Ep 19. Blind Justice

In season 7, episode 19 of Little House on the Prairie, titled "Blind Justice," the town of Walnut Grove is shaken to its core when a night-time robbery leaves a prominent citizen dead. The town is immediately on edge, with everyone fearing for their safety. Even worse, the crime is committed by a trio of masked men, so nobody knows who to suspect for the heinous act.

The episode opens with Charles Ingalls (Michael Landon) and his wife Caroline (Karen Grassle) discussing the robbery at their home. They're trying to figure out how to keep their children safe in this new, dangerous environment. As a result, they come up with a plan to keep the family dog, Jack, inside the house at night. They also teach their girls how to be more aware of their surroundings and how to stay safe if they ever find themselves in danger.

Meanwhile, the town is up in arms. The robbery was a brazen act of violence, and the citizens are determined to find justice. They come up with a plan to form a vigilante group, which they believe will be able to catch the criminals and bring them to justice. But not everyone is onboard with this plan. Charles warns the town that taking the law into their own hands is never a good idea, but some people are too angry to listen.

The situation gets even more complicated when one of the suspects is caught and brought to trial. The trial is held in the town's church, with the judge being a blind man named Caleb Hodgekiss. Hodgekiss is well-respected in the community, but many people are skeptical of his abilities as a blind judge. This skepticism only grows stronger when Hodgekiss seems to be favoring the defendant, a young man named Johnny Johnson.

Despite the mounting tension in the courtroom, Hodgekiss continues with the trial. He listens to the evidence, asks probing questions, and eventually makes a verdict. But, as the title of the episode suggests, it's not a decision that everyone agrees with. The verdict is considered by many to be unjust, and the town is once again thrown into chaos.

Throughout the episode, we see how the residents of Walnut Grove react to the crime and the subsequent trial. Some people want revenge, while others want justice. Some people trust the judicial system, while others are skeptical. And some people are just trying to go about their daily lives, despite the upheaval and uncertainty.

As always, the Ingalls family is right at the center of the action. Charles and Caroline are torn between their desire to protect their children and their belief in doing what's right. Their daughters, Laura (Melissa Gilbert) and Carrie (Lindsay and Sidney Greenbush), struggle with their own fears and anxieties. And, of course, there's their faithful dog Jack, who proves to be a hero in his own right.

By the end of the episode, the town has been changed forever. The trial has revealed deep divisions within the community, and many people are left feeling angry and hurt. But, at the same time, the experience has brought some people closer together, and others have learned important lessons about justice, fairness, and the power of the law.

Overall, "Blind Justice" is a gripping episode of Little House on the Prairie that explores complex themes of crime, punishment, and the human spirit. Through its powerful storytelling and nuanced performances, the episode delves deep into the emotions and struggles of its characters, and invites viewers to do the same. Whether you're a long-time fan of the series or a newcomer to the world of Walnut Grove, this episode is sure to leave a lasting impression.