Ep 7. The Wedding (1)

The Waltons season 5 episode 7, entitled "The Wedding (1)," revolves around the impending nuptials between family friend and neighbor, Ben (Eric Scott), and Cindy (Leslie Winston). As the wedding date approaches, the episode focuses on the preparations and emotions involved in planning a wedding during the Great Depression.

The episode begins with the couple announcing their engagement to the Waltons. Everyone is excited about the news and ready to pitch in to help with the wedding arrangements. The family immediately offers to let the couple use their farm for the ceremony and reception, and soon all the Waltons are caught up in the preparations.

However, the engagement is not without complications. A rival for Cindy's heart emerges in the form of a wealthy businessman named Harley Foster (Jon Cedar). He sends Cindy lavish gifts and offers her a luxurious lifestyle, creating doubt in her mind about her decision to marry Ben.

Meanwhile, Ben is struggling to find work to keep himself and Cindy afloat. He refuses to accept charity from the Waltons and is determined to support his new family through a job that offers him self-respect and dignity. He takes up odd jobs around the community to earn money for the wedding, and his sense of pride in working hard is what ultimately wins Cindy's heart.

As the wedding draws closer, tensions rise as Harley continues to try and win Cindy's affections and Ben's insecurities about being able to provide for his future wife boil over. However, the Waltons rally around the young couple and offer support and advice that helps them find their way through the challenges.

Through it all, the episode captures the charm and simplicity of country living in the 1930s, as well as the resilience and resourcefulness of Americans during a difficult period. The Waltons' emphasis on family, community, and faith shines through in their willingness to help others and their belief that love and hard work can conquer all obstacles.

Overall, "The Wedding (1)" is a heartwarming and engaging episode that showcases the best of the Waltons' values. It highlights the power of love and family to overcome adversity and demonstrates the importance of staying true to oneself and one's principles. Fans of the show will enjoy seeing their favorite characters come together to celebrate the union of two young people, and newcomers will be charmed by the timeless themes and universal appeal of this classic family drama.