Ep 14. The Rivals

The Rivals is the fourteenth episode of season four of Little House on the Prairie, which aired on January 16, 1978. In this heartwarming episode, viewers get to experience the sweetness of first love through two young characters, Albert and Laura.

The episode starts with a school assignment being given out by Miss Beadle, the schoolteacher. The assignment requires students to write about their role models, and Albert picks Laura as his. The two characters have always shared a special bond, ever since Albert came to Walnut Grove as an orphan boy. Laura helped him adjust to life in the town, and they have been best friends ever since.

However, their relationship starts to change when Albert begins to develop feelings for Laura. He confides in his best friend, Andy, telling him about his romantic feelings. Andy tries his best to encourage him and gives him advice on how to win Laura's heart.

Meanwhile, Laura has been learning how to sew from her Ma, Caroline, and is taking part in a sewing competition at school. She is determined to win the competition, and her competitive side emerges when she learns that Albert has also entered the competition.

As the competition begins, both Laura and Albert show off their sewing skills, impressing Miss Beadle and the rest of the class. But tensions rise when it becomes apparent that Albert's sewing project is remarkably good, and Laura worries that he might beat her.

The two friends get into a fight over the competition, and Laura accuses Albert of trying to sabotage her work. Their argument results in a rift in their friendship, and they stop speaking to each other.

However, their conflict does not go unnoticed by their families, who eventually step in to mediate. Charles, Laura's father, and Mr. Edwards, Albert's guardian, talk to the kids separately, helping them to see that their friendship is more important than winning a sewing competition.

In the end, Albert comes in second place in the competition, and Laura wins first place. But the two friends are able to reconcile, apologizing for their behavior. Albert tells Laura that he values their friendship more than anything, and Laura lets him know that he will always be her best friend and role model.

The Rivals is a sweet episode that showcases the innocence and simplicity of first love. Laura and Albert's story is relatable, heartwarming, and reminds viewers of the importance of friendship over competition, and the significance of being a good role model.