Ep 4. Mr. Edwards' Homecoming

In Little House on the Prairie (1974) season 1 episode 4, titled "Mr. Edwards' Homecoming," the Ingalls family is thrilled to hear that their friend Mr. Edwards is returning to Walnut Grove after being away for several months. Caroline Ingalls prepares a big homecoming feast while Laura and Mary eagerly await Mr. Edwards' arrival.

When Mr. Edwards finally shows up, the Ingalls family is shocked to see that he has become an alcoholic. He is disheveled, unshaven and smells of alcohol. Charles Ingalls tries to talk to him about his problem but Mr. Edwards responds with hostility and refuses to listen to him. Charles realizes that Mr. Edwards needs help and he sets out to find a way to help him.

During Mr. Edwards' drunken stupor, he starts to tell stories about his past and the Ingalls family learns about his childhood. They discover that Mr. Edwards had a tough upbringing and had been separated from his Indian family at a young age. The Ingalls family realizes that Mr. Edwards' love for liquor is tied to his past and they try to help him overcome his addiction.

Charles enlists the help of the town's doctor to help Mr. Edwards through his withdrawal. Caroline and the children help Mr. Edwards through his recovery by keeping him busy with tasks around the house and offering him companionship. Through their patience and love, the Ingalls family helps Mr. Edwards overcome his addiction and he becomes sober again.

Mr. Edwards is grateful for the help he received from the Ingalls family and he becomes determined to repay them. He comes up with a plan to trap and sell furs to make up for all the expenses the Ingalls family incurred while helping him. However, the plan backfires and Mr. Edwards ends up stranded in a blizzard. The Ingalls family sets out to find him and rescue him.

In the end, Mr. Edwards realizes that he owes his life to the Ingalls family and he promises to never let alcohol control his life again. The Ingalls family welcomes him back and they enjoy a warm and happy homecoming.

"Mr. Edwards' Homecoming" is a heartwarming episode that deals with the delicate issue of alcoholism. It highlights the importance of family, love and support in dealing with addiction and shows how a community can come together to help one of their own. The episode also touches on the themes of forgiveness, redemption and the power of friendship.