Little House on the Prairie: Season 8 [6 Discs]

Landon

Overview

Heartwarming saga of a frontier family's struggles and triumphs on a farm near Walnut Grove, Minn., in the 1870s. Based on the books of Laura Ingalls Wilder (whose character doubles as narrator), it was the signature achievement of star-executive producer Michael Landon. It relates the family's experiences dealing with natural disasters and health problems, notably the poignant story of Mary Ingalls' blindness. In its final season, it was titled `Little House: A New Beginning.'

Product Details

Release Date:	04/03/2007
UPC:	0069458121736
Original Release:	2005
Source:	Imports
Region Code:	1
Sound:	[stereo]
Language:	English
Time:	18:00:00
Sales rank:	48,728

Special Features

Closed Caption;Exclusive interviews with Dean Butler and Dabbs Greer; "Laura's Long Winter": A documentary exploring Laura's winters on the prairie through the movie magic of the Little House series and the reality of winter life in places Laura really lived (executive producer Dean Butler); "Laura Ingalls Wilder Historic Site Tour": Learn more about the real places that were a vital part of Laura's life; Season eight trivia challenge

Editorial Reviews

It's a warning sign that a long-running show is on the decline when original cast members leave and a new character is a carbon copy of the not-so-dear departed. It certainly looks like Season 8 of Little House is going that route in two-part opener, "The Reincarnation of Nellie." Not only does this episode mark the departure of Melissa Sue Anderson as Mary Ingalls; as the title suggest, we also meet the Olesons’ newly adopted daughter, Nancy (Allison Balson) -- a strategically cast match for Nellie’s angelic looks and devilish temperament. Among this season's momentous comings and goings, Mr. Edwards (Victor French) makes a welcome return to Walnut Grove, though under typically tragic circumstances. In the episode "Chicago," he and Charles Ingalls (Michael Landon) discover that Edwards's son's death was not accidental. In the episode "A Promise to Keep," Edwards falls off the wagon, jeopardizing his marriage and friendships. Season 8 devotes abundant time to the next generation of Ingallses, including Laura (Melissa Gilbert), now a teacher in Walnut Grove, Albert (Matthew Laborteaux), and their adopted siblings, James (Jason Bateman) and Cassandra (Missy Francis). The odd comic episode ("The Legend of Black Jake") aside, Little House is steadfastly proverbial, promoting tolerance ("Dark Sage"), responsibility ("Growin' Pains"), friendship ("No Beast So Fierce"), and the fool’s gold of false heroes ("Gambini the Great"). Landon plays a more vital role behind the camera than in front of it, but the heartbreaking, Emmy-nominated two-parter "He Was Only 12" is one of his best episodes, as Charles vows revenge against the bank robbers who shot James and then sits vigil with the critically wounded boy. Another standout episode is "The Legacy," which begins in the present day with an antique-hunting couple bidding on a table that Charles made. "He was a man who took great pride in his work," remarks the auctioneer of the unknown craftsman. Little House is a testament to that. It remains an essential part of Landon's legacy.