Ep 1. Laura Ingalls Wilder (1)

Laura Ingalls Wilder (1) is the opening episode of the seventh season of Little House on the Prairie, a classic American television drama that aired from 1974 to 1983 and was based on the popular book series by Laura Ingalls Wilder. In this episode, the focus is on Laura herself as she reminisces about her life growing up on the prairie and contemplates her journey as an author.

The episode begins with Laura, now a successful author, returning to Walnut Grove for a book signing and a visit with her family and friends. As she walks through the town, she is struck by how much has changed since she last lived there and how her childhood memories are fading away. She also discovers that her book, Little House in the Big Woods, has been banned by the school board because of its violent content, a fact that troubles her deeply.

As Laura spends time with her family and old friends, she finds herself reflecting on her childhood and the challenges her family faced as homesteaders on the prairie. Through flashbacks, we see a young Laura (played by Melissa Gilbert) struggling with poverty, illness, and the harsh realities of frontier life. We see her forming close bonds with her sisters, Mary and Carrie, and with her beloved Pa, Charles Ingalls (played by Michael Landon).

We also see Laura's natural talent for storytelling emerging as she shares her fanciful tales with her family and friends. Her talent is recognized by her teacher, Miss Beadle, who encourages her to pursue her writing dreams. However, Laura faces obstacles along the way, including the disapproval of her Ma, Caroline Ingalls (played by Karen Grassle), who worries that Laura's writing will distract her from her responsibilities at home.

As the episode progresses, Laura grows increasingly frustrated with the ban on her book and with the town's resistance to change. She delivers an emotional speech at the school board meeting, defending her book and her right to express herself. Her words inspire the town to reconsider its stance, and her book is ultimately allowed back in the classroom.

The episode ends with Laura returning to her own family, inspired by the memories of her childhood and determined to continue sharing her stories with the world. It is a poignant and heartwarming tribute to both the character of Laura and to the legacy of the writer who created her.

Overall, Laura Ingalls Wilder (1) is a beautiful tribute to the show's beloved character and to the spirit of the Little House books. It is a nostalgic journey back in time, filled with warmth, humor, and the simple pleasures of life on the prairie. Fans of the show will find it both touching and entertaining, and newcomers will be drawn in by the timeless charm of the story.