Ep 11. The Literary Man

The Waltons season 1 episode 11, titled "The Literary Man", follows the story of a strange man who shows up in Walton's Mountain claiming to be a famous author. Despite his claim to fame, he looks quite different from the stereotypical image of an author, which awakens suspicion in the minds of the Walton family members.

The man introduces himself as A.J. Covington and quickly gains the attention and trust of Olivia Walton, who is an enthusiastic reader of his books. She invites him to stay at their home until he finds a place to settle in the town. John Walton, the head of the family, is not entirely convinced about the man's identity and motives, but he agrees to his stay due to his wife's insistence.

A.J. Covington soon becomes a regular guest in the Walton household and starts to interact with each family member. He shares his insights on literature and life, which impresses Olivia and makes John more curious about his past. Meanwhile, the other members of the family have mixed feelings about him, with some taking an immediate liking to him and others sensing something off about him.

As the days pass, A.J. spends long hours writing in his journal, which he keeps tightly sealed. His behavior becomes more mysterious, and he starts to avoid questions about his past and present whereabouts. John and his eldest son, John-Boy, start to investigate A.J.'s past, which leads them to surprising revelations and dangers that threaten to upend the peaceful life of the Walton family.

"The Literary Man" is an episode that showcases the importance of trust and the dangers of deception. It highlights the virtues of hospitality and curiosity, which become valuable traits that help the Waltons to uncover the truth about A.J. Covington. The episode has a captivating storyline that keeps the audience guessing about the identity and motives of the literary man until the very end.

The acting performances in this episode are outstanding, with Richard O'Brien portraying the role of A.J. Covington with excellent command and depth. Michael Learned, who plays Olivia Walton, is convincing as the trusting hostess who becomes emotionally attached to the man. Ralph Waite's portrayal of John Walton captures the essence of a protective and cautious family man who is determined to protect his family from any harm.

The cinematography in the episode is noteworthy, as it showcases the beautiful landscapes of Walton's Mountain and the rustic charm of the Walton home. The musical score is also outstanding, setting the tone for the different scenes and enhancing the emotions of the characters.

Overall, "The Literary Man" is a well-crafted episode that highlights the values of family, trust, and curiosity. It is an enjoyable and engaging watch that keeps the audience hooked until the very end. It is a must-watch episode for fans of The Waltons and those who appreciate well-written, character-driven stories.