Ep 12. The Dust Bowl Cousins

In The Waltons season 1 episode 12, titled "The Dust Bowl Cousins," the family welcomes two distant cousins from Oklahoma who have been forced to leave their homes due to the Dust Bowl. John-Boy is thrilled to have new family members to meet and learn from, but the cousins, Maude and Harley, are not accustomed to the ways of life in the mountains of Virginia.

Throughout the episode, the Waltons take the cousins under their wing and try to make them feel at home. However, tensions arise when Maude and Harley make it clear that they are not comfortable with the Waltons' lifestyle. They complain about everything from the food to the lack of electricity, and even express their disapproval of the family's close-knit relationships.

Despite their differences, the Waltons continue to show kindness and hospitality towards their cousins. John-Boy takes a particular interest in Maude, who shares his love of reading. He tries to encourage her to write a letter to her family back home, but she is too distraught and homesick to do so.

As the night wears on, a storm approaches and the family hunkers down in the house. John, the Waltons' patriarch, notices that the Cousins seem to be struggling with the idea of leaving their old life behind. He shares a story about his own experiences with change, and how sometimes the hardest thing to do is let go of what we know and embrace something new.

By the end of the episode, Maude and Harley have made peace with their situation and are even found helping the Waltons with their chores. John-Boy manages to convince Maude to write that letter, and she expresses her gratitude for the Waltons' kindness and understanding.

"The Dust Bowl Cousins" is an episode that deals with issues of change, family, and acceptance. It shows how people from different backgrounds and experiences can come together and find common ground. It also highlights the importance of empathy and understanding in difficult times.