The Conflict

A terrific two-part episode that has the show firing on all cylinders, with a story that explores one of the uglier incidents of the Great Depression: the forced displacement of hundreds of Blue Ridge mountain families. The parts are just about perfectly cast, most notably Beulah Bondhi, Morgan Woodward and Lindsay V. Jones, who all look like they stepped out of a Dorothea Lange photograph. Finally, it's kind of a kick to watch the normally peaceful Grandpa Walton turn into a violent, gun-toting revolutionary. An elegant and poignant good-night scene wraps up this contender for best episode of the series.

What makes this episode stand out is the outstanding performance of the great Beulah Bondi. Ms. Bondi was 85 years old when she appeared in this episode. She returned in another Waltons episode, "The Pony Cart", in 1976, probably the best episode in the history of this series. It was the final role in her long and distinguished career.

This is the first of two episodes with Beulah Bondi playing Martha Corinne. She is Grandpa's sister-in-law and she is astounding in both episodes. You would think she was a real person and this was a documentary. She deserved an Emmy for both this episode and the second one--"The Pony Cart".

In this episode, the government wants her house and land so a highway can be built. She has lived in that house since the day she married in the 1800's. Living elsewhere is unfathomable to her. She would rather die fighting, but she is not an ignorant, backward woman. She believes in fairness, land ownership and honoring the past. She is a truly unforgettable character.

A great start to the third season, and perhaps the most beautiful looking episode of the series (thanks to cinematographer Russell Metty and art director Ed Graves), mostly filmed amongst handsome mountain scenery; it was always nice when they got away from the Burbank backlot. A compelling, historically-based storyline and solid performances from guest actors Beulah Bondi, Richard Hatch, Morgan Woodward and Lindsay V. Jones help to kick this one up a notch. Granted, it is a bit weird to see the normally wise, good-natured Grandpa Walton suddenly turn into a hot-headed militant ready to do gun battle with the police, but that doesn't detract from this excellent episode.

10 stars for a great story about the American struggle!

While people can build up their own land, the government can still come in and take the land away for the sake of a park or a road. It's a terrible struggle that is all too real throughout American history, and it's the flipside of the American dream.

But even though people must give up what is theirs when they don't want to, they are also given opportunities to create new dreams and new lives; from great struggles comes great beginnings, great courage, and great stories!