Little House on the Prairie had experienced a little bit of a sophomore slump, slipping out of the top thirty in the Nielsen ratings during the second season. However, audiences rediscovered the series during the third season and the series never again fell out of the top thirty for the duration of its network run. Some may see Little House on the Prairie as simple, even hokey, but it’s the straightforwardness and return to a simpler time that continues to make the series appealing.
Melissa Gilbert had quickly become the series breakout star and given that she shared an undeniable chemistry with her TV dad Michael Landon, it comes as no surprise that most of the third season’s twenty-two episodes center around her character, Laura Ingalls. However, Melissa Sue Anderson’s Mary Ingalls is given her time to shine in the season opener, “The Collection.” Johnny Cash plays con man Caleb Hodgekiss who decides to impersonate a minister (allowing Cash to maintain his persona as “The Man in Black”) in Walnut Creek after he finds Reverend Alden (Dabbs Greer) nearly dead from “fever.” While a hesitant Mrs. Hodgekiss (June Carter) nurses Reverend Alden back to health, Caleb sets off for Walnut Grove, intending to take its citizens for all the money and goods he can. It’s no surprise when Caleb has a change of heart, and leaves Walnut Grove a changed man. Mary is one of the few who sees through Caleb deceit, but by episode’s end, even she seems convinced he’s been redeemed.
Mary would once again come to the forefront near the end of the season, when the two part To Live With Fear, finds her fighting for her life after developing an infection. Adorable, resilient Laura was a fan favorite (me included) and the series producer’s served up lots of her (mis)adventures. Laura wears her heart on her sleeve, quick with a smile, even quicker with a tear. Several of her most emotional moments this season involve her beloved horse, Bunny. Though, most of the time, things aren’t as dire as they seem at first, because no adult can resist helping the adorable Laura.
This season also marks a notable ratcheting up of bullying from Nellie Oleson (Alison Arngrim) who liked to cause trouble for all the Ingalls children, but had a particular distaste for Laura. When Nellie claims that a fall off Bunny paralyzed her, Laura initially feels incredibly guilty and does what she can for her, in hopes that she will get better. When Laura learns the truth, she offers to take Nellie outside in her wheelchair. In a rare show of blatant anger, she sends her catapulting down a steep hill, into a pond, proving she isn’t permanently disabled. When she stands up in utter misery, her mother faints at the miracle of it all. In a later episode, Laura gets in trouble for taking something from Nellie’s room. When I first saw that episode years ago (I was probably seven), I remember being relieved that Laura wasn’t a ‘good girl’ all the time.
Little House on the Prairie was certainly somewhat formulaic, but Michael Landon and company managed to address some serious issue throughout the series run. This season addresses racism (The Wisdom of Solomon, Injun Boy), mortality (The Hunters, Journey In The Spring) and health (To Live with Fear, Quarantine), yet, wasn’t afraid to show a sense of humor (Fred).
Little House on the Prairie: Season Three is presented on Blu-ray courtesy of Lionsgate Films in 1080p in the 1.36:1 aspect ratio. Much like the first two seasons on Blu-ray, this is a strong transfer. While there are a few specks here and there, the film elements are impressive. Colors are accurate and well saturated. Sharpness and clarity is quite good, though it suffers a bit during nighttime scenes. Close-ups also provide an impressive level of fine detail.
Like the previous Blu-ray releases, audio is delivered via a DTS- HD Master Audio 2.0 mono mix. Despite its obvious limited capabilities, it recreates the intended soundscape of the series very well. Dialogue is clean and clear throughout. There are no anomalies to report.
English SDH subtitles are included.
The following extras are available:
- The Little House Phenomenon Part Three: Casting Walnut Grove (HD, 18:50) is the third installment in the multi-part documentary that has been part of every Blu-ray release of the series so far. This one has contains interviews with some of the then child actors who were regulars in the series. There are also peeks at screen tests which are amusing to see.
- Digital Copy