Post 28:
“The Richest Man in Walnut Grove”

From 13-Year-Old Anne’s Journal —

December 7, 1982 — GOOD

“Charles is poor for some reason. Mrs. Oleson rubs it in. Mary gets a sewing job and Laura does extra chores. Laura runs out of tablet paper and Miss Beadle buys some. Charles has also found a job. Nellie says Laura’s pa smells like a dirty horse & she punches her. Mr. Oleson says Charles is the richest man in W. G.”

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From Tracy —

Once upon a time there was the O.C. But thanks to the young Anne we now have the W.G. Of course, I will start using that name occasionally from now on because it’s just too cool for school.

For me this is one of young Anne’s funniest posts. I love the very first comment — “Charles is poor for some reason.” I often felt that way as a child watching this show. How could so many bad things happen to just one family? But now that I’m an adult I have learned many times that life is damned unfair.

This episode is notable too for how much I wanted to crawl through my laptop and throttle both Harriet and Nellie — especially Harriet. Normally their comments are comedic relief but this time they go too far. To this timid, sensitive little girl, Laura’s right cross (34:35) was a thing of beauty. I still haven’t thrown a right cross but it is on my bucket list. It will happen eventually. And I’ve had boxing lessons.

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From Anne —

Yes, I remember when you did kickboxing, Tracy. Both Laura and Pa were known to throw a good left hook now and then. Note Ma’s pugnacious tone in this episode (written by Michael Landon). She’s usually takes the moral high ground, but this time she chooses to tangle with Mrs. O.

As is typical of most episodes that Landon wrote, we get both quoted bible verses and see Charles’ pecs glisten. Don’t think the shows potential female viewers weren’t high in mind when Charles is digging ditches, hoisting rocks, and sweating, well, like a horse:

For more shirtless Pa action, click here.

Not to mention that long kiss with Ma in the field. Things are heating up in W.G.!

Back to the economic theme of this episode. Did anyone catch the reference to my favorite topic, Freeganism? No money to buy coffee, tea, or sugar? Just pick some wild berries like Laura did. Free as the wind!