John's Crossroad

This is one of my favorite episodes of the series. I really do think that Ralph Waite was the real star of this series, and in this episode he confirms my belief.

I would have given this episode 10 stars were it not for the secondary plot with Elizabeth. Little Kami Cotler never seemed to be much of an actress, and I often find her character to be both too little and too much......in the overacting department. So this secondary plot dragged my beloved episode into a mere 9 stars rating.

Watching this episode for a second time, I found myself questioning the story line. After all, first time around it seemed John was swamped with work with a new job and the responsibilities of the lumber company. Second viewing it's clear with a six day a week job he's got no time for the mill. That doesn't make much sense. How's the mill supposed to operate? My reservations subsided when I realized this movie is a look at how poorly management can treat its workers. It's appropriate John compares the employees to rabbits. This story bears resemblance to the movie Rabbit Trap. A film well worth seeking out. It's kind of sad seeing grandpa looking for a playmate. At least he keeps his sense of humor.

I see the complaints about this episode, and John Walton being hired for the highway job seems rather unlikely. Him even running off to the city to apply for it without telling Olivia seems ridiculous.

But at this time in TV, they weren't as bound to continuity as we are used to now. That's not intended as a slight, it was just a different perspective. And one that has its own merits.

I think the episode was entirely to give Ralph Waite the center seat, and it does exactly that. Waite was incredibly talented and, amidst the other quite talented cast, rarely got to really fly.

This was one of his focus episodes.

A not very good episode that finds John Walton getting hired for a government office job. If you're ready to believe that a man who's worked in a sawmill his entire life could get hired writing reports for a highway department, then this episode's for you. A half-assed secondary plot involving Grandpa, Elizabeth and an annoying kid who's crushing on her doesn't help things. Only redeeming feature is the great cast of supporting players; Donald Moffat is his blustery best as the tyrant boss, Waltons semi-regular William Phipps as the target of his boss' ire and Patch MacKenzie as the office gossip. Barney Miller fans will recognize Kenneth Tigar, a frequent visitor to the 12th precinct. I give it one star, only because we get to see Olivia order a cocktail in a truck stop diner.