The Five Foot Shelf

Each time I watch this episode on my DVDs, it's like the first time.

Above all, I love the simplicity of the story. This episode, like some others I've especially enjoyed, are so beautifully crafted. There aren't several "side stories" to interfere with the beauty of the main story. Not that I think there's anything wrong with some well-crafted side-stories, mind you.

Once again, the casting is perfect. Once again, the over-arching theme is the forgiving nature of each member of the Walton family.

When this show is at its best, it reminds us that it is, indeed, possible for us to be our better selves.

I love the tone of this episode. This was such an odd off-the-beaten-path storyline I watched it multiple times. I believe a lot of thought was put into this show. Not surprisingly, this episode was directed by Ralph Waite.

Our family had an "encyclopedia set" - Goggle in the 70's & 80's. That's all we had to "look up" information other than what you learned from your parents, elders and teachers.

They were great. It must've cost a fortune for my parents, but they probably knew how beneficial they would be.

John Walton is so much like my dad. The demeanour, how he answers questions, his attitude toward morals and ethics, and essentially living his life the way he wants without regrets. He has a big heart, but rarely shows you. He is a powerful presence. I don't think I've ever seen him rush or panic, unless it was an emergency. Very controlled.

The folks in that era lived hard and worked hard. My paternal grandparents immigrated to Canada in the late 1890's. They travelled on ships and were displaced and uprooted during WWII. Manual labour for everything living low-middle class, and just making sure everyone is fed, has presentable clothes for school, making sure everyone is treated fairly, and have everyone eat together for dinner.

The directors and producers bring you into Reed's head. The tone, mood, and words provide a subdued and complex atmosphere.

Now I want to re-watch all of the episodes that Ralph Waite directed.

Ben Piazza lends poignancy as Mr. Reed, a down-on-his-luck salesman with the thankless task of schlepping around the mountains trying to peddle books to impoverished mountain folk. Desperate for his daughter to have a birthday present, he sells The Harvard Classics to the Waltons with the intention of pocketing their down payment and skipping town. It's an oft told story of forgiveness and redemption made special by a sharp script and excellent performances. Piazza is absorbing as Reed, a man very near the end of his rope. Dirty and disheveled, his voice barely rising above a whisper, he looks, as Ike Godsey puts it, "like he's about to pass out from hunger." The scenes of Reed struggling along the dusty roads lugging his heavy case of book samples is enough to make your back hurt. The rest of the cast turn in their usual solid efforts, but it's Ralph Waite as John Walton that stands out. When John finally confronts Reed about his theft, we see John's indignation and anger, but also a sad resignation that Reed has been brought to his desperate actions by forces outside his control.

A few questions: The book salesman Reed claims to have family in NY. Strange to accept a territory so far away. It would be just as easy to be destitute and not sell books closer to home.

Of all the worse things a person travelling on foot to sell, are books. He claims 4000 miles lugging around that heavy case. Spend a couple dollars and get a wagon mister, instead of that darn big doll which he could buy in NY anyway.

Still, it's a fun and charming story which you should enjoy.