Little House: A New
Beginning: Season Nine (FINAL SEASON)
183. Times
Are Changing (1)
Guest Star: Michael Landon (Charles Ingalls) Nicholas Pryor (Royal Wilder)
The Ingalls sell their house to the Carters and leave Walnut Grove to find
a more promising life. Mrs. Carter begins printing a newspaper for Walnut
Grove. Etta Plum becomes the teacher in Walnut Grove when Laura decides
she wants to spend more time with Rose. Almanzo's brother, Royal, comes to
Walnut Grove with his daughter, Jenny.
b: 27-Sep-1982 w: Michael Landon d: Maury Dexter
NOTE: At the start of this season the series title changed from "Little
House on the Prairie" to "Little House: A New Beginning." As part of this
new season, Laura and Almanzo are seen in pictures, with Mr. and Mrs.
Oleson along with Mr. Edwards, before the rest of the Townsfolk for that
particular episode which includes The Carters and Jenny Wilder amongst
others.
In this episode Willie is sent to the
corner by Laura for the last time, but by his own choice, "for old times'
sake." Michael Landon guest stars in this episode as he is shown as the
last Ingalls leaving Walnut Grove. As with a new season, there are new
crew, though many would go straight from this show onto Highway to Heaven.
Look out for Mrs. Oleson's dabbling in the newspaper business again.
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184. Times Are Changing (2)
Guest Star: Nicholas Pryor (Royal Wilder)
Royal has a very bad heart and asks Laura and Almanzo to take care of his
daughter since he was going to die soon. Jenny is devastated by her
father's death. After talking to Reverend Alden about heaven, she tries to
commit suicide by drowning so that she could be with her father again. Jeb
Carter is able to save Jenny although he can't swim. Laura convinces Jenny
that she should do what would make her parents proud.
b: 04-Oct-1982 w: Michael Landon d: Maury Dexter
NOTE: It is mentioned that Laura and Almanzo are Jenny's only living
relatives. But what happened to Royal's wife? And the "Twins of Terror"
and, for that matter, Perly???
I also thought of that (and there's Eliza Jane, too), but it actually
said: "You'll be her only family" which probably amounts to "only living
family", but it could mean only family that would be able to take care of
Jenny. Though their was dialogue from co-stars, they are not seen in the
credits, at the end of this episode.
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185. Welcome To Olesonville
Guest Star: Lew Ayres (Lem McCary) Charles Lane (Jess Moffet)
Harriet finds a bearer bond from Walnut Grove. She uses this to try to get
people to follow her suggestions. She tells the town council that if she
doesn't get her way, she will cash in the bond which would force the town
to pay Mrs. Oleson over $10,000. First she decides to change the name of
the town to Olesonville. Then she believes the city should have a mayor,
namely, Nels. Before things get too far out of hand, an old resident
appears and has the first in the series of the bond. This means that Mrs.
Oleson really has no power over the city.
b: 11-Oct-1982 w: Paul W. Cooper d: Maury Dexter
NOTE: Harriet finds the bond in Lars' old home. Which is abandoned. And
the school for the blind. And which, by the way, BURNED DOWN killing Alice
Garvey and Mary's baby!!!
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186. Rage
Guest Star: Ronnie Scribner (Randall Page) Tammy Lauren (Elizabeth Stark)
Robert Loggia (Thomas Stark) Michele Marsh (Constance Stark)
Mr. Stark finds out that he and his family will be evicted from their
property after going very deep into debt. The fact that his wife was
asking for more credit from the Oleson's and his daughter, Elizabeth was
seeing the Page boy, causes the man's mind to snap. He goes home and
shoots his wife and daughter, but they end up fully recovering. Several of
the men in Walnut Grove begin looking for Mr. Stark. When Almanzo is away
looking for the man, the crazy man comes into the Wilder's house believing
that Laura and Jenny are his wife and daughter. When the search party goes
over to the Wilders, the crazed man steps outside and is killed.
b: 18-Oct-1982 w: B.W. Sandefur d: Maury Dexter
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187. Little Lou
Guest Star: Billy Barty (Lou Bates) Susan French (Mrs. Bates)
A tiny circus performer, Lou, decides to look for work in Walnut Grove
after his wife dies while giving birth to his baby girl. A prejudice Mrs.
Oleson uses her power to make sure that the dwarf doesn't find work. She
even threatens Mr. Anderson that she would close her account at the bank
if he hired Lou. To keep the infant alive, the dwarf must steal food. Mrs.
Oleson decides to press charges when she finds out who stole the food.
When Nancy falls in a well, Lou risks his life to save the girl. That's
when Mrs. Oleson decides that being small has its advantages and decides
to drop all charges.
b: 25-Oct-1982 w: Michael Landon d: Victor French
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188. The Wild Boy (1)
Guest Star: Jonathan Hall Kovacs (Matthew Rogers) David Hooks (Luther)
Anthony Zerbe (Doctor Joshua McQueen)
A traveling side-show comes to Walnut Grove. The main attraction is a wild
boy. The wild boy escapes and becomes friends with the Wilders. The boy
turns out to be Matthew Roger and the reason he acts wild is become he is
given morphine.
b: 01-Nov-1982 w: Vincent R. Gutierrez d: Victor French
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189. The Wild Boy (2)
Guest Star: Jonathan Hall Kovacs (Matthew) David Hooks (Luther) Walter
Brooke (Judge Simpson) Anthony Zerbe (Doctor Joshua McQueen)
Mr. Edwards keeps Matthew at his place, but Nancy Oleson tells on him. A
judge comes and rules that Matthew be placed in an institution. Then Mr.
Edwards makes a statement that everyone is crazy sometime. He convinces
the judge to allow the boy to stay with Mr. Edwards.
b: 08-Nov-1982 w: Vincent R. Gutierrez d: Victor French
NOTE: There were no co-stars for this episode. Jeb Carter is a bit jealous
when he sees that Jenny and Matthew like each other. Eventually Jeb
becomes friends with Matthew, though. Mr. Edwards speech is very touching
besides being logical.
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190. The Return Of Nellie
Guest Star: Alison Arngrim (Nellie Oleson)
Nellie returns to Walnut Grove and discovers that Nancy is a lot worse
than she ever was. When Nancy isn't the center of attention, she runs
away. Nels and Nellie search until they find her. Just when they think
Nancy has learned a valuable lesson, she proves that she really hasn't.
b: 15-Nov-1982 w: Don Balluck d: Maury Dexter
NOTE: A great episode about redemption and forgiveness, particularly when
Laura and Nellie embrace and talk as though they were old friends.
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191. The Empire Builders
Guest Star: Stephen Elliott (Hollingsworth) James O'Sullivan (Stewart
Hobson) Taylor Lacher (Harlem Wilkins)
The people of Walnut Grove are at first excited when the railroad wants to
build through the town. This excitement doesn't last long. The railroad
tells several people that they must leave their houses. The people make a
stand at the Carter's place. This delay in building convinces the railroad
to find a different route.
b: 22-Nov-1982 w: Larry Jensen d: Joseph Pevney
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192. Love
Guest Star: Jill Schoelen (Jane Canfield)
Laura's childhood friend, Jane Canfield, comes back to Walnut Grove.
Although she is blind, she falls in love with Mr. Edwards, a person who
was old enough to be her father. Jane then undergoes an operation which
allows her to see again. After a lot of soul searching, Mr. Edwards tells
Jane that she should go out and find herself a better life. At the end of
the show, we see Mr. Edwards in the distance watching Jane leave on the
stagecoach.
b: 29-Nov-1982 w: Paul W. Cooper d: Victor Lobl
NOTE: A few tissues may come in handy for those that might need it and
watch out for the scene with Nels & Harriet Oleson in the Mercantile and
where Harriet tells Nels of what he can't see right under his face
(between Isaiah Edwards and Jane Canfield). You might even say: "Score one
for Harriet Oleson."
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193. Alden's Dilemma
Guest Star: David Huffman (Reverend Addison Hale)
A reverend that is passing through Walnut Grove arouses the suspicions of
Reverend Alden and Mr. Edwards. Reverend Alden believes that he will lose
his congregation to the other reverend. Mr. Edwards notices that this
reverend spends a lot of time with Mrs. Carter and Laura, which causes him
to suspect the worse. It turns out that the reverend was here to present
Reverend Alden with a present, a new house.
b: 06-Dec-1982 w: Don Balluck d: Maury Dexter
NOTE: This episode is actually titled " Alden's Dilemna" Actually,
"Alden's Dilemma" is seen as the title and just may be shown differently
in certain regions or countries (Editor, July 2003, episode viewed - UK)
Or left as it was. A very funny episode, with John Carter and Almanzo in
San Francisco and Mr. Edwards in Walnut Grove getting into bother. You may
need a few tissues, because you may be crying with laughter. Look out for
the Little House theme played in a very Japanese way, as John and Almanzo
enter the Japanese hotel looking for a room.
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194. Marvin's Garden
Guest Star: Ralph Bellamy (Dr. Marvin Haynes) Helen Kleeb (Miss Conley)
Jenny looses a necklace in a pond and almost drowns trying to get it.
After the incident, she has partial brain damage and has to retrain
herself to talk and walk. Jenny's friend, a retired doctor, helps Jenny to
force herself to get better. Thanks to him, Jenny makes a complete
recovery.
b: 03-Jan-1983 w: Michael Landon d: Michael Rhodes
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195. Sins Of The Fathers
Guest Star: Sheila Larken (Linda McAndrews) John McLiam (Elliot Reed)
When Mrs. Carter's mother dies, Sarah Carter's father comes to town. He
tries to get the Carters to come with home back to New York. He wants the
Carters to have a better life. The Carters tell him that home sweet home
is in Walnut Grove. After a while, Sarah's father begins to understand
while the Carters feel this way.
b: 10-Jan-1983 w: E.F. Wallengren d: Victor French
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196. The Older Brothers
Guest Star: Geoffrey Lewis (Cole Younger) Robert Donner (Bart Younger)
Timothy Scott (Lonnie Younger) Stan Ivar (John Carter)
The Older Brothers is a gang that used to have a notorious reputation.
First they hold up Mr. Edwards but end up losing the money. Then they try
to get ransom money for Mr. Edwards but that doesn't go very well. When
they realize that their is a reward out for their capture, they turn
themselves in for the money. They end up never getting that either.
b: 17-Jan-1983 w: Michael Landon d: Victor French
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197. Once Upon A Time
Guest Star: John Bennett Perry (Russel Matthews) William Prince (Mr.
Broxton)
Laura writes a book for a book writing contest. Her book is chosen. She
travels to Minneapolis to work out a deal with the publisher. However,
when the publisher wants her to change some parts in her book, she
withdraws from the contest and goes back home.
b: 24-Jan-1983 w: Don Balluck d: Maury Dexter
NOTE: John Bennett Perry is the father of Matthew Perry (Friends)
Shawna Landon (daughter of Michael Landon) was actually uncredited in this
episode.
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198. Home Again
Guest Star: Michael Landon (Charles Ingalls) Matthew Laborteaux (Albert
Ingalls) Claude Earl Jones (Mr. Gibson) Charles Tyner (Mr. Janes)
When Albert continually breaks the law, Charles takes him out of the big
city and back to Walnut Grove. Albert doesn't change in Walnut Grove
because he is addicted to morphine. Charles finally forces Albert to stop
using morphine. He stays with Albert while he goes through withdrawal.
Thanks to Charles, Albert is no longer addicted to morphine. We find out
at the end of the show that Albert will become Dr. Albert Ingalls.
b: 07-Feb-1983 w: Michael Landon d: Michael Landon
NOTE: This was a 2 hour episode. The "withdrawal" scenes are very graphic
-- a must see for anyone planning to use illegal drugs. Very graphic
scenes indeed and even shocking. Powerful stuff and exceptional for a show
which can tackle humor in one episode and tragedy the next
In re-runs of this show, you may see this episode in two parts.
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199. A Child With No Name
Laura gives birth to a baby boy. The baby is fine and healthy for a while.
Then for no apparent reason the baby dies. To ease her mind of the death,
she blames Doc Baker for what happened to her baby. Doc's reputation
declines so much that he must leave town to find work. Just before Doc
Baker leaves, Rose comes down with small pox. Doc must stay quarantined
with the Wilders for two weeks. Watching the Doc save Rose's life causes
Laura to rethink her attitude about Doc Baker. Laura and the rest of the
town convince him to stay on.
b: 14-Feb-1983 w: Don Balluck d: Victor French
NOTE: Dr. Baker's reputation declines mainly due to Mrs. Oleson's
malicious gossip, implying that if he were a competent doctor, he would
have saved the baby's life. A powerful episodes, starting with joy and
turning to tragedy - lashing out and another disaster. A few tissues would
be advised for this episode.
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200. The Last Summer
Guest Star: Eric Christmas (Dewey (Harrison)) Vera Miles (Ruthy Leland)
Jason Carter starts working for an old lady. Jason becomes great friends
of the lady. However, Jason's mom believes the lady is being too nice.
Jason is forbidden to work for the old lady until Sarah finds out that the
lady will soon die.
b: 21-Feb-1983 w: Duke Sandefur d: Maury Dexter
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201. For The Love Of Blanche
Guest Star: Strawberry the ape (Blanche) Eddie Quillan (Buffalo Bill) Don
Collier (Sheriff)
Mr. Edwards promises a friend that he would take care of Blanche, an
orangutan. Mr. Edwards tries to find a zoo that will take her. Before he
does, Mrs. Oleson calls a sheriff to come out and put Blanche to sleep.
Just before Blanche is going to be killed she goes up a tree. That's when
they find out that a zoo wants to take Blanche in.
b: 07-Mar-1983 w: Michael Landon d: Michael Landon
NOTE: You will be laughing at Blanche's antics and facial expressions and
the way she acts. And laugh at principal characters meeting Blanche for
the first time.
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202. May I Have This Dance?
Guest Star: Sherri Stoner (Rachel Brown) Jack Ging (Mr. (Harrison) Brown)
An old friend tells Laura that she will inherit a large house when she
passes on. After the friend dies, Laura decides to turn the house into a
boarding house. Willie decides to marry Rachel Brown. Mrs. Oleson is
opposed to this and tries to get Rachel to leave him. When Willie finds
out what his mom has done, he stands up to her. Willie and Rachel get
married and move into the boarding house.
b: 14-Mar-1983 w: Chris Abbott d: Victor French
NOTE: The show's title comes from the final scene, where Nels (going home
to check up on Harriet, who has refused to attend the wedding reception)
agrees to dance with Harriet. "May I have this dance?" he asks, to which
Harriet (wearing a nightgown) agrees.
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203. Hello and Goodbye
Guest Star: Sherri Stoner (Rachel Brown) Jonathan Hall Kovacs (Matthew
Rogers)
Montague stays at the Wilder boarding house while he is at Walnut Grove
researching for a book that he is writing. Matthew Roger has a hard
decision to make when his biological father shows up. Matthew decides to
leave Mr. Edwards and go with his father. Mr. Edwards moves into the
boarding house so he wouldn't be lonely anymore.
b: 21-Mar-1983
