Ep 3. The Separation

The Waltons season 2 episode 3 titled "The Separation" follows the beloved Walton family as they face a heartbreaking challenge. John Walton (played by Ralph Waite) receives a letter from the U.S. government calling him to serve in World War II. This leaves his wife, Olivia (played by Michael Learned), and their seven children to run their farm and household alone.

The episode begins with John announcing to his family that he has been called to military duty for the war effort. Olivia is naturally worried about how they will manage without John's help, but she puts on a brave face for her children. The family is forced to come to terms with the fact that they may never see their husband and father again. The separation causes a great deal of stress for the family, especially with the added burden of trying to keep the farm afloat. The children are forced to take on more responsibility, and everyone must work together to keep the family running.

As the days pass, the Walton family encounters many obstacles. For one, the eldest son, John-Boy (played by Richard Thomas), is struggling to balance his responsibilities running the farm with his goal of becoming a writer. He faces criticism from his family, who does not understand his desire to become a writer. Meanwhile, Elizabeth (played by Kami Cotler) experiences a growing sense of fear and anxiety over the separation from her father. She must come to terms with the reality that her father may never return home.

Another significant plotline in this episode involves Mary Ellen (played by Judy Norton). She becomes involved with a boy named Jonesy, who is a recovering alcoholic. The family is initially hesitant about Jonesy, but Mary Ellen defends him and believes that he has changed. However, when he makes a mistake while working on the farm, the family's doubts about him resurface.

Throughout the episode, the family faces a range of emotions as they struggle with the absence of John. They come to realize how much they rely on him and how much they miss him. The episode ends with a heartfelt moment as the family gathers around the radio to listen to a speech from President Roosevelt. They are reminded that they are not alone in their struggles, and that the entire country is sacrificing for the war effort.

"The Separation" is a touching episode that portrays the strength and resilience of the Walton family. It shows how they come together to support each other in difficult times, and how they tackle challenges with determination and grace. The performances in this episode are excellent, and the writing is poignant and realistic. Overall, this is an excellent episode that showcases the best of The Waltons.