The Hero

The history of our nation is to constantly glorify war. This episode takes a good hard look at what is involved when men kill men. We see that perhaps a different view is needed before sending innocent young men and women off to fight other human beings. An honesty that is rarely seen is brought out in this episode. War is not excuse for murder. A true testament to the human spirit.

One of my favorite Episodes. A Great story for Americans. It gives a view from two Vets that show the Sad side of War. "Ep" speaking with John-Boy about what he saw and the faces he remembered. Well written but John Crawford showed what a wonderful Actor he was. The chemistry between He and Lynn Carlin stole the show. I know very little about TV/Movie Awards, but John and Lynn both should have received the highest praise for this Episode. They steal the show right away, as they first shake hands and their memories flood back. From here we see two GREAT actors doing what they love...and why Lynn was Emmy nominated. They come together again a few episodes later, and again, steal the show. I enjoy watching the "Old" Actors from the 50-70's. I feel they Acted for the love of their craft and not so much the Fame.

An okay episode, made watchable by some very good writing and an understated performance by John Crawford (Sheriff Ep Bridges), who never gets enough credit for his contributions to the show. In this one, John-Boy is at his most pushiest, cajoling Ep to tell him what he did during his service in World War I. This is an unpleasant side to John-Boy's personality, so it's fun to watch Ep decisively tell him to go pound sand. An amusing scene with Jim-Bob and John-Boy competing for the attentions of a former war nurse is well-played. A lame subplot concerning Jim-Bob and his love interest Patsy Brimmer, however, is strictly fast-forward material. Overall though, it's pretty good stuff. The scene where Ep explains to John-Boy why he's fine with not being recognized for his wartime heroics is well-written and quietly, but deftly performed by Crawford. The episode ends with Ben revealing to Grandpa a memorial bench he built for his late uncle, a poignant scene marred by his clumsy "Why don't you sit in it?" line, inadvertently reminding viewers of the "Sit on it Potsie!" catchphrase from "Happy Days." Oh well, can't have everything.