Ep 1. The Hawk

John-Boy returns to Walton's Mountain from New York City where he has been studying journalism. As he walks toward the house, he is pleased to find that everything looks as he remembers it. When he arrives, he is greeted with hugs and kisses from his family.

John-Boy tells his family that he's been hired by a small newspaper in Charlottesville, VA. He also says that he's been working on a book about the Waltons. John is concerned that the book might invade their privacy, but John-Boy assures him that it will only tell the story of their simple, honest lives.

Meanwhile, Jim Bob has built a trap to catch a hawk that has been killing the chickens. He brings the trap to the barn and sets it up. However, when he catches the hawk and shows it to John-Boy, John-Boy is appalled at the cruelty of the trap.

The episode also features Jason, who is working on a song that he wants to perform for the church choir. Mary Ellen is trying to get Ben to study for his high school equivalency test, but he's more interested in fixing up his motorcycle.

As the day wears on, John-Boy realizes that he's not happy with his new job. He misses the excitement of city life, and he feels like he's not making a difference. He confides in his mother, who tries to reassure him that he's doing what's best for him.

Later, John-Boy and Olivia visit the family's former tenant farmer, Ike Godsey. Ike is now retired and is closing down his store. John-Boy and Olivia buy some supplies for the family, but they also talk to Ike about their uncertain future. Olivia assures Ike that they will find a way to keep the farm going, but John-Boy is less sure.

Back at the house, John-Boy has a heart-to-heart with his father. He admits that he's not happy with his life and he doesn't know what to do. John encourages him to keep trying, and to remember the values that his family has always held dear.

As the episode comes to a close, John-Boy returns to his apartment in Charlottesville, but he's still feeling lost. He sits down at his typewriter and starts to write, hoping that he'll find some direction and meaning in his life.

Overall, "The Hawk" is a poignant episode that explores themes of family, home, and purpose. The characters are well-drawn and the performances are excellent, particularly by Richard Thomas as John-Boy. The episode is also notable for its beautiful cinematography, which captures the lush, rolling hills and autumn colors of Walton's Mountain.