Ep 8. The Braggart

The Waltons season 2 episode 8 titled "The Braggart" follows the lives of the Walton family as they navigate the trials and tribulations of rural living during the Great Depression.

In this episode, John-Boy, the eldest son of the Waltons, finds himself at odds with a new arrival in town named Wendell Bragg. Wendell is a boastful and self-important man who seems to revel in attention and admiration. He quickly makes a name for himself in the community by bragging about his wealth, his accomplishments, and his supposed connections to famous people.

John-Boy is a natural skeptic and senses that there is something off about Wendell's stories. Despite Wendell's attempts to befriend him, John-Boy cannot shake the feeling that Wendell is hiding something.

As the episode progresses, it becomes clear that John-Boy's instincts were correct. Wendell is not the successful, wealthy man he claims to be. In fact, he is a con artist who has been bilking people out of their money in town after town. When his ruse is finally exposed, the community turns on him and he is forced to flee.

Meanwhile, the rest of the Walton family is dealing with their own struggles. Olivia, the matriarch of the family, is feeling insecure about her abilities as a wife and mother. She confides in her husband, John, who reassures her that she is doing the best she can.

Mary Ellen, one of the Walton children, is dealing with her own feelings of inadequacy. She is struggling in school and fears that she will never be as smart as her siblings. Her parents offer her encouragement and support, reminding her that everyone has their own strengths and weaknesses.

Throughout the episode, the importance of honesty and integrity is emphasized. The Waltons are a family of hardworking, honest people who value these traits above all else. Wendell's deception is treated as a serious offense and he is held accountable for his actions.

In the end, the family comes together to support each other and move forward. While they may not have a lot of material wealth, they have something much more valuable - love and a strong sense of community.

Overall, "The Braggart" is a poignant and well-crafted episode of The Waltons that explores themes of honesty, humility, and the importance of family. Fans of the show will be delighted by the strong performances from the cast and the timeless message of the story.