Ep 3. The Calf

The Waltons is an American drama series that follows the lives of a family living in the rural Virginia during the Great Depression and World War II. In season 1 episode 3 titled The Calf, the Walton family's youngest member, Jim-Bob, finds a new calf in the field and decides to keep it.

The episode begins with the Walton family gathering around the table for breakfast. They discuss the upcoming visit of a new schoolteacher, Miss Hunter, and their hopes that she will be a kind and good teacher. After breakfast, John-Boy and Jim-Bob head out to the fields to do chores. Jim-Bob soon spots a newborn calf and decides to name it Myrtle. He becomes determined to keep the calf as a pet, despite John-Boy's warning that it will be hard to convince their father to let them keep it.

Meanwhile, John-Boy is struggling with his latest writing assignment, a school newspaper article about the upcoming county fair. He feels that the assignment is shallow and doesn't provide a meaningful way to express himself. When Miss Hunter arrives, however, he is surprised to learn that she is interested in literature and encourages the students to read and write creatively.

Back at the Walton's home, Jim-Bob sets up a makeshift pen for the calf, but it soon escapes and wreaks havoc in the garden. John-Boy helps him corral the calf but they are caught by their father, who is angry that they didn't focus on their chores. The family urges John to let Jim-Bob keep the calf, but he refuses, citing the need to prioritize their work on the farm.

Miss Hunter continues to impress the Walton family with her kindness, intelligence, and progressive views. She even lends John-Boy a book of poetry by Robert Frost, whom she describes as one of her favorite authors. John-Boy is touched by her generosity and shares the poem "The Road Not Taken" with his siblings. They discuss the themes of the poem and contemplate their own paths in life.

As night falls, the family sits down for dinner and John delivers a stern lecture about responsibility and the importance of hard work. Jim-Bob, however, is undeterred and sneaks out to check on the calf. He is overjoyed to discover that Myrtle has given birth, and rushes back to the house to share the news with his family.

In the final scene, the family gathers around the barn to welcome the new calf into the world. John-Boy reads a passage from his book and Miss Hunter shares a philosophical quote about the beauty of life. Despite the challenges of their rural lifestyle, the Walton family is grateful for the small moments of joy and wonder that make life worth living.

Overall, The Waltons season 1 episode 3 The Calf is a heartwarming and gentle exploration of family dynamics, responsibility, and the beauty of life. Through the characters' struggles and triumphs, viewers are invited to reflect on their own priorities and values, and ponder the meaning of success and happiness.