip Lip. Ugh!

[Snow Apple]

This show loves drama and tragedy but if they have to kill off Alice and the baby, I could have *maybe* forgiven them if they died off screen. Like if they found Alice's body covering the baby trying to protect him. But watching her use the baby as a battering ram is way too traumatic for family entertainment.

On another note, I saw Gold Country for the first time since it aired. I found it boring. I don't like episodes where the message is to avoid the big bad city. Like how Albert was a nice wholesome lad until moving to the city which introduced him to morPHINE and got cured because he came back to Walnut Grove.

 

[debraran]

6 hours ago, Snow Apple said:

This show loves drama and tragedy but if they have to kill off Alice and the baby, I could have *maybe* forgiven them if they died off screen. Like if they found Alice's body covering the baby trying to protect him. But watching her use the baby as a battering ram is way too traumatic for family entertainment.

On another note, I saw Gold Country for the first time since it aired. I found it boring. I don't like episodes where the message is to avoid the big bad city. Like how Albert was a nice wholesome lad until moving to the city which introduced him to morPHINE and got cured because he came back to Walnut Grove.

 

To be fair the actress said it was her elbow (or she got so much flak it became her elbow) She was asked on a morning show years ago. She said once "One thing was that they did not rig the windows to break easily and I’m not, as Michael Landon pointed out a lot, a meek, delicate woman, so when I try to bust something, I usually succeed! It was Michael himself who first mentioned that it looked like I was trying to use Mary’s baby as a battering ram to bust the window! So because they’d forgotten to “break away” the windows, I was determined to get out whatever the cost!"

Albert was "bad" in the city but Michael didn't care if James and the girls were there. He said he couldn't uproot them to move back. Reality of course was Caroline wasn't coming. ; ) I felt the city always got a bad rap, even John Jr died there for petes's sake but I'm sure nice cities existed without multiple saloons. 

Edited June 22, 2020 by debraran

[Mr. Sparkle]

4 minutes ago, debraran said:

I felt the city always got a bad rap, even John Jr died there for petes's sake but I'm sure nice cities existed without multiple saloons. 

Haha! The "city" was such a horrible place on this show! Completely Sodom! 

[jason88cubs]

7 hours ago, Snow Apple said:

This show loves drama and tragedy but if they have to kill off Alice and the baby, I could have *maybe* forgiven them if they died off screen. Like if they found Alice's body covering the baby trying to protect him. But watching her use the baby as a battering ram is way too traumatic for family entertainment.

On another note, I saw Gold Country for the first time since it aired. I found it boring. I don't like episodes where the message is to avoid the big bad city. Like how Albert was a nice wholesome lad until moving to the city which introduced him to morPHINE and got cured because he came back to Walnut Grove.

 

Gold Country is absolutely horrendous

 

i struggled through it

[BigBingerBro]

What gets me about the whole Alice Garvey death story line, was the fate of Andy and Jonathan.  It would have been better for him to wind up getting remarried to some nice prairie widow vs moving to Sleepy Eye (or was it Winoka?) and end up living in what seemed like a poorly glorified stable.  What a depressing life for Andy.  If there was more to their story after that, I have no idea, because I am usually pretty checked out on the series at that point anyway.  

[debraran]

7 hours ago, BigBingerBro said:

What gets me about the whole Alice Garvey death story line, was the fate of Andy and Jonathan.  It would have been better for him to wind up getting remarried to some nice prairie widow vs moving to Sleepy Eye (or was it Winoka?) and end up living in what seemed like a poorly glorified stable.  What a depressing life for Andy.  If there was more to their story after that, I have no idea, because I am usually pretty checked out on the series at that point anyway.  

Men usually did as their wives died of various things but they never had Lars, Doc Baker or Mr Edwards after they had him ruin his new family. Mr Garvey was a little too dense at times for my taste, could have found someone. It seemed so sad when they left and of course were bullied in the "bad city". Merle went to Father Murphy but yes, could have segued it out on a happy note.

I liked the early years and even when Charles went to get work because of the change of scenery but the city was too biased. I understand Walnut Grove had to be almost perfect and Michael had many "drop in" but it was limited to some degree.

I realize now that back then many didn't understand contracts and pay and thought people left because they wanted too but behind the scenes there was always more going on.  As this article said and repeated elsewhere, women probably were never paid the same as men especially then, but if Mr Edwards got more than "Ma" or anyone else, shame on them. Caroline was the glue even if Laura was the "star". She did agree to come back for the last show. I vaguely remember an interview with Kevin Hagan and I thought he mentioned pay too but it was a long time ago. Any long time show, people want a raise, but I hope that wasn't why so many other docs came through WG 😉

https://www.mentalfloss.com/article/70752/17-pioneering-facts-about-little-house-prairie

[ChicksDigScars]

Wow. I forgot that this episode about the Hot Handy Man existed. 

 

Uncle Chris, indeed. LOL

[jason88cubs]

ANyone find it funny Michael Landon took any opportunity he could do take his shirt off/?

[debraran]

1 hour ago, jason88cubs said:

ANyone find it funny Michael Landon took any opportunity he could do take his shirt off/?

I noticed that but didn't think he did it on purpose until I read it. I guess a muscular hairless chest is sexy to some but his ego was a bit much.

The woman certainly weren't allowed to show off anything of course and I can't recall any of the other guys doing it. I also noticed except for "Uncle Chris" and later Mr Carter, no males were especially good looking, I think he liked the spotlight on him. ; )

[Snow Apple]

The Godsister will be on today. I know y'all can't wait for this fine piece of work.

[debraran]

A lot of Godsister wasn't Greenbushes' fault.  Michael wasn't dumb, he knew her acting ability, he knew a 90 min show was too long and the "Alyssa!" stuff was annoying. Dan Balluck could write better than that. Everything was off in that show, Ma was yelling at Carrie, the girls, she was a "pest" underfoot, but it was so obvious and staged. Nothing felt right.

The heaven part was cute but why look up Charles Jr and have St Peter say No, but I see a Jack. For some reason that bothered me, if she hadn't asked about him, it would be fine.  To me seeing Jack was the best part. ; )  Just a dream but seemed odd to me and seeing "Uncle Jeb" again a bit much.  Mike owed him a lot of favors. lol

 

[Snow Apple]

I'm watching Blind Journey now and remembered how Harriet's speech to the bigoted man is usually cut out in reruns and wondered why since it was her moment of glory and redemption.

I just looked it up and was horrified the N word was used. What?! I did not remember that at all! Now I know why they cut that scene and I think it's right move for tv showings.

Edited June 27, 2020 by Snow Apple

[Mr. Sparkle]

I'm watching now. Decent episode, if a bit predictable. Mrs. Oleson fell into the stream?? Who saw that coming?? 

I don't remember another speech about racism, just the one with the kid that they showed. 

[Snow Apple]

I spoke too soon in the above post. Today's showing put back that scene but they silenced that word.

Superclam, as you probably already figured out, the speech I was talking about is at the end when they arrived in Walnut Grove.

Edited June 27, 2020 by Snow Apple

[Mr. Sparkle]

1 hour ago, Snow Apple said:

I spoke too soon in the above post. Today's showing put back that scene but they silenced that word.

Superclam, as you probably already figured out, the speech I was talking about is at the end when they arrived in Walnut Grove.

I missed the end, so thanks. I'm assuming it was the older man, the one who sided with Mrs. Oleson initially. 

I turned off the hour and a half Carrie episode. 

[debraran]

I watched The Return of Mr Edwards last night when Charles finds him in town. In the beginning there is a guy rowing a boat up a river and the town in the background. You can see a palm tree sticking out above on the buildings. Funny the things you never noticed before when you watch many times.  The hand someone pointed out shaking the buggy in one episode was pretty noticeable though , I guess they feel you will be looking at the stars.

Because the outside scenes were done one time and the indoor on the set, many fans catch hair or clothing differences because they had to be careful to match everything up.

[Mr. Sparkle]

Episodes from 9-3 today! It's hot and there's a quarantine, so I'm staying in! 

Up now: The Craftsman - Albert gets beat up for helping the one Jewish person in town. 

[jason88cubs]

It is quite funny how Charles and Carrie really had limited interaction between each other if you look back and think about it

[Mr. Sparkle]

There are two marathons today! Hallmark Channel is also showing episodes until 11 tonight! 

They're showing the one with Charles' father now. 

So chilling when the barbed wire comes into the shot... 

Edited June 28, 2020 by Superclam

[Mr. Sparkle]

Turned off "Bully Boys." Watching "Dance With Me." Ray Bolger trying to get with a lonely spinster. 

[debraran]

I'm watching Ma's Holiday where Karen Grassle said the only episode where she got to show bare arms and shoulders. ; )

There is a scene with Mr Edwards trying to feed Carrie, food is on  her bib, then off, then on. lol I guess some scenes needed a lot of takes, some not.

 

Edited June 28, 2020 by debraran

[Mr. Sparkle]

Oooh, Blizzard! I like this one. One of the messed-up ones. 

[Mr. Sparkle]

Ugh, up at 2PM: Carrie falls in a well vs. Kezia's house. That may be a sign to turn off the TV. 

[jason88cubs]

1 hour ago, Superclam said:

Oooh, Blizzard! I like this one. One of the messed-up ones. 

Blizzard is great and a bit "woah" for its time

[jason88cubs]

 

I hated the way Charles talked to the banker

When Charles sat there and said the banker had no friends

I mean how rude could you be? Charles was just pissed the banker hadn't given him the loan yet

Can you blame the banker? Charles was a walking fraud. I'm surprised Charles didnt break his ribs putting together the bank

Also CHARLES DIDNT EVEN GET IT BUILT IN TIME. He was like 40 minutes late. Great first impression Charles

The banker thought charles sent laura fishing to soften up the banker and guess what CHARLES WOULD do something like that lol

 

 

[Mr. Sparkle]

Damn, I got a little choked up at the end of that well episode. Good episode, I don't remember ever seeing it before. 

"Little Women" is on now. Good for comic relief. 

LOL, I remember that the girl cuts off her hair to pay for something. The wig she's wearing right now is so obvious it's laughable. 

Edited June 28, 2020 by Superclam

[jason88cubs]

I do enjoy that in one episode that the Ingalls will be very poor but the next episode their buying stuff with no problem

[Mr. Sparkle]

On 6/27/2020 at 12:34 PM, Snow Apple said:

I just looked it up and was horrified the N word was used. What?! I did not remember that at all! Now I know why they cut that scene and I think it's right move for tv showings.

I'm watching the Todd Bridges episode on Hallmark and they muted out the N-word. It would have been hard to cut the scene; it was integral to the plot. 

[jird]

22 hours ago, jason88cubs said:

 

I hated the way Charles talked to the banker

When Charles sat there and said the banker had no friends

I mean how rude could you be? Charles was just pissed the banker hadn't given him the loan yet

Can you blame the banker? Charles was a walking fraud. I'm surprised Charles didnt break his ribs putting together the bank

Also CHARLES DIDNT EVEN GET IT BUILT IN TIME. He was like 40 minutes late. Great first impression Charles

The banker thought charles sent laura fishing to soften up the banker and guess what CHARLES WOULD do something like that lol

 

 

And it was so tortured how Laura was hanging out with a random adult man (one of many in this series), and talked about him constantly, but she never asked his name and her parents never bothered to find out who he was despite her constant yammering about him. "Oh, you're spending all your time with someone who obviously just moved here because you don't know him, but that's not weird or creepy at all. Also, let's keep talking about the other person who coincidentally just moved here and is obviously unrelated to your friend."

[CountryGirl]

22 hours ago, Superclam said:

Damn, I got a little choked up at the end of that well episode. Good episode, I don't remember ever seeing it before. 

Most of the well episode is annoying to me - even just the premise of Carrie falling down a well, because, of course she would.

But even I have to admit that the end, where it's assumed there's a cave-in and Carrie is dead, it's pretty moving to see Caroline collapse by the well and then to hear that faint "Caroline" in the background and to see Charles stepping into the firelight, something in his arms, and then we see it's Carrie, saying "Mama."

Even though I knew, even the first time I saw it, that Carrie wasn't about to be killed off (unless ML really went off the rails), the characters didn't know that. I also liked that moment where Ma wasn't perfect and almost had to be restrained from attacking Miss Beadle, whom she blamed for the assignment that led them to exploring the woods near the abandoned well. Save it for the blizzard, Ma.

[CountryGirl]

LOL. Or one of the kids from Clan of the Cave Bear.

 

[Mr. Sparkle]

Yeah, the best part was that Carrie wasn't actually in the episode more than 2 minutes. 

[debraran]

2 hours ago, Superclam said:

Yeah, the best part was that Carrie wasn't actually in the episode more than 2 minutes. 

I think she was actually better younger. She talked "young" later, whether they wanted her too or not, that whiny voice and acting like she couldn't tie her shoes without help at 8. I liked her in the Xmas show with the star and climibing in the "tub" after Laura's bath with the dog. (Country Girls) asking Mr Edwards to stay with a smile. Later making her have the same dialogue when she was losing the baby look was as dumb as Grace shoved in a high chair at 4. 

 

Edited June 29, 2020 by debraran

[Cheezwiz]

On 6/28/2020 at 8:23 AM, Susan Easey said:

Grace and the high chair for a 4 year old was not much better.

Wasn't Grace basically a toddler in a high-chair for the show's ENTIRE RUN? I always forget there were younger siblings, because they never featured in the stories except as background!

[jason88cubs]

I always lost track if the kids and pregnancies by the time we got to season 6

[CountryGirl]

2 hours ago, Cheezwiz said:

Wasn't Grace basically a toddler in a high-chair for the show's ENTIRE RUN? I always forget there were younger siblings, because they never featured in the stories except as background!

Yep. Ridiculous. 

[Mr. Sparkle]

I just caught the end of that silly balloon episode. Now the one where Nellie gets married is on. Much more entertaining, if only for Nellie & Mrs. Oleson's acting.