Ep 13. The Nurse

The Waltons season 4 episode 13, titled "The Nurse," explores the struggles of the Walton family as they navigate a difficult time in their lives. The episode starts with Olivia (the mother) feeling ill, and despite her best efforts, she cannot shake off the illness. Anxious about her health, the family decides to call on a nurse to help take care of her.

This episode takes us through the process of hiring a nurse and the family's preparations for their arrival. The family is excited about the prospect of getting professional help, but John (the father) is wary of the idea. He believes they can take care of Olivia without any outside help and that hiring a nurse will create more trouble than it's worth. However, the family overrules him and decides to hire a nurse anyway.

The nurse, Miss Farrow, arrives, and the Waltons quickly realize that she is not a typical nurse. She is young and independent, and it's clear she's not used to the rural lifestyle of the Waltons. Despite this, she manages to win the hearts of the family and shows that she is more than capable of taking care of Olivia. The family feels relieved that they have made the right decision by hiring a nurse.

Throughout the episode, Miss Farrow's presence brings about a lot of changes in the Walton household, particularly for Mary Ellen, the eldest daughter. Mary Ellen is feeling stuck in her current life and yearns for something more. She is inspired by Miss Farrow's independence and her desire to make a difference in the world. Mary Ellen starts to think about her own future and what she wants to do with her life.

Meanwhile, Olivia's health continues to deteriorate, and it becomes clear that she needs to be hospitalized. This leads to a difficult decision for the family, as they are concerned about the high costs of medical care and the possibility of losing their home. John is especially worried about this and is determined to find a way to take care of Olivia without spending too much money.

As the family copes with these struggles, they come to appreciate the value of each other and their community. They realize that they have been taking their lives and their blessings for granted and that it's time to make changes and appreciate what they have. The episode ends on a positive note, with the family coming together to help each other and make things work.

Overall, The Waltons season 4 episode 13 is a heartwarming and emotional journey that explores the joys and struggles of family life. It is a reminder that in times of need, we can always turn to each other for support and that there is always strength in community. The episode is a beautiful tribute to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of family.