Ep 21. Soldier's Return

In "Soldier's Return," the twenty-first episode of the second season of Little House on the Prairie, Charles Ingalls and his family are excited to receive a visit from Charles' childhood friend, Jack Peters, who is returning from fighting in the Civil War. When Jack arrives in Walnut Grove, he is surprised to find that his wife, Lyman, and young daughter, Rachel, are not there to meet him. Charles and Jack set out to find Lyman and Rachel, hoping to give Jack a joyful homecoming.

Along the way, Charles and Jack come across a group of ex-Confederate soldiers who are also looking for their loved ones. Jack sympathizes with the Confederate soldiers, as he himself was a Confederate soldier during the war, and he helps patch up one of the wounded men. Charles and Jack continue their search for Lyman and Rachel, but they are unable to find any trace of them.

Meanwhile, back in Walnut Grove, Laura Ingalls is excited to welcome Jack's daughter, Rachel, to their home. Rachel is initially shy and reserved, but as the day goes on, she starts to open up and becomes friends with Laura. The girls spend the day playing and exploring the town, but when it is time for Rachel to go home, Laura is saddened to learn that Lyman and Rachel have still not returned.

As Charles and Jack continue their search, they come across a wagon that has been attacked by Sioux Indians. The family in the wagon has been killed, but Charles and Jack are able to rescue the family's young daughter, Jenny. They take Jenny back to Walnut Grove with them, intending to care for her until they can find her relatives.

When they return to Walnut Grove, Charles and Jack are shocked to find that Lyman and Rachel have finally arrived. Lyman explains that she had been delayed in her journey and had decided to wait in Mankato until Jack arrived. Rachel is overjoyed to see her father, and Jack is thrilled to be reunited with his family.

However, the joy is short-lived when they learn that the Sioux Indians who attacked the wagon are now in the area. Charles and the other men in town band together to protect their families and homes, preparing for the worst. In the end, the Sioux do not attack Walnut Grove, and Jack and his family are able to enjoy a peaceful and happy reunion.

"Soldier's Return" is a heartwarming episode of Little House on the Prairie that explores themes of family, friendship, and community. The episode is filled with memorable moments, including Jack's emotional reunion with his family, Laura's budding friendship with Rachel, and the town's collective efforts to protect themselves from the Sioux Indians. Overall, "Soldier's Return" is a standout episode from the second season of Little House on the Prairie, and a must-see for fans of the show.