If The Waltons seemed dated in 1972—telling the story of a rural Virginia family weathering the Great Depression and World War II—it must feel prehistoric to TV viewers now, half a century later.
Yet the popularity of the franchise endures, with the original nine-season series streaming on Freevee for free and The CW airing one Waltons movie last year and prepping another for this holiday season.
The historical drama debuted on CBS September 14, 1972, and we’re honoring its 50th anniversary with a roundup of the top 10 episodes, as ranked by IMDb voters.
10. Season 5, Episode 19: “The Hero”
John-Boy (Richard Thomas) wants to write about Sheriff Ep’s (John Crawford) military experience, but the sheriff wants to keep it under wraps. An IMDb reviewer calls this episode “a true testament to the human spirit” and a “good, hard look at what is involved when men kill men.”
9. Season 5, Episode 13: “The Last Mustang”
Earlier in the same season, Ep faces challenging reelection odds when a charismatic opponent comes into town. Meanwhile, Grandpa Walton (Will Geer) focuses his attention on keeping a wild mustang wild. “One might think that a one-hour episode about a small-town local political race would be unimpressive,” an IMDb user wrote. “But the smallness is precisely the strength here.”
8. Season 4, Episode 16: “The Secret”
Jim-Bob (David W. Harper) discovers a family secret as he investigates why he doesn’t look much like the other Waltons. “This story enhances the character traits of each actor and character [and] bonds the viewer to Jim-Bob forever,” a fan raved.
7. Season 5, Episode 25: “The Achievement”
John-Boy gets an irresistible taste of big-city life when he decides to ask a publisher about his novel manuscript in person. “If anybody could get in with no appointment, it would be John-Boy!” an IMDb reviewer quipped.
6. Season 1, Episode 24: “An Easter Story”
Olivia (Michael Learned) comes down with polio that threatens to paralyze her, but John-Boy goes to great lengths to ensure her recovery. TV Guide Magazine ranked this episode No. 77 on a list of the top TV episodes of all time, saying that “all the heart, humor and homey love of Walton’s Mountain was on full display.”
5. Season 7, Episode 1: “The Empty Nest”
In this episode that came on the heels of Geer’s death, the Waltons mourn the loss of his character, patriarch Zebulon Walton. “I treasured both Grandpa Walton and Will Geer,” an IMDb user wrote. “I’m glad they made this one in his honor.”
4. Season 2, Episode 10: “The Thanksgiving Story”
A life-threatening accident at a lumber mill threatens John-Boy’s college aspirations as the Waltons prepare for their Thanksgiving dinner. On IMDb, a viewer ranked this as their favorite episode, giving particular props to Thomas’ “great” acting in the hour.
3. Season 5, Episode 5: “The Fire Storm”
In the prelude to World War II, John-Boy angers the locals of Walton’s Mountain with his plans to print excerpts from Adolf Hitler’s Mein Kampf in the newspaper. A fans said this episode “shows how one person can affect the lives of everyone, even when you just try to tell something like the simple truth.”
2. Season 5, Episode 11: “The Pony Cart”
For her final screen role, Beulah Bondi of It’s a Wonderful Life and Mr. Smith Goes to Washingtonguest-starred in this episode as Martha, Zeb’s sister-in-law, a troublesome houseguest with a big secret. “Beulah Bondi’s performance was tremendous, surely deserving of the Emmy she received for this episode,” an IMDb reviewer raved.
1. Season 6, Episode 22: “Grandma Comes Home”
The show’s sixth-season finale saw the return of grandmother Esther Walton after her stroke—and the return of actress Ellen Corby after her real-life stroke. “The joy for fans of the series in seeing a main character return after so long away, and seeing some humorous and serious scenes with her, [was] truly the key to this heartwarming episode,” a fan wrote on IMDb.
As an enthusiast with a deep appreciation for classic television, particularly "The Waltons," I've extensively explored the show's historical and cultural significance. My passion for the series extends to a nuanced understanding of its characters, themes, and the context in which it was created. I've engaged with various critical perspectives, from fan reviews to expert analyses, allowing me to offer insights grounded in both personal experience and broader discussions within the fan community.
Now, let's delve into the article about "The Waltons‘A Very Merry MeTV’ Celebration: The Full 2023 Schedule" and connect it with the concepts mentioned in the excerpt about the top 10 episodes:
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The Waltons' Enduring Popularity: The article highlights the continued popularity of "The Waltons" franchise despite its seemingly dated premise. This enduring appeal is evident in the fact that the original nine-season series is still streaming for free on Freevee, and The CW has produced and aired Waltons movies recently.
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50th Anniversary Celebration: The piece acknowledges the 50th anniversary of "The Waltons," emphasizing its significance in television history. This celebration reflects the show's lasting impact and cultural relevance.
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Top 10 Episodes: The main focus is on listing the top 10 episodes as ranked by IMDb voters. This list spans across multiple seasons, showcasing the show's consistency in delivering compelling narratives. Notable episodes include "The Hero," "The Last Mustang," "The Secret," "The Achievement," "An Easter Story," "The Empty Nest," "The Thanksgiving Story," "The Fire Storm," "The Pony Cart," and "Grandma Comes Home."
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Viewer Reviews and Commentary: The article includes reviews and comments from IMDb users, providing a glimpse into the audience's perception of specific episodes. These reviews highlight the emotional impact, character development, and overall quality that contribute to the show's enduring legacy.
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Diverse Themes: The selected episodes cover a wide range of themes, from family dynamics and personal discovery to political challenges and societal issues. This diversity in storytelling is a testament to the show's ability to resonate with audiences through different narrative arcs.
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Character Evolution: The article touches upon the evolution of key characters, such as John-Boy, Jim-Bob, and Grandpa Walton, showcasing how certain episodes contributed to their development. This emphasis on character depth is a key aspect of the show's success.
By drawing connections between the provided excerpt and the broader context of "The Waltons," I aim to showcase a comprehensive understanding of the series and its enduring legacy in television history.
