Episode 5 - The Pursuit
(1January 1981)
Writer: Michael McGreevey.
Director: Philip Leaco*ck.
Music: Alexander Courage
"Thoughpeace had finally come to Europe in the summer of 1945,
Ben and his fellow prisoners-of-war aresubjected to harsh conditions within the Japanese work camp. In rebellion, Bensings a patriotic song to show he will not cooperate with the enemy.
Jim Bob unexpectedly arrives home, saying he wantsto spend time with his family. He tells them that if anyone calls to tell themhe is not home. Mary Ellen thinks the comment is suspicious.
Jason wonders where he is to be reassignedafter getting sealed orders. He finally convinces Corp. Bergstrom to tell himwhat he knows but must hand over some of The Recipe in exchange for the news.
Jim Bob tells the family stories about hismilitary experiences. While telling one that is especially difficult tobelieve, a telephone call from Kathy is received. The family calls him a‘lady-killer’. But Jim Bob doesn’t appreciate the humor, getting angry at thecomments. Mary Ellen becomes concerned about his reaction, asking him if he isin trouble. Jim Bob admits he met a girl who likes him more than he likes her.
At Ike’s store, Kathy Seals arrives lookingfor the Walton house. Corabeth tells Ike to drive the young woman to the house.She informs them that she has known Jim Bob for what seems like a long time andfelt it was time to meet his family.
At the camp, the commander forces theprisoners to salute the Japanese flag while standing at attention in the hot sun.One man falls unconscious.
Kathy tells Cindy about her first encounterwith Jim Bob, dancing, talking and falling in love. But now Jim Bob is actingdistant. Cindy doesn’t think Jim Bob loves her the way she wants him to loveher. Later, Jim Bob tells Kathy that he does not love her. She doesn’t believehim, telling him that she is carrying his child.
Jason has been assigned as the USO(UnitedService Organizations) music director for a
While the prisoners wash the clothes of theJapanese soldiers, Ben steals clothes with a plan to celebrate the fourth ofJuly.
Jim Bob waits for his daddy to finish somework, obviously anxious to tell him something important. Jim Bob finally blurtsout that Kathy is pregnant but he is unsure if he is the father. Later Cindyfinds that Kathy has left without telling anybody. Jim Bob locates her at Ike’sstore, asking her to return.
Jason and Toni discuss the ordering of dancenumbers for the show. They finally make a decision, sealing the deal with akiss.
Jim Bob and Kathy announce to the family thatthey have decided to marry. Kathy talks about Jim Bob while the sisters planher wedding. Mary Ellen does not join in the preparation, wanting to talk toher youngest brother. Mary Ellen knows something is wrong. Jim Bob finallyadmits he has to marry Kathy.
Toni reluctantly announces to Jason that shehas been reassigned to the States. She is excited but disappointed to separatefrom him. Jason says that they spend most of their time saying good-bye.
Mary Ellen interrupts Kathy while she trieson her wedding outfit, wanting to know how long she has been pregnant. Afterasking many questions, none that are answered, Mary Ellen goes to her fatherwith the information. John later talks with Jim Bob and Kathy about theimportant of honesty in a marriage.
Early one morning Ben raises the
Late in the night, Kathy is unable to sleep.Going inside the house she finds Jim Bob also unable to sleep. She confessesthat she is not really pregnant. Both of them admit to not being truthful witheach other. Kathy becomes very upset. Jim Bob comforts her, agreeing to remainfriends.
"Kathyleft the following morning, and if Jim Bob ever saw her again he nevermentioned it. He was quiet for the remainder of his furlough, and even
John:Jim Bob?
Jim Bob: Yes sir?
John: It's going to hurt a little less as the days go by you know.
Jim Bob: I remember you saying that to John-Boy one time.
John: And it's still true son.
Jim Bob: Goodnight Daddy.
John: Goodnight Jim Bob. 'Night everybody.
Notes:
Kathy Seals livesin
Information aboutthe USO is found at: http://www.uso.org/pubs/8_13_18.cfm?CFID=4605526&CFTOKEN=7741341.
Also appearing:
Ike and Corabeth Godsey (Joe Conley and Ronnie ClaireEdwards), Cindy Walton (Leslie Winston), Rose Burton (Peggy Rea), Virginia(Clare and Elizabeth Schoene), Toni Hazelton (Lisa Harrison), Kathy Seals(Jennifer Jason Leigh), Norman (Jordon Suffin), Angie (Frank Catalano), Billy(Richard Molnar), Clint (Dane Witherspoon), Camp Commander (Jerry Fujukama), TheCorporal (Hatsuo Uda), Master Sgt. Bruner (Ted Noose), Corp. Bergstrom (KenMichelman), Lt. Saunders (Jerry Hoffman).
As an avid enthusiast and expert in classic television dramas, particularly those with historical settings, I find myself drawn to the intricacies of storytelling and character development. In this context, let's delve into Episode 5 of "The Waltons" titled "The Pursuit," written by Michael McGreevey and directed by Philip Leaco*ck. This episode originally aired on January 1, 1981, and is a testament to the show's ability to weave compelling narratives against the backdrop of historical events.
The episode unfolds in the aftermath of World War II, with a focus on the challenges faced by the Walton family members. The narrative skillfully intertwines personal crises and the broader struggles of the post-war era. Here's a breakdown of the key concepts and events:
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Setting and Historical Context:
- The story takes place in the summer of 1945, shortly after the end of World War II in Europe. While peace has come to Europe, the war in the Pacific is ongoing, and America is still working towards victory.
- The episode explores the uncertainties faced by those on the home front and the troops stationed overseas.
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Characters and Relationships:
- Ben, one of the Walton brothers, is depicted as a prisoner of war in a Japanese camp, facing harsh conditions.
- Jim Bob, another Walton brother, experiences a personal crisis on the home front, and his interactions with Kathy Seals become central to the storyline.
- Jason, yet another brother, is involved in the USO (United Service Organizations) and is assigned as the music director for a Paris show.
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Plot Development:
- Ben's act of rebellion within the Japanese work camp, singing a patriotic song, showcases his determination not to cooperate with the enemy.
- Jim Bob's unexpected return home adds an element of suspense, and his reluctance to share certain information raises concerns among family members.
- The revelation that Jim Bob has met Kathy and is facing relationship issues adds a layer of complexity to the narrative.
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Romantic Subplot and Personal Struggles:
- Jim Bob's romantic involvement with Kathy Seals becomes a focal point, with elements of humor and tension within the family dynamics.
- Kathy's announcement of being pregnant and Jim Bob's uncertainty about being the father create a dramatic turn in the storyline.
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USO (United Service Organizations):
- Jason's involvement with the USO as the music director for a Paris show reflects the broader support provided to troops through entertainment during wartime.
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Themes of Honesty and Family Values:
- The episode explores themes of honesty in relationships, particularly within the context of Jim Bob and Kathy's evolving situation.
- John Walton emphasizes the importance of honesty in marriage during a conversation with Jim Bob and Kathy.
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Cultural References and Music:
- The episode features references to patriotic songs, military stories, and the celebration of the Fourth of July.
- Alexander Courage's music is mentioned, contributing to the emotional resonance of the narrative.
This episode of "The Waltons" not only captures the historical nuances of the post-World War II era but also weaves a tapestry of personal struggles and family dynamics. It showcases the show's ability to address complex themes while maintaining a sense of authenticity and emotional depth.
