Ep 3. The First Day

John and Olivia Walton send their six children - John-Boy, Jason, Mary Ellen, Erin, Ben and Jim-Bob - off for their first day of school in the fall. As the day goes on, the children experience various challenges and triumphs. John-Boy, as the eldest, finds himself struggling with his assigned essay topic, while also dealing with a school bully. Mary Ellen attempts to prove herself academically to her teacher, but finds her expectations to be higher than anticipated. Ben faces trouble in the form of a new classmate who challenges his authority, while Erin grapples with the pressure to fit in with her peers. Jason and Jim-Bob largely fly under the radar, but each has their own small victories throughout the day.

Meanwhile, at home, Olivia becomes increasingly anxious as the day goes on - worrying about her children's safety, academic performance, and social lives. She confides in her husband, John, who struggles to console her, as he is equally anxious about his children. Over the course of the episode, the pair come to realize that they must trust in their children to navigate the world on their own, while still being there to offer guidance and support when needed.

At the end of the day, the family reunites at home, each child with their own story to tell. John-Boy ultimately finds inspiration for his essay, while also standing up to his bully. Mary Ellen earns her teacher's praise, and Ben gains the respect of his classmates by standing up to the challenging newcomer. Erin learns the importance of being herself, rather than trying to fit a mold, and Jason and Jim-Bob continue to find their place at school. The episode ends with the family gathered around the dinner table, grateful for each other and proud of their children's accomplishments.