Divorce, Walnut Grove Style

Walnut GroveCast

Christina returns to the podcast to revisit this episode with me – I hope you enjoy it!

Divorce, Walnut Grove Style

• Season/Episode: Season 7, Episode 7
• Air Date: November 10, 1980
• Writer: Don Balluck
• Director: Michael Landon

In Little House on the Prairie’s “Divorce, Walnut Grove Style,” newlyweds Laura and Almanzo Wilder face marital strife that spirals into comedic chaos. Laura, overwhelmed as a schoolteacher, serves watery stew and neglects household chores, irking Almanzo. Their bickering escalates when Laura misinterprets a note—“My Only Love… Brenda Sue Longworth”—as proof of Almanzo’s affair with an old friend, Brenda Sue, who’s actually just celebrating her published song. Jealousy drives Laura to a public brawl with Brenda Sue and a dramatic exit to her parents’ home, fueled by Harriet Oleson’s gossip. Charles and Caroline urge reconciliation, but Laura’s stubbornness persists until Almanzo clarifies the note’s innocent meaning. The couple reconciles, vowing better communication, while Charles’ ongoing struggle with a picture window adds humor. This episode, directed by Michael Landon, blends sitcom-style misunderstandings with heartfelt lessons about trust and love in marriage.

Some Quotes chosen by me:

• “I’m doing the best that I can! Why can’t you understand that?” (Laura)
• “Because all I understand is I work hard all day, I come home to a half-cooked meal and a house I can’t sing in because you’ve turned it into a library!” (Almanzo)
• “There’s just no excuse for a husband to call his wife stupid.” (Charles)
• “You know, I just can’t get over that boy calling my daughter stupid…” (Charles)

The opening song “Albert” is written and performed by the amazing Norwegian band, Project Brundlefly and is used with permission.

Check them out at: https://www.facebook.com/ProjectBrundlefly

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