Ep 17. The Honeymoon

The Waltons was a classic American television series that aired between 1972 and 1981. The show revolves around the life of a family in rural Virginia during the Great Depression and World War II. The show has a special place in the hearts of many viewers due to its wholesome values, heartwarming storylines, and iconic characters.

Season 2 of The Waltons consists of 24 episodes, and episode 17, titled The Honeymoon, is one of the most memorable and beloved episodes of the series. The episode first aired on February 24, 1974, and was directed by Ralph Waite, who also starred in the series as John Walton.

The Honeymoon focuses on the newlywed couple John-Boy Walton (Richard Thomas) and Janet Gilchrist (Kate McNeil). The couple had tied the knot in the previous episode, and this episode follows them on their honeymoon.

The episode starts with John-Boy and Janet arriving at their honeymoon destination, a cozy cabin in the woods. The newlyweds are excited and eager to spend some alone time together, away from the hustle and bustle of their everyday lives. However, their honeymoon turns out to be a lot more eventful than they had anticipated.

The first obstacle that the couple faces is a leaky roof in the cabin. John-Boy attempts to fix it himself, but when his efforts fail, he realizes that he needs to call in a professional. The local handyman, Homer Givens (James Gammon), comes to the rescue and fixes the roof. However, he ends up staying longer than he is supposed to, much to the annoyance of John-Boy and Janet.

As John-Boy and Janet attempt to enjoy their honeymoon, they find themselves being constantly interrupted by the residents of the small town. They are invited to a church social, where they are expected to sing a duet. While they are there, they meet a young couple who are struggling in their own relationship, and John-Boy takes it upon himself to offer some words of advice.

The couple also visit the town's general store, where they run into Rose Burton (Peggy Rea), a nosy and gossipy woman who is always eager to share the latest news with anyone who will listen. Rose insists on giving the couple a tour of the store and its various items, and she ends up embarrassing them with her over-the-top enthusiasm.

As the honeymoon progresses, John-Boy and Janet also face some more serious issues. Janet is dealing with feelings of doubt and uncertainty about her new marriage, and John-Boy tries to comfort her and reassure her that their love is strong enough to withstand any challenges. Meanwhile, John-Boy receives news that his grandfather has had a stroke and is in critical condition, and he struggles with the decision of whether to cut his honeymoon short and return home.

The Honeymoon is a heartwarming and poignant episode that explores the joys and challenges of married life. It showcases the depth and complexity of the characters of John-Boy and Janet, and highlights the importance of community and support in times of difficulty. The episode also features beautiful scenery and a nostalgic atmosphere that transports viewers back to a simpler time. Overall, The Honeymoon is a quintessential episode of The Waltons that captures the spirit of the series and its enduring appeal.