List of the Waltons episodes - wikipedia List of the Waltons episodes The following is a list of episodes and movies for the television show The Waltons. Contents 1 Series overview 2 Episodes 2.1 Pilot movie ( 1971 ) 2.2 Season 1 ( 1972 -- 73 ) 2.3 Season 2 ( 1973 -- 74 ) 2.4 Season 3 ( 1974 -- 75 ) 2.5 Season 4 ( 1975 -- 76 ) 2.6 Season 5 ( 1976 -- 77 ) 2.7 Season 6 ( 1977 -- 78 ) 2.8 Season 7 ( 1978 -- 79 ) 2.9 Season 8 ( 1979 -- 80 ) 2.10 Season 9 ( 1980 -- 81 ) 2.11 Reunion movies ( 1982 -- 97 ) 2.12 Reunion special ( 2010 ) 3 References Series overview Season Episodes Originally aired Nielsen ratings First aired Last aired Rank Rating Pilot December 19, 1971 ( 1971 - 12 - 19 ) N / A N / A 25 September 14, 1972 ( 1972 - 09 - 14 ) April 19, 1973 ( 1973 - 04 - 19 ) 19 20.6 25 September 13, 1973 ( 1973 - 09 - 13 ) March 14, 1974 ( 1974 - 03 - 14 ) 28.1 25 September 12, 1974 ( 1974 - 09 - 12 ) March 6, 1975 ( 1975 - 03 - 06 ) 8 25.5 25 September 11, 1975 ( 1975 - 09 - 11 ) March 4, 1976 ( 1976 - 03 - 04 ) 14 22.9 5 25 September 23, 1976 ( 1976 - 09 - 23 ) March 17, 1977 ( 1977 - 03 - 17 ) 15 22.3 6 26 September 15, 1977 ( 1977 - 09 - 15 ) March 30, 1978 ( 1978 - 03 - 30 ) 20 20.8 7 24 September 21, 1978 ( 1978 - 09 - 21 ) March 22, 1979 ( 1979 - 03 - 22 ) N / A N / A 8 24 September 20, 1979 ( 1979 - 09 - 20 ) March 13, 1980 ( 1980 - 03 - 13 ) N / A N / A 9 22 November 27, 1980 ( 1980 - 11 - 27 ) June 4, 1981 ( 1981 - 06 - 04 ) 30 18.6 Movies 6 February 22, 1982 ( 1982 - 02 - 22 ) April 27, 1997 ( 1997 - 04 - 27 ) N / A N / A Jump up ^ Tied with The Partridge Family and Medical Center Jump up ^ Tied with M * A * S * H Jump up ^ Tied with Little House on the Prairie Jump up ^ Tied with The ABC Sunday Night Movie Episodes Pilot movie ( 1971 ) Title Directed by Written by Original air date `` The Homecoming : A Christmas Story '' Fielder Cook Earl Hamner December 19, 1971 ( 1971 - 12 - 19 ) On Christmas Eve 1933, the Waltons prepare for the holiday. However, John Walton ( Andrew Duggan ), who was forced to take work in another part of the state, has not returned home yet, and his family is becoming increasingly worried. Note : Some of the lead actors ( excluding the children and Grandma Walton ) are different from those in the series which followed. The cast includes : Patricia Neal as Olivia, Edgar Bergen as Grandpa, William Windom as Charlie Snead, Woodrow Parfrey as Ike Godsey, and Cleavon Little as Hawthorne Dooley. Season 1 ( 1972 -- 73 ) The time is 1933 -- 34, during the Great Depression in the United States. No. in series No. in season Title Directed by Written by Original air date `` The Foundling '' Vincent Sherman John McGreevey September 14, 1972 ( 1972 - 09 - 14 ) The Waltons shelter a deaf girl ( Erica Hunton ) left on their back porch by her mother because her father insists on institutionalizing her. While they search for her family, they start teaching her sign language, which she uses to help Elizabeth when an emergency arises. `` The Carnival '' Alf Kjellin Nigel McKeand September 21, 1972 ( 1972 - 09 - 21 ) A traveling carnival comes to Walton 's Mountain, but the children choose to sacrifice the money they had saved for it so that Grandma can replace her broken glasses. When the troupe becomes stranded by their dishonest ringmaster, John and Olivia allow them to stay temporarily in their barn, and the family is rewarded with a private show. `` The Calf '' Harry Harris Jim Byrnes September 28, 1972 ( 1972 - 09 - 28 ) The Waltons ' cow gives birth to a bull calf, which John decides must be sold for truck repair money, much to his children 's disappointment. He is able to buy it back after he learns the man he sold it to ( Leonard Stone ) plans to butcher it. `` The Hunt '' Robert Butler John McGreevey October 5, 1972 ( 1972 - 10 - 05 ) John - Boy is anxious to prove himself on a turkey hunt with his father and two friends, but finds he ca n't shoot a turkey, which he equates with premeditated murder. He has no trouble killing a bear when it attacks his father. 5 5 `` The Typewriter '' Philip Leacock Theodore Apstein October 12, 1972 ( 1972 - 10 - 12 ) John - Boy borrows an antique typewriter from the Baldwin sisters so he can submit a proper manuscript to a magazine. Mary Ellen inadvertently sells the typewriter to a traveling junk dealer ( George Tobias ). Fortunately, Sheriff Bridges is able to help her track it down. 6 6 `` The Star '' Alf Kjellin John McGreevey October 19, 1972 ( 1972 - 10 - 19 ) A meteorite crashes through the roof of the Baldwin sisters ' `` Recipe '' room, which they take as some kind of sign from their dead Papa. Grandpa Walton takes it as a sign of his own impending death ; Ben takes it as a sign he will win the fourth - grade spelling bee ; and an unscrupulous relative of the sisters first plans to exploit the meteorite for financial gain, then tries to steal their `` Recipe machine ''. 7 7 `` The Sinner '' Philip Leacock John Furia, Jr. October 26, 1972 ( 1972 - 10 - 26 ) A young preacher, Matthew Fordwick ( John Ritter ), comes to Walton 's Mountain fresh from seminary, where he has learned the currently - popular fire and brimstone style of preaching. He happens to be a Baldwin relative, and after a visit succumbs to the effects of their `` Recipe ''. His tee - totaler church superior fires him, but after he humbly apologizes to John - Boy for his hypocrisy, Grandpa and John convince the congregation to look at the forgiving side of the gospel and accept him. 8 8 `` The Boy From the C.C.C. '' Harry Harris William Welch November 2, 1972 ( 1972 - 11 - 02 ) A troubled teenager from Hell 's Kitchen, Manhattan whose father was murdered by a gangster runs away from the Civilian Conservation Corps to Walton 's Mountain. The Waltons take him in and teach him that he can trust some people and he does n't have to fight ( literally ) for everything he gets. 9 9 `` The Ceremony '' Vincent Sherman Nigel McKeand November 9, 1972 ( 1972 - 11 - 09 ) A Jewish Nazi - refugee family moves to Walton 's Mountain from Germany. Expecting to find similar antisemitism in America, the bitter, distrustful father, Professor Mann, chooses to protect his family by hiding their faith, and cancels plans for his son 's impending bar mitzvah. The paranoid couple rebuff the Waltons ' every attempt at visitation. John - Boy discovers the family secret, and helps the boy find a rabbi, while the others open their home for the ceremony. Grandpa convinces the father not to deny his faith, and to honor his son by attending. 10 10 `` The Legend '' Lee Philips John McGreevey November 16, 1972 ( 1972 - 11 - 16 ) John 's World War I buddy ( Jim Antonio ) visits, but after he accidentally sets a grass fire for which Jason is blamed, and wounds the family dog on a hunting trip, John discovers his friend has not put away the horrors of the war and gotten on with his life. 11 11 `` The Literary Man '' Philip Leacock Colley Cibber November 30, 1972 ( 1972 - 11 - 30 ) A.J. Covington ( David Huddleston ), a wandering, well - read man claiming to be a writer, comes to Walton 's Mountain, befriends John - Boy and helps him with his writing. But A.J. must come to terms with the fact that, after an initial success, he has spent most of his life in search of `` the big story '', but has avoided actual writing for fear of failure. John - Boy begins to back away from writing as well when he thinks it is interfering with the needs of his family and causes him to shirk his duties for a lumber contract, but A.J. encourages him to find value in writing about the little things, which could very well comprise `` the big story '', now thinking about settling down on the mountain. Meanwhile, Jim - Bob is stricken with appendicitis, and though his surgery is successful, his family is left with a steep bill. A.J. decides to lend them the money he received from pawning his treasured musical watch to Ike and moves on once more, leaving them a farewell letter signed `` Andy '', who only his closest friends may call him by. 12 12 `` The Dust Bowl Cousins '' Robert Butler Paul Savage December 7, 1972 ( 1972 - 12 - 07 ) John 's cousin and her family seek refuge in Walton 's Mountain after losing their Kansas farm to the Dust Bowl, but her husband has developed a bad attitude toward misfortune and taught their son that the world owes them something. 13 13 `` The Reunion '' Jack Shea Earl Hamner December 14, 1972 ( 1972 - 12 - 14 ) The Baldwin sisters plan to hold a family reunion when their cousin Homer ( Denver Pyle ) visits, but Homer runs off with their batch of over 100 jars of the `` Recipe '' intended for the reunion, planning to sell it in Charlottesville ; then all of the invitations return because the addressees are either dead or unlocatable. The Waltons make up for the failed reunion with a family visit to cheer the disappointed sisters. 14 14 `` The Minstrel '' Philip Leacock John Furia, Jr. December 21, 1972 ( 1972 - 12 - 21 ) A young wandering musician visits the Mountain. Mary Ellen plans to run away with him, thinking that she is in love with him and that he will help her fulfill her dreams of travel and adventure. She learns a hard lesson when he tells her he wo n't be `` tied down '' by anybody and leaves without her. 15 15 `` The Actress '' Vincent Sherman William Bast January 4, 1973 ( 1973 - 01 - 04 ) Alvira Drummond ( Pippa Scott ), a famous stage and screen actress, is relegated to staying at the Walton home after her car breaks down in Walton 's Mountain. Contrary to the front she puts up, she is out of work and money after her agent tired of dealing with her prima donna attitude. After she learns a humbling lesson, the Waltons help her regain her confidence, then organize a town performance to help her raise money for a train ticket back to New York. 16 16 `` The Fire '' Harry Harris Earl Hamner January 11, 1973 ( 1973 - 01 - 11 ) After learning that schoolteacher Miss Hunter is teaching evolution to his daughter, a religious fanatic breaks into the Baldwins ' and steals some Recipe, then gets drunk and beats his daughter. He then uses the remaining Recipe to burn down the school, killing himself in the process. Ike Godsey lets Miss Hunter use some extra space in his store for temporary classrooms until the county can build a new school. Olivia contacts the girl 's mother, who had earlier run away from her abusive husband, and the woman returns to look after her daughter. 17 17 `` The Love Story '' Lee Philips Earl Hamner January 18, 1973 ( 1973 - 01 - 18 ) Jenny Pendleton ( Sian Barbara Allen ), whose mother died years ago, runs away from her father and new stepmother, back to her deserted house in Walton 's Mountain. Jenny and John - Boy meet and fall deeply in love, but she is soon traumatized by her father 's sudden accidental death, and ultimately moves away with the stepmother. 18 18 `` The Courtship '' Harry Harris Jeb Rosebrook January 25, 1973 ( 1973 - 01 - 25 ) Olivia 's uncle, Cody Nelson ( Eduard Franz ), visits. He is a bank accountant near retirement, but put out of work by the bank closings. They attempt to cheer him up by introducing him to a lively, spirited local widow, whom he courts. Afraid to commit to her upon learning of her four marriages ( including a divorce ), he finally resolves to ask her to marry him. The Reverend Fordwick performs the ceremony at the Waltons ', and the couple remain happily married for life. 19 19 `` The Gypsies '' Harry Harris Paul Savage February 1, 1973 ( 1973 - 02 - 01 ) A gypsy family stranded in Walton 's Mountain during a thunderstorm with a broken wagon, break into the Baldwins ' for shelter. The Waltons allow them to temporarily camp on their property so Grandma can tend -- successfully -- to their sick baby. 20 20 `` The Deed '' Vincent Sherman James Menzies February 8, 1973 ( 1973 - 02 - 08 ) When a lumber company tries to claim the Mountain, the family discovers that their ancestors never filed for legal title to their land. They must raise $200 to obtain the deed, forcing the entire family to chip in. Against his father 's wishes, John - Boy decides to take time off from school to work in the city of Wheeling. On payday, he is robbed of his week 's pay by two men while leaving a tavern. He encounters the same pair a few days later and asks a nearby policeman to arrest them. 21 21 `` The Scholar '' Lee Philips John McGreevey February 22, 1973 ( 1973 - 02 - 22 ) Verdie Grant asks John - Boy to teach her how to read and write, on the condition that he keep it a strict secret. She is motivated by the desire to travel to Richmond to see her youngest daughter Sarah graduate from college. A misunderstanding causes Verdie to assume John - Boy betrayed her confidence, and she angrily stops the lessons, despite his attempt to explain. She relents after she has to ask him to read Sarah 's letter to her, which implores her to come to the graduation. She completes the lessons and makes the trip to Richmond, becoming a good Walton family friend. 22 22 `` The Bicycle '' Alf Kjellin Nigel McKeand March 1, 1973 ( 1973 - 03 - 01 ) Frustrated with the burden of her domestic obligations, Olivia buys a used bicycle, which awakens some of her dormant dreams as she starts singing in the church choir again. Meanwhile, John - Boy helps blacksmith Curtis Norton ( Ned Beatty ) woo a `` mail - order bride '' by ghost - writing letters for him. When the city - raised girl arrives with big dreams, she becomes disillusioned with Curtis ' bucolic ways, becomes angry when she discovers John - Boy wrote the letters, and cancels the engagement. Olivia 's experience reminds her that dreams do n't always work out, and do n't replace the benefits of family. She convinces the girl to accept Curtis and loans her the bicycle to go after him. 23 23 `` The Townie '' Jack Shea Richard Fielder March 8, 1973 ( 1973 - 03 - 08 ) John - Boy 's friend Sarah Jane Simmonds ( Sissy Spacek ) wants to marry him to escape her strict, overprotective mother, but he rejects the idea. She then secretly dates a `` townie '', a spoiled rich boy named Theodore `` Ted '' Albert Claypool Jr. ( Nicholas Hammond ), who drives a LaSalle coupe, and exasperates John - Boy by expressing admiration for John Dillinger. He steals money and a gun from his father, and takes Sarah Jane off to Maryland to elope. John - Boy pursues them and finds them both injured outside the overturned LaSalle. Ted pulls the gun on John - Boy and tries to take the Walton truck, until John and Ted 's father show up. 24 25 24 25 `` An Easter Story '' Philip Leacock Teleplay by : John McGreevey Story by : Earl Hamner April 19, 1973 ( 1973 - 04 - 19 ) In a two - hour special, Olivia is stricken with polio after returning from church in February. When pain and fatigue turn into numbness and paralysis, she faces the prospect of permanent disability with courage, encouraging her children to fulfill their dreams. While John - Boy checks into applying to the University of Virginia, he takes the opportunity to seek out a doctor who specializes in the treatment of polio, having contracted it himself once. He tells John - Boy of an unorthodox, experimental treatment to fight the paralysis. Olivia tries the exercises, against the realistic / pessimistic advice of the local doctor. They at first give her hope of recovery by Easter, but then she becomes discouraged and resigns herself to life in a wheelchair when they ultimately do n't work. But shortly before Easter, she dreams that Elizabeth calls out to her for help, and she gets up out of bed. She attends the Easter sunrise service with her family, celebrating the apparent miracle. In 2009, TV Guide ranked this episode # 77 on its list of the 100 Greatest Episodes. Season 2 ( 1973 -- 74 ) The year is 1934, during the Great Depression. No. in series No. in season Title Directed by Written by Original air date 26 `` The Journey '' Harry Harris Nigel McKeand September 13, 1973 ( 1973 - 09 - 13 ) Maggie McKenzie ( Linda Watkins ), an elderly neighbor in failing health, asks John - Boy to take her to Virginia Beach but he has plans instead to take a girl to a dance. He finally breaks his date and takes Mrs. McKenzie to the shore, where she relives memories of her honeymoon. 27 `` The Odyssey '' Jack Shea Joanna Lee September 20, 1973 ( 1973 - 09 - 20 ) Needing some alone time, John - Boy hikes up the mountain to a deserted cabin, and there finds his friend Sarah Jane Simmons ( Sissy Spacek ) hiding, nine months pregnant. She has run away from a well - to - do family in which her mother had placed her, on the promise that they would educate her. But they were only interested in using her as their servant, so she ran away and married a young man who has gone looking for work with the Works Progress Administration. John - Boy and Sarah are stranded by a rainstorm, and he must deliver the baby. 28 `` The Separation '' Philip Leacock Teleplay by : Richard Carr Story by : Ellen Corby September 27, 1973 ( 1973 - 09 - 27 ) The Waltons ' electric power is shut off when they are unable to pay the bill. Sent to buy candles, Grandpa Zeb comes up with a better solution : he offers to do a house repair job for the Baldwin sisters, for cash and the use of their car to pay the bill in Charlottesville. They accept, provided he takes them with him. Worried sick, jealous and angry when he is gone all day, Esther refuses to listen to his explanation. Zeb leaves the house, sleeping on the pool table in Ike Godsey 's store. Zeb and Esther 's pride escalates to the point that he talks of leaving her for good, until Olivia suggests Grandma attend the upcoming square dance, where the caller is Zeb 's old rival for her affection. 29 `` The Theft '' Harry Harris Robert Malcolm Young October 4, 1973 ( 1973 - 10 - 04 ) A wealthy widow accuses John Sr. of stealing some family silver after he has done a repair job for her. He suspiciously has come into some extra money, and refuses to say where he got it because he has sold his wedding ring to a pawn shop. It turns out the family 's son has actually taken and sold the silver, hiding from his mother the fact that their wealth is gone. 30 5 `` The Roots '' Philip Leacock Sheldon Stark October 11, 1973 ( 1973 - 10 - 11 ) Harley Foster, an unemployed auto mechanic turned migrant worker, comes to the mountain with his young son Jody with whom he has been traveling the country. They sleep in the Waltons ' barn. Verdie Grant takes a great interest in him and the boy, and asks John - Boy to play matchmaker. After Harley repairs the Waltons ' car, John - Boy gets Ike Godsey to hire Harley as a mechanic. Jody longs to settle down, and Verdie wants him to go to school. But Harley will have none of it, and angrily decides to leave immediately. In desperation, the boy steals some money from Ike 's till so that Harley will be arrested and have to stay put. After Jody confesses, Harley changes his mind, apologizes to Verdie, and stays in Walton 's Mountain. 31 6 `` The Chicken Thief '' Ralph Senensky Richard Carr October 18, 1973 ( 1973 - 10 - 18 ) John - Boy faces a dilemma when he sees Yancy Tucker ( Robert Donner ) steal two chickens ; if he remains silent, the law considers him complicit. Yancy has been playing Robin Hood, giving the chickens to people worse off. He promises to return the chickens so that John - Boy is off the hook, and as he does so, the chickens ' owner is shot in the leg. Now Yancy is in jail, until John Sr. figures out that the chicken farmer accidentally shot himself. 32 7 `` The Prize '' Philip Leacock Dale Eunson October 25, 1973 ( 1973 - 10 - 25 ) Olivia 's childhood sweetheart Oscar Cockrell ( Peter Donat ) comes to visit. He is a politician running for the state legislature, and unhappily married. The Waltons go to the county fair, and Oscar is one of the judges. Olivia wins a five dollar first prize for her cake, and Ben loans his pig, given to him by Yancy Tucker, for the greased pig contest. The farmer who catches the pig ( Dana Elcar ) recognizes it as one of his own from its earmark, and demands either the pig back, or five dollars. Oscar wants to pay the money for Olivia, but she gives Ben her prize money. 33 8 `` The Braggart '' Jack Shea Richard Fielder November 1, 1973 ( 1973 - 11 - 01 ) Hobbie Shank, ( Michael McGreevey ) a teenage orphan, stays with the Waltons for a while. John - Boy begins to dislike him, as his charming talkative banter keeps the Walton girls from their chores. Hobbie 's skill at baseball attracts talent scouts and a chance at the big leagues, until an accidental fall threatens his future. 34 9 `` The Fawn '' Ralph Waite John McGreevey November 8, 1973 ( 1973 - 11 - 08 ) In the first of several episodes directed by Ralph Waite, Erin finds an orphaned baby deer in the woods and intends to keep it as a pet, which the law does n't permit. As soon as they return the fawn to the woods, a pair of poachers are caught shooting it, so Erin gets to keep it a bit longer while it recovers. The game warden offers Erin a compromise : instead of releasing it into the wild, he can put it in a wildlife preserve where she can visit it. She finally understands releasing it is best. In a parallel story, John - Boy gets a job as rent collector for a local landlord, and learns the man is dishonorable and miserly. His rents are higher than many tenants can pay in full, and he refuses to make needed repairs. He refuses to pay John - Boy 's five percent commission since the shortfall in collections exceeds this, and fires him. John - Boy recovers his commission by making the repairs with Jason, and gives the man his change. 35 36 10 11 `` The Thanksgiving Story '' Philip Leacock Teleplay by : Joanna Lee Story by : Earl Hamner November 15, 1973 ( 1973 - 11 - 15 ) In another two - hour special, Jenny Pendleton ( Sian Barbara Allen ) returns for a visit with her stepmother. John - Boy is hit on the head by a plank while working the saw mill. He conceals his dizziness and blurred vision because he wants to take an entrance exam for Boatwright University, but he can not finish it. He has an operation to remove a blood clot from his brain. After the operation, Miss Hunter persuades the college to allow him to re-take the exam and he is accepted, winning a scholarship. 37 12 `` The Substitute '' Lee Philips John McGreevey November 22, 1973 ( 1973 - 11 - 22 ) When Miss Hunter is called away because of a family emergency, the school board ( on which John sits ) hires a substitute teacher ( Catherine Burns ), who travels from New York City to fill in. The young woman has excellent teaching credentials, but lacks interpersonal skills and, staying at the Waltons ' house, eats her meals alone in her locked room. She counsels John - Boy not to write so emotionally. Her strict teaching style is so insensitive to individual children 's needs, that many of them refuse to go to school. John is appointed to resolve the issue with her, but she resigns. Olivia convinces her not to distance herself from people, and she changes her methods. When she leaves, the children are sorry to see her go. 38 13 `` The Bequest '' Alf Kjellin Mort Thaw November 29, 1973 ( 1973 - 11 - 29 ) Grandma receives a letter informing her that an old friend has died and bequeathed her $250, which she decides to share with the family and church. The family uses John - Boy 's current college fund to replace the broken water heater, since Grandma has promised to replace the fund. But then another letter comes, with the news that the deceased woman 's medical debts exceed her assets, so the bequest can not be honored. Grandma is ashamed and afraid to face John - Boy, until he tells her that he loves her no matter what. 39 14 `` The Air Mail Man '' Robert Butler Peter L. Dixon & Sarah Dixon December 13, 1973 ( 1973 - 12 - 13 ) The evening before Olivia 's birthday, an air mail pilot ( Michael Glaser ) is forced to make an emergency landing in the Walton 's pasture, and stays the night with them until he can fix his plane. He hides the fact that he has run away from his pregnant wife, until she comes looking for him. After discussing his fears of fatherhood with John, he decides not to leave her, and gives Olivia a short ride in his plane before returning to his wife. 40 15 `` The Triangle '' Lee Philips Lionel E. Siegel December 20, 1973 ( 1973 - 12 - 20 ) John - Boy 's teacher, Miss Hunter, meets with him to critique an essay he is writing about a special person in his life, but does not realize he is actually writing about her. Meanwhile, Rev. Fordwick starts regularly dating Miss Hunter and takes her to the community picnic, making John - Boy hurt and jealous. 41 16 `` The Awakening '' Lee Philips Joanna Lee January 3, 1974 ( 1974 - 01 - 03 ) Growing pains cause havoc on Walton 's Mountain. Grandma 's upset as her 68th birthday approaches, qualifying her for an `` Old Age '' pension, and she frustrates everyone by refusing to get help for dizziness and a hearing problem. John - Boy craves private, quiet space for an office in an attached cabin, but Mary Ellen is told she can use the same space as her bedroom. A visiting college boy Mary Ellen encounters at the lake, plunges her into confusion when he kisses her, despite being several years older. 42 17 `` The Honeymoon '' Jack Shea John McGreevey January 10, 1974 ( 1974 - 01 - 10 ) John takes Olivia on a belated honeymoon. 43 18 `` The Heritage '' Harry Harris Dale Eunson January 17, 1974 ( 1974 - 01 - 17 ) A mysterious stranger ( Noah Beery ) comes and samples the Waltons ' hot spring water, then returns to offer John $5,000 to sell the mountain, claiming he wants to retire on it, but John is unwilling. Later, the man admits he represents developers who want to build a tourist resort on the mountain, and increases the offer to $25,000. Now John leans toward accepting it, thinking they can keep the house. Even though his ancestors are buried on the mountain, John knows the money will greatly benefit his family, especially for John - Boy 's education. When the man returns to close the deal, he raises the offer to $30,000, informing them the developers want to remove the house, and offer John a job as a hunting / fishing guide. After much anguish, he finally decides his family 's heritage must n't be sold. 44 19 `` The Gift '' Ralph Senensky Teleplay by : Carol Evan McKeand Story by : Ray Goldrup & Jack Hanrahan January 24, 1974 ( 1974 - 01 - 24 ) Jason 's close friend Seth Turner ( Ron Howard ), who shares his love for music, carves a recorder from an apple tree branch Jason gives him, and offers to teach Jason how to play it. He learns that he has been stricken with leukemia and has only a year to live. Jason, and Seth 's mother, take it extremely hard, but after the initial shock, Seth and his father resolve to make the most of the time he has remaining. Seth carves Jason 's name in the recorder and gives it to him to remember him by. 45 20 `` The Cradle '' Ralph Senensky Joanna Lee January 31, 1974 ( 1974 - 01 - 31 ) Olivia is pregnant for the eighth time, and fears bringing another child into the world during the Depression. Elizabeth at first is unhappy to learn she wo n't be the baby anymore, especially after being taunted about it by Jim - Bob ; but then looks forward to a baby sister. But it is not to be when Olivia miscarries. 46 21 `` The Fulfillment '' Nick Webster Michael Russnow & Tony Kayden February 7, 1974 ( 1974 - 02 - 07 ) The Waltons bring home Stevie, a troubled young orphan, to stay with them temporarily. Meanwhile, Ann, the wife of town blacksmith Curtis Norton ( Victor French ), is told she will not be able to bear children. She stays in denial of this, as Curtis and Stevie take a liking to each other. Olivia does n't want to force the idea of adoption on Ann, but John - Boy tells Ann that love is n't like money, in that one ca n't save it up for the future. She changes her mind, and the Nortons adopt Stevie. 47 22 `` The Ghost Story '' Ralph Waite Nigel McKeand February 14, 1974 ( 1974 - 02 - 14 ) The Waltons bring Luke, a boy whose mother he loved very much has died, into their home while Ike gives John - Boy a `` spirit board '', which his writer 's curiosity leads him to investigate. As he and the children play with it in several sessions, the `` spirit '' apparently delivers the fragmentary message `` Luke... must not... '' A series of circumstances then seem to conspire to prevent the family from getting Luke on a train to go to his father. Then they hear on the radio that a serious accident has derailed the train. 48 23 `` The Graduation '' Alf Kjellin Lionel E. Siegel February 21, 1974 ( 1974 - 02 - 21 ) John - Boy 's high school graduation finally approaches and the family buys him a new suit for the occasion. After the family 's beloved cow Chance dies, John - Boy sells the suit back, despite his father 's strenuous objection, to give him the cash to replace the cow. Grandma and Olivia replace the suit by altering the tweed suit Grandpa was saving for his burial. 49 24 `` The Five Foot Shelf '' Ralph Waite John Hawkins March 7, 1974 ( 1974 - 03 - 07 ) When a traveling salesman comes selling the 50 - volume set of Harvard Classics, Olivia makes a $3.00 down payment, since they will replace some of John - Boy 's required college books, and help satisfy her occasional desire for adventure. She also allows the salesman to stay in the barn. But instead of ordering the books, he uses the money to buy his daughter a doll from Ike 's store. When John and John - Boy figure out his deception, John demands the money back, but decides to just banish him and write it off as a lesson learned when he sees how desperation has overridden the man 's ethics and sense of pride. The man 's conscience finally wins out : he persuades Ike to buy the doll back and returns the money to the Waltons. After this, Olivia decides to still buy the books. 50 25 `` The Car '' Philip Leacock Chris Andrews March 14, 1974 ( 1974 - 03 - 14 ) John - Boy looks to buy a car which he will need to get to college. On a tip, he offers to repair the storm damage to the home of a reclusive couple ( Ed Lauter and Bonnie Bartlett ) in exchange for the beautiful car they keep in their garage. The man grudgingly accepts, but proves unwilling to part with the car because it belonged to his son, who is dead. After his wife threatens to leave him, and John - Boy gets him to talk about his son, he relents. Season 3 ( 1974 -- 75 ) The time is 1934 -- 35, during the Great Depression. No. in series No. in season Title Directed by Written by Original air date 51 52 `` The Conflict '' Ralph Senensky Jeb Rosebrook September 12, 1974 ( 1974 - 09 - 12 ) In a two - hour episode, the family visits some of their hill - folk kin, the family of Grandpa 's sister - in - law : Martha Corinne ( Beulah Bondi ), her son Boone ( Morgan Woodward ), and married grandson Wade ( Richard Hatch ). They are being forced off of their property by a Civilian Conservation Corps project to build a national park and federal highway. Grandpa supports them in their determination to take up arms against the government if necessary to defend Walton land, which puts him at odds with John - Boy. John tries with the help of Virginia senator Lucas Avery ( Paul Fix ) to appeal the state 's decision to displace the family, but is unsuccessful. Martha Corinne finally relents when a marshal shoots John - Boy in the side. 53 `` The First Day '' Philip Leacock John McGreevey September 19, 1974 ( 1974 - 09 - 19 ) The whole family is excited about John - Boy 's first day at Boatwright College, but hazing from older boys and bureaucratic red tape make it less than idyllic. Back on the mountain, Jason is finding it hard to step into John - Boy 's shoes at school and at home. 54 `` The Thoroughbred '' Harry Harris Michael Russnow & Tony Kayden September 26, 1974 ( 1974 - 09 - 26 ) John - Boy enters his mule, Blue, in a local race which Grandpa was the last Walton to win, and finds himself in competition with one of his wealthy classmates, who not only enters a thoroughbred horse in the race, but competes with him for the attentions of a female student, Selina, ( Kathleen Quinlan ), the granddaughter of the race 's sponsor. John - Boy narrowly wins the race, and learns a lesson in good sportsmanship. 55 5 `` The Runaway '' Harry Harris Teleplay by : Larry Bischof Story by : Carol Evan McKeand and Larry Bischof October 3, 1974 ( 1974 - 10 - 03 ) When the class guinea pig dies in his care, Jim - Bob ca n't get anyone to listen to his distress, so he runs away from home. John - Boy misses a lecture by a famous travel writer to help look for him, but a chance encounter puts a positive spin on the day for the brothers. 56 6 `` The Romance '' Ivan Dixon Hindi Brooks October 10, 1974 ( 1974 - 10 - 10 ) John - Boy teaches Olivia to drive so she can fulfill a dream by taking an evening art class at college. She finds herself in a dilemma when the young male teacher becomes romantically attracted to her and makes advances during the class 's field trip to a museum. He later comes to their home to apologize to her and John Sr. 57 7 `` The Ring '' Philip Leacock Nigel McKeand October 17, 1974 ( 1974 - 10 - 17 ) Mary Ellen is invited to a Boatwright dance by one of John - Boy 's classmates. She buys a handbag from the local junk dealer, and finds an amethyst ring concealed inside it. Even though she knows who the handbag 's owner is, she rationalizes that she can borrow the ring for the dance and return it later. She loses the ring in the ladies ' room at the dance. John - Boy 's girlfriend helps her retrieve it, at the cost of breaking university rules, which denies her eligibility in a prestigious sorority. Mary Ellen clears her conscience by returning the ring to its owner. 58 8 `` The System '' Harry Harris Jeb Rosebrook October 24, 1974 ( 1974 - 10 - 24 ) John - Boy tutors Tom Povich ( Richard Masur ), a football player who wants to become a lawyer, for an important exam as he is at risk of failing history and losing his athletic scholarship. During the exam, John - Boy finds Tom in a moment of insecurity glancing at his neighbor 's test paper. The school 's honor code and his good conscience demand that John - Boy, reluctantly, turn him in, but he successfully defends his friend against expulsion. In the subplot, Jason catches Ben smoking cigarettes and tells Grandpa, who sets out to tactfully teach Ben a lesson about the bad habit. 59 9 `` The Spoilers '' Jack Shea Caryl Ledner October 31, 1974 ( 1974 - 10 - 31 ) After losing money in the financial crash, the well - to - do and snobby Hanover family from New York City move onto Walton 's Mountain to take over their abandoned ancestral home. John and Olivia try to teach the idealistic Mr. Hanover and his wife farm living skills, but the spoiled and fresh children quickly make enemies within the Waltons and their school friends. Before the family finally leaves, the Hanover daughter gives Mary Ellen a stylish, turbaned dress from Paris. 60 10 `` The Marathon '' Ralph Senensky Nigel McKeand November 7, 1974 ( 1974 - 11 - 07 ) On a whim, John - Boy decides to enter a seven - day dance marathon after meeting Daisy, a young woman who also enters. Olivia is angry about him entering such a grueling event, but eventually comes to terms with the fact that he is becoming an adult, responsible for taking care of himself. John - Boy discovers how brutally the marathon organizers treat the dancers, and how desperate Daisy is to win the prize money so she can leave Virginia for big - city life. Halfway through, he finally decides to quit. 61 11 `` The Book '' Harry Harris Joseph Bonaduce November 14, 1974 ( 1974 - 11 - 14 ) John - Boy stretches himself academically by taking an advanced writing class, but soon gets the feeling he 's gotten himself in too deep. Meanwhile, his mother sees an advertisement for a publishing company looking for new authors, and gives them a sample of his work. They send a letter offering to publish him, with a contract which he signs over his father 's warning. Since he is now a `` published author '', he gets a slightly swelled head in his writing class, and his professor sets up a radio interview in his class. John - Boy learns a hard lesson when he receives a bill with his delivered books ; the company is a vanity press. He is ashamed, but decides to share the lesson he 's learned with the interviewer ( Gerald McRaney ). In a subplot, Jason 's musical talents are discovered by the agent of Bobby Bigelow, a modestly famous Virginia native country singer, who hires him to play in his band. 62 12 `` The Job '' Ivan Dixon Nigel McKeand November 21, 1974 ( 1974 - 11 - 21 ) John - Boy takes a part - time job reading to a young blind woman named Ruth, a former Boatwright student. He has reservations about keeping it when he learns how bitter, closed and afraid of the world Ruth has become from her disability and the recent death of her father. When he ca n't take it anymore, he leaves in anger, causing Ruth to reconsider her attitude. She decides to accept his invitation to come to Walton 's Mountain, and Olivia prepares a family picnic at Drucilla 's Pond. On the way home, Elizabeth foolishly walks on the bridge rail and falls onto the riverbank, knocking herself unconscious, and Ruth, all by herself, tries to rescue her. Ruth takes some training at an institute for the blind, returns to Boatwright and becomes a state social worker. 63 13 `` The Departure '' Ivan Dixon Joanna Lee December 5, 1974 ( 1974 - 12 - 05 ) It 's John Sr 's turn to become restless, deciding to take a job in a machine shop in Norfolk, 90 miles from Walton 's Mountain ( in reality it 's twice that distance ), planning to return on weekends. This frustrates Olivia to the point of anger, and his absence is felt by the entire family, including John - Boy, who is encountering some academic problems at Boatwright. John finds he has to work overtime the first weekend, and has to contend with a jealous, bitter fellow worker and boarder named Stavros. When John - Boy drives to visit his father, John takes him to the local bar, where they end up in a fight with a stranger. John finally comes to his senses, and returns home with his son. 64 14 `` The Visitor '' Ralph Waite Kathleen Hite December 12, 1974 ( 1974 - 12 - 12 ) An old neighbor ( John Beal ) who moved away five years earlier returns to his abandoned house, saying his wife will be coming soon. The Walton women and a friend clean up the house in anticipation of her return. But then the man 's son arrives with the news that his mother died two years ago and his father has not accepted this. Also, Elizabeth has an imaginary friend. 65 15 `` The Birthday '' Ivan Dixon Nancy Greenwald December 19, 1974 ( 1974 - 12 - 19 ) As his 73rd birthday nears, Grandpa has a heart attack. The family struggles to keep up his spirits, finally calling on his love for the mountain to help him recover. Against the hospital staff 's advice, they insist on taking Grandpa home to recuperate in a private cabin in the backyard, which proves therapeutic. 66 16 `` The Lie '' Jack Shea Hindi Brooks January 2, 1975 ( 1975 - 01 - 02 ) Ben borrows John - Boy 's car to take his girlfriend Nancy to a secret meeting with her mother who left home several years ago. Nancy swears Ben to secrecy because she is afraid of her embittered father finding out. The good deed gets Ben into serious trouble when a joyrider temporarily steals the car and has a hit - and - run accident, and the victim records the license number. John - Boy pieces together what happened, and convinces Ben to come clean. The girl tells her father about the meeting, and John Sr. makes him realize he was afraid of losing his daughter, but that he has no need to fear of her contacts with her mother. 67 17 `` The Matchmakers '' Jack Shea John McGreevey January 9, 1975 ( 1975 - 01 - 09 ) John 's unmarried cousin Corabeth Walton comes for an extended visit after the death of her mother. The family introduces her to Ike Godsey, who takes a liking to her and decides he is tired of the bachelor life. He takes her, John and Olivia to a first - class restaurant, and surprises John by proposing to Corabeth, and she accepts, despite her own reservations. Ike is enthusiastic about their future together, but Corabeth is prim and reserved. When they both get `` cold feet '', John and Olivia must separately counsel and encourage them to proceed with the wedding. Reverend Fordwick marries them. Meanwhile Erin, as the family 's `` middle girl '', feels neglected and unnoticed, so John - Boy treats her to a photographic portrait session. 68 18 `` The Beguiled '' Ralph Senensky Kathleen Hite January 16, 1975 ( 1975 - 01 - 16 ) John - Boy is `` beguiled '' by Sis Branford ( Darleen Carr ), a rich, spoiled Boatwright student who almost has a traffic accident with him, ruining one of his tires. She also steals his chemistry notebook, which he desperately needs to pass an exam. She flirts and makes up with him, and he invites her home. She brings him a new tire but frames Jim - Bob 's friend Danny Comley ( Willie Aames ) for the notebook theft. John - Boy realizes she 's only been using him as a plaything and he tells her off. 69 19 `` The Caretakers '' Ivan Dixon Richard Carr January 23, 1975 ( 1975 - 01 - 23 ) Grandpa and Grandma feel cut off and disrespected by the family, and decide to move away to be temporary caretakers of another farmhouse. Without Grandpa 's labor, John is forced to hire a mill hand, who proves clumsy and incompetent. After the grandparents encounter problems with the malfunctioning cookstove, radio, clock, and sink ( not to mention lacking transportation ), Grandpa finally swallows his pride and agrees that they can move back, to the relief of all the Waltons. 70 20 `` The Shivaree '' Lee Philips Max Hodge January 30, 1975 ( 1975 - 01 - 30 ) The family hosts the wedding of Olivia 's namesake, the orphaned daughter of a friend, to Bob Hill ( Bruce Davison ), a city boy from Richmond. Ike and Yancy plan a shivaree, a Blue Ridge tradition based on an old French - Canadian hazing ritual where the groom is kidnapped and left in the woods on the wedding night. After John - Boy explains this to Bob, who has little sense of humor and wants nothing to do with it, he and his father leave a message for Ike and Yancy, who are off on a hunting trim, warning them to cancel the hazing, but they do n't get it in time and carry it out. Bob is so upset he tells his bride he thinks the wedding was a mistake, but the family fixes up the old cabin on top of the mountain as a honeymoon cottage and he relents. Ike and Yancy cause some tension by showing up again, but their intent now is only to serenade the young couple. 71 21 `` The Choice '' Alf Kjellin Nancy Greenwald February 6, 1975 ( 1975 - 02 - 06 ) Believing the Depression will soon end, John and Zebulon have plans to expand the lumber business into `` Walton and Sons '', depending on Jason to be a major partner. But Miss Hunter ( Mariclare Costello ) has been encouraging Jason to develop his musical talents with professional lessons, and John - Boy to expand his writing skills by writing a novel. John - Boy is not so sure he is ready to write a novel, but Jason gets a piano teacher, who advises him to apply for a scholarship at a music conservatory. Jason wants to be a composer like George Gershwin. John is firmly opposed, believing Jason wo n't be able to earn a living with music. When he finally changes his mind and decides he wants his children to achieve their own life goals, John - Boy gets the inspiration to write the novel about his family. 72 22 `` The Statue '' Ralph Waite Teleplay by : Earl Hamner Story by : Sumner Long February 13, 1975 ( 1975 - 02 - 13 ) Grandpa wins first prize in the church raffle : a statue of a young woman, donated by the Baldwin sisters. The statue is inspired by Edgar Allan Poe 's poem Annabel Lee, but bears an uncanny resemblance to Grandpa 's old girlfriend. Grandma recognizes it too, which causes a bit of strife. Grandpa decides to use it to decorate his and Grandma 's grave, but she says she 'd rather be buried in the cow pasture, so Grandpa relents and has the children dump it in Drucilla 's Pond. One of John - Boy 's stories, a thinly veiled and somewhat unflattering portrayal of the Baldwin sisters, has been accepted for publication, but he must decide if publishing it would be worth the hurt it would cause to Miss Mamie and Miss Emily. 73 23 `` The Song '' Richard Thomas Teleplay by : Richard Carr and Armand Lanzano Story by : Richard Carr February 20, 1975 ( 1975 - 02 - 20 ) Ben and Jason 's relationship is strained when Ben suggests Jason hire a girl who Ben likes, Sally Ann ( Erin Moran ), to sing his new song with him in Bobby Bigelow 's band. The plan backfires on Ben when Sally falls for Jason instead. Ben sulks and refuses to join the family at the performance, but listens to it on the radio. But Sally dedicates the song to Ben, which causes him to hurriedly come to the performance and make up with her. The song, Will You Be Mine ?, was actually written by Jon Walmsley ( Jason ). Meanwhile, John and Zeb join other local men for a wagered tournament of pool at Ike 's store, to the disapproval of their wives. 74 24 `` The Woman '' Harvey S. Laidman Hindi Brooks February 27, 1975 ( 1975 - 02 - 27 ) John and Olivia plan a repeat ceremony for their 20th wedding anniversary, and John buys Olivia a dress for the occasion. The children together paint a large picture of their house and family, as a surprise gift to their parents. Meanwhile John - Boy is assigned to welcome and escort around a comely visiting poet he had admired, during her several days at Boatright University. He becomes giddy and infatuated, impulsively packs his bags, and almost accompanies her back on the train to New York, finally coming to his senses only as she boards the train. 75 25 `` The Venture '' Ralph Waite Joseph Bonaduce March 6, 1975 ( 1975 - 03 - 06 ) Things are looking up on the mountain, and the Waltons take a $500 loan from the bank to buy some faster equipment for the mill. When Grandpa and then John Sr. fall ill, the family faces missed deadlines and may lose their home. John - Boy pushes himself and everyone else too hard trying to keep up. Eventually he and Jason decide they must give up their dreams of college, to instead work and help the family, until the community comes to their aid. Season 4 ( 1975 -- 76 ) The time is 1935 -- 36, during the Great Depression. No. in series No. in season Title Directed by Written by Original air date 76 `` The Sermon '' Harry Harris Kathleen Hite September 11, 1975 ( 1975 - 09 - 11 ) John - Boy is coaxed into preaching a sermon while Reverend Fordwick is away on his honeymoon. Meanwhile, Olivia teaches school for Mrs. Fordwick. 77 `` The Genius '' Harry Harris Robert Weverka September 18, 1975 ( 1975 - 09 - 18 ) John - Boy brings from college, a nerdy 16 - year - old genius to visit the farm. He has no social skills, does not like to play, talks only in facts and figures, is an agnostic, and everyone dislikes him. They finally accept the boy after he reluctantly fills in for an absent actor at the local talent show. 78 `` The Fighter '' Ivan Dixon Andy White September 25, 1975 ( 1975 - 09 - 25 ) A black prize fighter from Richmond starts work at the Walton farm, hoping to get physical exercise. Olivia and Grandma strongly disapprove of his profession, until learning that he wants to earn money to start a church. 79 `` The Prophecy '' Harry Harris Marion Hargrove October 2, 1975 ( 1975 - 10 - 02 ) John wrestles with feelings of failure as his high school reunion nears. At the reunion dinner held at their farmyard, he finally realizes, however, that his other classmates envy him for his loving wife and family. 80 5 `` The Boondoggle '' Ralph Waite Claire Whitaker & Rod Peterson October 9, 1975 ( 1975 - 10 - 09 ) A government writer ( Richard McKenzie ) comes to Walton 's Mountain to write a Guide to Virginia. His meddling research uncovers dark secrets about Judge Baldwin 's actions during the Civil War, which greatly upsets the sisters until they realize their father had acted out of humanitarian motives. 81 6 `` The Breakdown '' Ivan Dixon John McGreevey October 16, 1975 ( 1975 - 10 - 16 ) Exhausted after trying to multi-task, Jason learns the hard way that you ca n't do everything you want to do at once. Meanwhile, John - Boy gets a job in the basement library at the college. 82 7 `` The Wing - Walker '' Harvey S. Laidman Andy White October 23, 1975 ( 1975 - 10 - 23 ) John - Boy and Jim Bob vie for the attention of a daring lady wing walker ( Lee Purcell ). 83 8 `` The Competition '' Alf Kjellin Teleplay by : Nancy Greenwald and Paul West Story by : Nancy Greenwald October 30, 1975 ( 1975 - 10 - 30 ) Mary Ellen and Erin both fall in love with a forestry student staying and working at their house, who finally kisses Erin before deciding she is too young and he had better move on, breaking her heart. Olivia decides that she wants another child, but the doctor advises against another pregnancy. He arranges, however, for the family to care for an orphaned baby girl temporarily until the would - be adoptive parents are fully ready. Although Grandpa pretends to complain, the whole family enjoy the baby and regret having to finally release her. 84 9 `` The Emergence '' Alf Kjellin Hindi Brooks November 6, 1975 ( 1975 - 11 - 06 ) Marsha Wollery, one of John - Boy 's high school flames, returns to the mountain. She plans on selling the family farm and giving the money to her arrogant and greedy big - city fiance. Meanwhile, Olivia fills in as a substitute teacher at the school, and buys inexpensive eyeglasses for a boy who badly needed them. 85 10 `` The Loss '' Alf Kjellin Joan Scott November 13, 1975 ( 1975 - 11 - 13 ) Olivia 's niece returns to Walton 's Mountain after the recent death of her husband. She grieves continually until finding some relief helping with a litter of kittens. 86 11 `` The Abdication '' Harvey S. Laidman Teleplay by : Matt Robinson Story by : Paul West and Matt Robinson November 20, 1975 ( 1975 - 11 - 20 ) As the United Kingdom 's King Edward VIII abdicates his throne, John - Boy 's friend A.J. Covington ( George Dzundza ) returns to Walton 's Mountain with a movie company, filming a movie he has written. A.J. has written a good story based on his prior experience on the Mountain, but has a poor ear for dialects and has his characters speaking stereotypical, `` hillbilly '' dialog which sets the onlookers laughing. John - Boy offers the director ( James Karen ) some suggestions on how to fix this, so the man asks him to rewrite the problem dialogue. The director ( and the film 's stars ) are so impressed with the result that he fires Covington and offers John - Boy a screenwriting job. John - Boy is upset that his friend was fired, so he `` abdicates '' the offer. In a subplot, Mary Ellen is romantically attracted to A.J. 's English assistant ( Stephen Collins ). 87 12 `` The Estrangement '' Harry Harris Michael Russnow & Tony Kayden December 4, 1975 ( 1975 - 12 - 04 ) Young Wade ( Richard Hatch ) Walton 's wife Vera and her baby return to Walton 's Mountain, having run away from her unhappy marriage. She cites a drastic change in Wade 's behavior since the government forced them off their property, which causes her to suspect Wade is cheating on her. In fact, he is transporting moonshine for his grandfather Boone, and quits his other job in anger when his boss speaks to him about his declining performance. After the sheriff arrests Wade, John - Boy persuades Boone to bail him out, and John offers him a new job making use of his woodworking skills, he comes to his senses and patches things up with his wife. Meanwhile, Ben starts a home business shipping individual pine seedlings, but has to stop after the sheriff tells him the seedlings were all too immature to thrive, and furthermore he has no sales license. 88 13 `` The Nurse '' Alf Kjellin Kathleen Hite December 11, 1975 ( 1975 - 12 - 11 ) Mary Ellen leaves home for the weekend to take her entrance exam for nursing school. Unfortunately she finds she 's not properly prepared. The county nurse offers to tutor her in the algebra and chemistry she needs to pass the test, in exchange for her help caring for a sick mother and her children. In the process, Mary Ellen tenderly breaks the news of her mother 's death to her little daughter. 89 14 `` The Intruders '' Richard C. Bennett Seth Freeman December 18, 1975 ( 1975 - 12 - 18 ) Walton 's Mountain ai n't big enough for two sawmills ! A rival sawmill comes to town and Ben begins working for them, not realizing he is undermining his father 's business. Grandpa makes up for this by cleverly devising a sneaky plan to deliver Walton lumber faster than their competitor can. 90 15 `` The Search '' Harry Harris Teleplay by : Paul West Story by : Ellen Corby January 1, 1976 ( 1976 - 01 - 01 ) Olivia, Jim Bob and Elizabeth find themselves stranded in the middle of the woods, with a storm brewing, after having a flat tire, and chasing after a hen. Searching for help, they encounter a cabin of hostile bootleggers. 91 16 `` The Secret '' Harvey S. Laidman Claire Whitaker & Rod Peterson January 8, 1976 ( 1976 - 01 - 08 ) Jim Bob can not find his birth record on file, and suspects he may have been adopted. On further investigation, he learns a secret : that he had a twin who had died at birth. 92 17 `` The Fox '' Richard Thomas Max Hodge January 15, 1976 ( 1976 - 01 - 15 ) Ben plans on going into the fur business when a fox starts nosing around the farm. Meanwhile, Grandpa does n't seem to want to go to the Spanish -- American War veterans ' reunion, even though he talks so much about his charge up San Juan Hill. 93 94 18 19 `` The Burn Out '' Harry Harris John McGreevey January 22, 1976 ( 1976 - 01 - 22 ) In a two - hour episode, a fire severely damages the second floor and kitchen of the Walton house. Having taken up the habit of smoking, John - Boy fears he may have started it by leaving a lit pipe, but the more likely cause is a space heater that Grandpa forgot to turn off. As John, Grandpa and John - Boy make repairs, the family must parcel out the younger children to friends and neighbors. John - Boy finally is able to restart the manuscript of his novel, which was destroyed in the fire. Ben moves into Yancy Tucker 's cabin, oversleeps, and goes fishing with Yancy rather than to school. Grandma and Grandpa stay at a boarding house whose women enjoy Grandpa 's storytelling. A traumatized Elizabeth does n't want to return home from the Godseys. 95 20 `` The Big Brother '' Ralph Waite John McGreevey January 29, 1976 ( 1976 - 01 - 29 ) A runaway girl gets the attention of most of the Walton family who collects money for her bus travel home, the exception being Grandpa, who knows a con artist when he sees one. 96 21 `` The Test '' Harvey S. Laidman Kathleen Hite February 5, 1976 ( 1976 - 02 - 05 ) Maude, who gave her goat to the Waltons earlier in the series, does n't adapt well to her strict confinement in the retirement home, while Olivia gets a job as a seamstress in a high - end fashion store. Olivia resigns after the store owner ( Abby Dalton ) wants her to take on management responsibility and travel extensively. 97 22 `` The Quilting '' Lawrence Dobkin Claire Whitaker & Rod Peterson February 12, 1976 ( 1976 - 02 - 12 ) Mary Ellen refuses to follow the country tradition of making a quilt to announce her eligibility to date boys, and Grandma does n't like her attitude. John - Boy finally persuades Mary Ellen to go along. 98 23 `` The House '' Harvey S. Laidman Kirby Timmons February 19, 1976 ( 1976 - 02 - 19 ) Grandma begins a petition to save the old Whitley house, while Grandpa has been contracted by the county to tear the house down. 99 24 `` The Fledgling '' Harry Harris Earl Hamner February 26, 1976 ( 1976 - 02 - 26 ) John - Boy is offered an amazing printing press for a good price by a retiring newsman. Despite being a college student, he gets a full - time job to pay for the press and a boarding house room near his college. After a while, however, he begins to realize that he 's working too hard. 100 25 `` The Collision '' Richard Thomas John McGreevey March 4, 1976 ( 1976 - 03 - 04 ) John - Boy meets with the wealthy Selina again when she comes home from Vassar College. Her enthusiasm for the War in Spain and those reporting on the conflict cause John - Boy to struggle to decide where he belongs : Walton 's Mountain or Spain. As he tries to define courage, Selina 's family 's financial problems suddenly come to light, causing a change in her own plans. Meanwhile, Elizabeth is jealous of another schoolgirl who has fancier possessions. Season 5 ( 1976 -- 77 ) The time is 1937 -- 38, during the Great Depression. No. in series No. in season Title Directed by Written by Original air date 101 `` The First Edition '' Lawrence Dobkin John McGreevey September 23, 1976 ( 1976 - 09 - 23 ) The Blue Ridge Chronicle ( John - Boy 's newly founded newspaper ) is open for business ! The only problem is, the paper embarrasses the family, as it reports that Ben and his friends were caught breaking into a house. Meanwhile, Corabeth realizes she had only a `` false pregnancy '' and, believing she is barren and has disappointed Ike, almost deserts him. 102 `` The Vigil '' Harry Harris Kathleen Hite September 30, 1976 ( 1976 - 09 - 30 ) Grandma 's struck ill. Trying to prove herself as a nurse, Mary Ellen treats her for influenza. But it turns out the problem is different -- and life - threatening. Mary Ellen feels guilty over her misdiagnosis. 103 `` The Comeback '' Harvey S. Laidman Seth Freeman October 7, 1976 ( 1976 - 10 - 07 ) Jason becomes the new piano man at the Dew Drop Inn, much to chagrin of Olivia and Grandma who disapprove of drinking. He persuades a former bandleader named Red ( Merle Haggard ), who had been sequestered after the death of his son Seth ( played by Ron Howard in a previous episode ), to return to the stage. For the subplot, Yancey Tucker loves Cissy but is uneasy at the thought of marriage, so Cissy pretends interest in John - Boy in order to get Yancey to propose. 104 `` The Baptism '' Ralph Waite Andy White October 14, 1976 ( 1976 - 10 - 14 ) A famous revival preacher ( guest star John Karlen ) is coming to town, and Esther and Olivia hope that John and Ben will be converted and baptized. John is almost struck by lighting during a storm, which some see as an omen. A peacock wanders onto the home place and is adopted by Jim - Bob who nicknames him `` Rover '' 105 5 `` The Fire Storm '' Ralph Senensky Claire Whitaker & Rod Peterson October 21, 1976 ( 1976 - 10 - 21 ) John - Boy 's attempts at keeping Walton 's Mountain residents up to date with current events do n't work out so well, especially after his highly controversial attempt to copy excerpts of Mein Kampf in his newspaper. Erin enters a beauty contest. 106 6 `` The Nightwalker '' Harvey S. Laidman Paul West October 28, 1976 ( 1976 - 10 - 28 ) A mysterious being stalks Walton 's Mountain, seeming to spy on people. Jason books his band to play in Ike 's new dance hall, but people are afraid to come. The prowler is finally found to be mute son of a new neighbor. 107 108 7 8 `` The Wedding '' Lawrence Dobkin Claire Whitaker & Rod Peterson November 4, 1976 ( 1976 - 11 - 04 ) In a double - length episode, Mary Ellen surprises everyone with the announcement of her engagement to hospital intern David Spencer. Meanwhile, a new doctor, Curtis Willard ( Tom Bower ) arrives to practice in the community, though he and Mary Ellen do n't get along well. He dislikes her attempts to reorganize his office, and she feels he talks too bluntly to patients. But she comes to decide she does n't really love David, and her love - hate relationship with Curtis ends up in marriage. 109 9 `` The Cloudburst '' Harry Harris Paul Cooper November 11, 1976 ( 1976 - 11 - 11 ) John - Boy sells most of his meadow to pay off his printing press so he can continue the Blue Ridge Chronicle, deeply upsetting Grandpa. He then is alarmed at learning the land company plans to buy up more small plots so they can do hydraulic gold mining in the community. After fainting while watching Curt perform an emergency tracheotomy, Mary Ellen is later encouraged when she successfully delivers Mrs. Fordwick 's baby. 110 10 `` The Great Motorcycle Race '' Richard Thomas John Joseph November 18, 1976 ( 1976 - 11 - 18 ) Jim - Bob, though inexperienced, uses Ike 's motorcycle to enter a local bike race, to Olivia 's great alarm. Meanwhile, Ike and Corabeth go to the adoption agency to bring home their promised baby boy but return instead with 10 - year - old Aimee Louise. Corabeth worries when Aimee does not immediately bond with them, but she finally shows affection. 111 11 `` The Pony Cart '' Ralph Senensky Jack Miller December 2, 1976 ( 1976 - 12 - 02 ) The irascible Martha Corrine Walton, in her 90s, makes an unexpected return to Walton 's Mountain, and reminisces about her early life as the bride of a Civil War veteran. As John - Boy takes her to visit her husband 's grave, she has a heart attack. Veteran actress Beulah Bondi won an Emmy for Lead Actress in a Single Performance for her guest appearance as Martha Corrine Walton in this episode. 112 12 `` The Best Christmas '' Lawrence Dobkin John McGreevey December 9, 1976 ( 1976 - 12 - 09 ) Olivia sets about making this Christmas ' the best we ever had ', but a variety of emergency circumstances arise to keep each of the Walton children from coming home. 113 13 `` The Last Mustang '' Walter Alzmann Calvin Clements, Jr. December 16, 1976 ( 1976 - 12 - 16 ) John - Boy, as newspaper editor, gets tangled up in the coming sheriff 's election, in which a handsome, polished stranger ( John Fink ) runs against the incumbent, down - to - earth Ep Bridges. When editor John - Boy refuses to endorse the new candidate, his staff threaten to retaliate by undermining the Waltons ' lumber business. Meanwhile, Grandpa tries to help ' The Last Mustang ' after it is captured and then breaks free again. 114 14 `` The Rebellion '' Harvey S. Laidman Kathleen Hite December 23, 1976 ( 1976 - 12 - 23 ) Olivia, yearning for change, contemplates cutting her hair. When John protests, she decides on a perm from Corabeth instead, which is disastrous and ridiculed. Grandma, happy with things just the way they are, threatens to become a Methodist when she is asked by the preacher to share organ duties with one of her fiercest rivals. Grandpa lands in hot water when he tries to mediate the dispute. 115 15 `` The Ferris Wheel '' Lawrence Dobkin Claire Whitaker & Rod Peterson January 6, 1977 ( 1977 - 01 - 06 ) Nightmares begin to get the better of Elizabeth, who dreams she is trapped at the top of a carnival Ferris wheel. She discovers she has been suppressing a traumatic memory. Meanwhile, Ben is concerned that he is not growing in height. Note : This was the last episode Ellen Corby completed before suffering a stroke in November 1976. Her first appearance after recovering is the final episode of the sixth season, `` Grandma Comes Home '' ( see below ). 116 16 `` The Elopement '' Harry Harris Hindi Brooks January 13, 1977 ( 1977 - 01 - 13 ) Chad Marshall returns to Walton 's Mountain and proposes to Erin. The Walton children, minding Ike 's store, inadvertently extend credit to Maude Gormley. When John - Boy visits Maude about her store debt, he discovers she paints beautiful bird pictures. 117 17 `` John 's Crossroad '' Richard Thomas Andy White and Paul West January 20, 1977 ( 1977 - 01 - 20 ) John gets a city job in Charlottesville, working in a stuffy government office for a tyrannical, controlling boss who is feared by his staff. They sometimes must stay overtime. Despite the money, John realizes the job is not for him and quits. 118 18 `` The Career Girl '' Harry Harris Kathleen Hite January 27, 1977 ( 1977 - 01 - 27 ) Erin has finally graduated high school ; now she must decide where her future lies. 119 19 `` The Hero '' Anthony Brand Kathleen Hite February 3, 1977 ( 1977 - 02 - 03 ) Honor Day brings about the surprising fact that Sheriff Ep Bridges had won medals for bravery in World War I. John - Boy locates a lady wartime ambulance driver who had been Ep 's first love, and brings her to the community 's memorial day ceremony. 120 20 `` The Inferno '' Harry Harris Claire Whitaker & Rod Peterson February 10, 1977 ( 1977 - 02 - 10 ) John - Boy wins a journalism contest, the prize being $25 and an all - expense paid trip to cover the landing of the Hindenburg in Lakehurst, New Jersey. After witnessing the airship burst into flames, he returns home traumatized and unable to write about the disaster. Meanwhile, Curt and Mary Ellen are frustrated at not having private time alone from the family. 121 21 `` The Heartbreaker '' Ralph Waite Seth Freeman February 17, 1977 ( 1977 - 02 - 17 ) Jason falls deeply in love with Curt 's young sister who joins as a singer with their band. He does n't realize that she takes relationships rather lightly and she soon dumps him for another band member. 122 22 `` The Long Night '' Harry Harris Teleplay by : Claire Whitaker & Rod Peterson Story by : Katharyn Michaelian Powers and Claire Whitaker & Rod Peterson February 24, 1977 ( 1977 - 02 - 24 ) Grandpa, after complaining loudly about conditions in the hospital, is banned by the staff from further visits with Grandma there. He feels down, until he discovers that Aimee Godsey needs a grandfather. 123 23 `` The Hiding Place '' Walter Alzmann John McGreevey March 3, 1977 ( 1977 - 03 - 03 ) The Baldwin sisters ' cousin has just come back home after 17 years of living in Germany. Because she keeps avoiding John - Boy 's questions about current events in Germany, John - Boy thinks she 's hiding something. Meanwhile, Jason joins the National Guard, against his mother 's wishes. 124 24 `` The Go - Getter '' Lawrence Dobkin Andy White and Paul West March 10, 1977 ( 1977 - 03 - 10 ) Ben becomes a used car salesman, smooth - talking customers to buy old clunkers, acting cocky and making fun of Jim - Bob 's jalopy. Sheriff Bridges takes his date ( a nurse he knew in World War I ) to a movie and to dinner at the Waltons, then they go off to get married, to everyone 's delight. 125 25 `` The Achievement '' Harry Harris Dale Eunson and Andy White March 17, 1977 ( 1977 - 03 - 17 ) John - Boy is worried after a New York publishing company has kept his novel manuscript for six weeks with no reply. He goes there by bus to discover his manuscript lying in a stack waiting to be read. He meets with the publisher, a sympathetic woman who agrees to read his novel immediately. He also goes to meet his friend Daisy from Virginia, who now works as a taxi - dancer in a New York ballroom ; they flirt, and she lends him a little money. While John - Boy reports this good news to his family, Mary Ellen and Curt also have special news of their own, she is pregnant. Note : This is Richard Thomas 's farewell episode. He would make two more guest appearances before the role was recast to Robert Wightman. As John - Boy reminisces about his experiences, flashback clips are shown from previous episodes, including two from the original The Homecoming pilot, ( in which Learned and Waite are edited in to replace Patricia Neal and Andrew Duggan, who played Olivia and John in the pilot ). Season 6 ( 1977 -- 78 ) The time is 1939 -- 41, during the Great Depression, which is starting to feel the effects of World War II in Europe. No. in series No. in season Title Directed by Written by Original air date 126 `` The Hawk '' Anthony Brand Andy White September 15, 1977 ( 1977 - 09 - 15 ) Grandpa and Jim Bob try to trap a hawk who 's been terrorizing the Waltons ' chickens ; while a new preacher ( Peter Fox ) comes to town, stirring up a big ' to do ' among the ladies. 127 `` The Stray '' Harry Harris Kathleen Hite September 22, 1977 ( 1977 - 09 - 22 ) A young black boy ( Todd Bridges ) is found in the Walton barn. Not knowing where he came from or who his parents are, the Waltons take him in for a while. He is found to have traveled alone from North Carolina. He tries to help with chores and by catching fish. Although he begs to be adopted by the Walton family, Verdie and Harley decide it more acceptable to adopt him instead. 128 `` The Recluse '' Walter Alzmann Seth Freeman September 29, 1977 ( 1977 - 09 - 29 ) Ben leaves home to work at a Norfolk defense factory. Tensions run high between Grandpa and John as they take on too big a furniture contract to fill without Ben 's help. Grandpa and Ben visit a restaurant with hula dancers. Meanwhile, Jason makes friends with a reclusive woman ( Linda Marsh ), and leads her out of depression back into the world. 129 `` The Warrior '' Ralph Senensky Joan Scott October 13, 1977 ( 1977 - 10 - 13 ) A Cherokee Indian man ( Jerado Decordovier ) and his grandson come to stay with the Waltons ; the man claims a sacred tribal burial ground is beneath the Walton barn, which he tries to burn down at night to `` purify '' the ground. 130 5 `` The Seashore '' Lawrence Dobkin Marion Hargrove October 20, 1977 ( 1977 - 10 - 20 ) Contracted to fix the Baldwin sisters ' beach cottage, John will be gone for at least a week, so Olivia decides the whole family needs a vacation there ( except Ben ). The Waltons find an English girl ( Vickery Turner ) squatting in the cottage who seems to be hiding a secret ; she and Jason are questioned by a suspicious Coast Guard. Meanwhile Ben is home doing all the family chores, and frustrated not to have time alone with his girlfriend. 131 6 `` The Volunteer '' Philip Leacock Kathleen Hite October 27, 1977 ( 1977 - 10 - 27 ) When Erin declines G.W. Haines 's ( David Doremus ) marriage proposal, he decides to join the U.S. Army. The Walton parents reluctantly let Erin go to visit G.W. overnight at his Army camp, where he makes unwanted advances to her. Maude Gormley ( Merie Earle ) sells her first painting at Ike 's store, and offers more paintings for sale through an art dealer. 132 133 7 8 `` The Grandchild '' Ralph Senensky Claire Whitaker & Rod Peterson November 3, 1977 ( 1977 - 11 - 03 ) Mary Ellen is taken to the hospital with only false labor, and the family and neighbors are relieved when she finally delivers a baby, John Curtis, some days later. She had been scared to death of omens after encountering a very superstitious woman ( Beth Raines ). The woman, who 'd recently had a stillborn baby, then kidnaps John Curtis out of jealousy. Meanwhile, a fire at the Drew Drop Inn leaves Jason jobless. He finds a job playing piano at a Charlottesville burlesque house, whose show Grandpa, Ben, and Jim Bob see. Jason later settles for a gospel band instead, to his mother 's relief. 134 9 `` The First Casualty '' Harry Harris Andy White November 10, 1977 ( 1977 - 11 - 10 ) Curt is called into the U.S. Army Medical Corps, then Walton 's Mountain receives its first war casualty as G.W. is killed in a training exercise. Yancy Tucker hastily marries Sissy ( Cissy Wellman ) and then goes to enlist in the service. 135 10 `` The Battle of Drucilla 's Pond '' Philip Leacock Claire Whitaker & Rod Peterson November 17, 1977 ( 1977 - 11 - 17 ) U.S. soldiers begin staging war games at Drucilla 's Pond, killing fish and scaring the Waltons ' cow into giving birth. Olivia enters her scenic paintings in a local art show, whereupon Grandpa secretly buys them back to keep. 136 11 `` The Flight '' Ralph Waite Michael Raschella & Carole Raschella December 1, 1977 ( 1977 - 12 - 01 ) Jim - Bob becomes friends with a boy who says he 's joining the Air Corps, but he seems to be hiding something. It turns out that he came to the area to check on his sister, who was adopted by a nearby family. Maude Gormley takes Elizabeth 's goat, hoping that Elizabeth will come visit her. 137 12 `` The Milestone '' Philip Leacock Kathleen Hite December 8, 1977 ( 1977 - 12 - 08 ) Olivia suddenly becomes emotionally fragile and runs away from her home, going to her Aunt Kate ( Louise Latham ) in her birth town for help. 138 139 13 14 `` The Children 's Carol '' Lawrence Dobkin John McGreevey December 15, 1977 ( 1977 - 12 - 15 ) Two British children escape the London Blitz to find safety in Walton 's Mountain with the Baldwins, and with the Waltons for Christmas. Meanwhile, Jason contemplates whether he can fight in the impending war and Olivia has a faith crisis as she ca n't understand how God could allow war. 140 15 `` The Celebration '' Gwen Arner Marion Hargrove December 22, 1977 ( 1977 - 12 - 22 ) The Waltons are excited to find out that after two more payments, John will own the mill and be completely clear of debt. However, Ike has a financial emergency when he is unable to sell a large supply of refrigerators, so John agrees to lend Ike the money so his store will not be foreclosed. The ladies conspire to find a match for Reverend Buchanan ; he shocks them by dating Marsha Woolery. 141 16 `` The Rumor '' Ralph Waite Kathleen Hite January 5, 1978 ( 1978 - 01 - 05 ) When a bilingual Pennsylvania Dutch family moves onto Walton 's Mountain, a neighbor circulates a rumor that they are German spies, especially after they show interest in Jim Bob 's short - wave radio. John Sr. defends the innocent man, and hires him at his saw mill. The neighbors are finally convinced of the family 's innocence after a suspicious package the family receives at Ike 's post office turns out to be only medicine. 142 17 `` Spring Fever '' Richard Chaffee Claire Whitaker & Rod Peterson January 12, 1978 ( 1978 - 01 - 12 ) Ben and Jim Bob begin to act hostile toward each other, culminating in them competing to date each other 's girlfriends. The family repaint the house. 143 18 `` The Festival '' Gwen Arner Michael McGreevey January 26, 1978 ( 1978 - 01 - 26 ) Jason and Josh, the runaway boy who was found in the Walton 's barn, become a great musical team, but some doors are closed to them because Josh is black. After they are excluded from the nearby town 's festival, the boy 's adoptive father, Harley, counsels him bitterly to not trust white people. However, Jason and Josh organize their own talent show instead. 144 19 `` The Anniversary '' Walter Alzmann Claire Whitaker & Rod Peterson February 2, 1978 ( 1978 - 02 - 02 ) John and Olivia 's 25th Anniversary brings lots of surprises : the children do too well organizing a secret party, Olivia arranges for the installation of their first phone, and John builds her a romantic gazebo. At work, Mary Ellen reunites with the ex-fiance she jilted to marry Curt, while her absent Army husband is attracted to a lovely nurse. At the end of the day Curt surprises them all by coming home on a weekend pass, and the party turns into a late - night picnic on Walton 's Mountain. 145 20 `` The Family Tree '' Lawrence Dobkin Teleplay by : Thomas Hood Story by : Joyce Perry and Thomas Hood February 9, 1978 ( 1978 - 02 - 09 ) Elizabeth becomes pen pals with a soldier. The only problem : she says she 's 18 and sends him a picture of Erin, saying it 's her. Meanwhile, Jason takes Verdie to a farmhouse to find information about her ancestors who had been slaves there, but they are rebuffed by the bitter widow who refuses them access to papers in her attic. Grandpa Zeb finally convinces the owner to allow them in the attic where they find items of great interest. 146 147 21 22 `` The Ordeal '' Lawrence Dobkin Paul West February 16, 1978 ( 1978 - 02 - 16 ) Due to Jim Bob and Ben 's negligence, Elizabeth has a dire accident, tumbling off a stack of loose logs she has climbed on to reach a bird 's nest. The family must help keep Elizabeth 's determination high when the doctor is unsure as to whether she will ever walk again. 148 149 23 24 `` The Return '' Harry Harris Kathleen Hite March 16, 1978 ( 1978 - 03 - 16 ) John - Boy returns to Walton 's Mountain on assignment to write a news story, after he receives a letter from Olivia saying that hard times have hit Jefferson County and jobs are scarce. John - Boy decides to reopen the Guthrie coal mine to create more jobs ; his family will begin by doing carpentry to shore up the mine shaft. But when many of the local men ( including John, Jason, Ben, Jim - Bob, Harley and Ike ) are trapped in a cave - in while exploring the site, John - Boy seems to be the person to blame. 150 25 `` The Revelation '' Gwen Arner D.C. Fontana & Richard Fontana March 23, 1978 ( 1978 - 03 - 23 ) John - Boy proposes to Daisy in New York City and she accepts, so they return to Walton 's Mountain to make preparations. However, a wartime assignment for John - Boy in London and a secret about Daisy 's past cut their plans short. Daisy is revealed to have a young daughter, born out of wedlock and being raised by Daisy 's mother in Lynchburg. In the subplot, Elizabeth and her friend George open up a lemonade stand and Grandpa spikes their product with the Baldwin Sisters ' `` recipe ''. 151 26 `` Grandma Comes Home '' Ralph Senensky Claire Whitaker & Rod Peterson March 30, 1978 ( 1978 - 03 - 30 ) Grandma, barely able to speak, finally returns home after being in the hospital for over a year. Grandpa is overjoyed, but thinks there is something wrong with his `` old woman ''. A boy gives Elizabeth a piglet for her 4 - H project, but it keeps running away. Note : This was Ellen Corby 's first episode back after suffering a stroke in November 1976 ( during the fifth season ). It was also Will Geer 's last appearance, as he died before the show started its seventh season. Season 7 ( 1978 -- 79 ) The time is 1941 -- 42, as the U.S. heads toward direct involvement in World War II. No. in series No. in season Title Directed by Written by Original air date 152 153 `` The Empty Nest '' Philip Leacock Claire Whitaker & Rod Peterson September 21, 1978 ( 1978 - 09 - 21 ) Life seems to be changing on Walton 's Mountain after Grandpa 's death. John Sr. struggles to handle a busy lumber contract alone, taking out a bank loan. Erin, Mary Ellen and the baby move to a Charlottesville apartment, but then return home. John has the opportunity to take a job which would offer security, money, and a good life ; but it requires the family to move to Richmond. In other subplots, Ben experiences problems when he takes over John 's order in his absence, Jim - Bob purchases and repairs an old jukebox, and Zuleika Dunbar ( Pearl Shear ) purchases the old boarding house which had been closed since Flossie Brimmer died ( Nora Marlowe, who played Flossie Brimmer in 27 episodes, died in 1977 ). 154 `` The Calling '' Gwen Arner Kathleen Hite September 28, 1978 ( 1978 - 09 - 28 ) Jim - Bob falls for the Baldwins ' pretty Catholic cousin ( Stacey Nelkin ), who then breaks his heart by joining a convent. Meanwhile Ben hires a helping hand on the mill, not realizing he 's a drunkard, sloppy and unreliable. John Sr. orders Ben to fire the man. 155 `` The Moonshiner '' Lawrence Dobkin Jeb Rosebrook October 12, 1978 ( 1978 - 10 - 12 ) Boone Walton, finally caught running his moonshine business, is convicted to a jail sentence. Jason offers to pay the fine and take Boone into his custody, hoping to reform the old man. Boone helps the Baldwin sisters who have misplaced their father 's recipe. Unfortunately Boone ca n't stay dry and runs off. John - Boy 's former fiancee Daisy and her child visit briefly, en route to New York City. 156 5 `` The Obsession '' Gwen Arner Juliet Packer October 19, 1978 ( 1978 - 10 - 19 ) Mary Ellen becomes dependent on amphetamines to keep her going during the stressful time leading up to her nursing exams. Meanwhile, Cissy Tucker ( Cissy Wellman ) walks out on Yancy, tired of their dirty home and Yancy 's animals, and Elizabeth attempts to get the couple back together again. 157 6 `` The Changeling '' Lawrence Dobkin Robert Pirosh October 26, 1978 ( 1978 - 10 - 26 ) Strange happenings coincide with the coming of Elizabeth 's 13th birthday. Meanwhile, Jason becomes the host of a new radio show, giving relationship advice. 158 7 `` The Portrait '' Ralph Senensky John Dunkel November 2, 1978 ( 1978 - 11 - 02 ) Erin wrestles with feelings of love and fear toward an artist ( Jared Martin ) who has devastating memories of German - occupied Paris and who attempts to paint her in a mural he has almost completed. Meanwhile, Jim - Bob and Elizabeth buy a canary for Grandma, but ca n't get him to sing. 159 8 `` The Captive '' Ralph Waite Ray Cunneff November 9, 1978 ( 1978 - 11 - 09 ) Corabeth, going through a midlife crisis, tries numerous failed business endeavors such as a dance studio, all the while seeking refuge in alcohol. Meanwhile, Jim - Bob tries to teach Elizabeth to drive. 160 9 `` The Illusion '' Walter Alzmann John McGreevey November 16, 1978 ( 1978 - 11 - 16 ) Verdie Foster 's business - educated daughter, Esther ( Joan Pringle ), comes home from New York and creates turbulent feelings with her revolutionary ( for the 1940s ) ideas about a black woman 's place in society. Erin fights to get J.D. Pickett to hire Esther as personnel manager at his inefficient production plant. 161 10 `` The Beau '' Gwen Arner D.C. Fontana & Richard Fontana November 23, 1978 ( 1978 - 11 - 23 ) One of Grandma 's old beaus ( Arthur Space ), a widower from Richmond, comes to visit and begins to really bond with her, taking her on several enjoyable dates. Meanwhile, Jim - Bob and Yancy distill alcohol strong enough to run their cars on after gas is rationed. Corabeth adds stylish hats to the store inventory. 162 11 `` Day of Infamy '' Harry Harris Paul Savage December 7, 1978 ( 1978 - 12 - 07 ) Just as Mary Ellen prepares to join Curt in Hawaii, the attack on Pearl Harbor occurs, forcing the U.S. into World War II and leaving Mary Ellen and Verdie concerned for their loved ones stationed there. Meanwhile, Ben takes out a girl nicknamed `` Sinful Cindy '' ( Robin Eisenman ), whom Olivia does not approve of. ( This episode was first aired on Pearl Harbor Day. ) 163 12 `` The Yearning '' Nell Cox Juliet Packer December 14, 1978 ( 1978 - 12 - 14 ) Elizabeth has a big crush on the new minister. Meanwhile, Erin helps the Baldwin sisters write a book from their father 's journals and they are astonished to find that their father had hidden a letter from Ashley Longworth to Miss Emily. 164 13 `` The Boosters '' Harry Harris Robert Pirosh December 28, 1978 ( 1978 - 12 - 28 ) Wanting to make a profit off of the now heavy traffic near Walton 's Mountain, Ben, Ike, and Corabeth decide to build an auto court and landscaped town square. Yancey studies barbering, practicing on his reluctant neighbors. 165 14 `` The Conscience '' Gwen Arner Michael McGreevey January 4, 1979 ( 1979 - 01 - 04 ) Trouble breaks out in the community and the family when Jason considers signing up as a conscientious objector. Jim - Bob ca n't wait to join the Air Corps, however, and gets a tattoo. 166 15 `` The Obstacle '' William H. Bushnell Curtis Dwight January 11, 1979 ( 1979 - 01 - 11 ) John - Boy 's old college roommate Mike Paxton ( Dennis Redfield ) stays with the Waltons after he is injured when his ship is torpedoed by a German U-Boat. Meanwhile, Ike and Ben perform a song - and - dance routine to audition for the USO. 167 16 `` The Parting '' Harry Harris Kathleen Hite January 18, 1979 ( 1979 - 01 - 18 ) Olivia receives unwelcome news from the doctor. Meanwhile, Elizabeth is making a family cookbook and discovers a surprise ingredient in Grandma 's sponge cake. Also, Jim - Bob drives the whole family crazy by taking up the accordion. Note : This is Michael Learned 's last episode of the season. She returns in the season eight episode `` The Home Front ''. 168 17 `` The Burden '' Harry Harris E.F. Wallengren January 25, 1979 ( 1979 - 01 - 25 ) With Olivia away, Jim - Bob runs wild carousing until a near - death experience convinces him it 's a sign from God to join the ministry. He continually quotes Bible verses, until realizing that ordination unfortunately requires years of training. Meanwhile, Elizabeth bothers the family with her bug collecting. 169 18 `` The Pin - Up '' Larry Stewart Juliet Packer February 8, 1979 ( 1979 - 02 - 08 ) Ben begins dabbling in photography and jokingly takes a revealing picture of Erin which quickly becomes the popular pin - up picture at Camp Lee. Though Erin enjoys the fan mail, John strongly disapproves. Meanwhile, Mary Ellen becomes overly protective of John Curtis and neglects her nursing career. 170 19 `` The Attack '' Harry Harris E.F. Wallengren February 15, 1979 ( 1979 - 02 - 15 ) With the stress of the price freeze, food rationing, and extra business, Ike suffers a heart attack. Corabeth blames herself for Ike 's attack. The Walton children offer to run the store while he recovers in the hospital. They sell a mule. Meanwhile, Ben and Jim - Bob get into the molasses business to make up for the sugar shortage Walton 's Mountain is experiencing. 171 20 `` The Legacy '' Gwen Arner Teleplay by : William Parker Story by : Michael Learned February 22, 1979 ( 1979 - 02 - 22 ) Miss Emily 's memories of her old beau Ashley Longworth are stirred up when his handsome son Ashley Jr. ( Jonathan Frakes ) arrives on leave from the Navy, with news of his father. A confused Miss Emily thinks he is her Ashley returning to her, which causes problems for Erin who also falls for him. Elizabeth has her own problems with just growing up. 172 21 `` The Outsider '' Philip Leacock Robert Pirosh March 1, 1979 ( 1979 - 03 - 01 ) The entire Walton family is shocked when Ben announces that he is eloped with Cindy. The young couple settle into a shed on the property and have petty disagreements until the others convince Ben that he is overly bossing her and should back off. Ike buys Corabeth a decorative outdoor fountain. 173 22 `` The Torch '' David F. Wheeler Rod Peterson March 8, 1979 ( 1979 - 03 - 08 ) John 's old high school flame buys and operates the Dew Drop Inn, while Elizabeth, Erin, and Cindy attempt to open a canteen for the soldiers on leave from the camp at Rockfish. 174 23 `` The Tailspin '' Walter Alzmann Claire Whitaker March 15, 1979 ( 1979 - 03 - 15 ) Jim - Bob 's sky - high dreams of becoming a pilot crash and burn when he learns his eyesight is n't 20 / 20. Cora Beth tries to tutor him in classic literature. He gets prescription glasses, but will not wear them. He finally leaves to enlist in the Army, but at the last minute decides to stay home and study aircraft mechanics. Meanwhile a friend of Curt 's from his hometown, stationed nearby, visits and after some hesitation, Mary Ellen joins him on a date. 175 24 `` Founder 's Day '' Ralph Waite Kathleen Hite March 22, 1979 ( 1979 - 03 - 22 ) The Waltons, Godseys and Baldwins compete to see who is the founding family of Walton 's Mountain. Jason 's strict music professor ( Dean Jagger ) criticizes his new composition, until he hears Jason play it on Founders Day. Season 8 ( 1979 -- 80 ) The time is 1943 -- 44, during World War II. No. in series No. in season Title Directed by Written by Original air date 176 177 `` The Home Front '' Harry Harris Claire Whitaker & Rod Peterson September 20, 1979 ( 1979 - 09 - 20 ) John becomes the local draft - board director while Erin tries to get a raise from J.D. Pickett. John must deal with a furious father ( George DiCenzo ) whose son that John drafted dies on his troop transport headed for Europe, and with his own feelings of loss when he receives a telegram stating John - Boy is MIA. 178 `` The Kinfolk '' Philip Leacock E.F. Wallengren September 27, 1979 ( 1979 - 09 - 27 ) Cousin ( Olivia 's aunt ) Rose ( Peggy Rea ) and her two mischievous grandchildren ( Keith Coogan and Martha Nix Wade ) arrive at the Waltons ' ; the children cause trouble like shoplifting and starting a brush fire. Ike and Jim - Bob build an air - raid siren. 179 `` The Diploma '' Gwen Arner Kathleen Hite October 4, 1979 ( 1979 - 10 - 04 ) John discovers that he never received his high - school diploma since he enlisted for World War I before he graduated, and the Army refuses to do business with him if he can not produce it, so he must take an equivalency exam. Mary Ellen takes over for the county nurse ( who joined the army ), and must earn the skeptical backwoods people 's ( Lane Bradbury and Les Lannom ) trust. 180 5 `` The Innocents '' Gwen Arner Juliet Packer October 11, 1979 ( 1979 - 10 - 11 ) Olivia creates a daycare facility for the children whose mothers are working at J.D. Pickett 's Steel Plant, instead of Mr. Pickett 's ( Lewis Arquette ) proposal to use the space for a tavern. Ike takes dancing lessons from Rose, acting giddy and making Corabeth suspect he is having an affair. 181 6 `` The Starlet '' Philip Leacock D.C. Fontana & Richard Fontana October 18, 1979 ( 1979 - 10 - 18 ) A Hollywood director ( Henry Darrow ) shooting a war film at Pickett 's Plant tells Erin she has a movie - making career. She and Mary Ellen decide to move to California after they realize the defense plants out there pay more than J.D. Pickett does. But to Mr. Pickett 's and the family 's final relief, the girls change their minds after realizing the movie director was only flattering Erin. Meanwhile, the Baldwin sisters organize a party for soldiers at their home, but are disappointed when no one comes ( the men probably thought it would be boring and old - fashioned ). 182 7 `` The Journal '' Philip Leacock Robert Pirosh October 25, 1979 ( 1979 - 10 - 25 ) With John - Boy MIA, the manuscript he wrote prior to the assignment is waiting to be published but John and Olivia must sign in John - Boy 's absence. Meanwhile, they try to locate him through the Red Cross. In the subplot, the family 's beloved hound dog Reckless, whom Jeffrey has become attached to, dies of old age while romping through the woods with Jeffrey. 183 8 `` The Lost Sheep '' Walter Alzmann E.F. Wallengren November 1, 1979 ( 1979 - 11 - 01 ) After experiencing combat, Ashley Longworth Jr. ( Jonathan Frakes ) visits on leave and proposes to Erin that they get married immediately, but Erin has difficulty adjusting to his loss of his faith and the changes in his behaviour. Rose 's granddaughter Serena becomes Elizabeth 's shadow. 184 9 `` The Violated '' Walter Alzmann Robert Pirosh November 8, 1979 ( 1979 - 11 - 08 ) In part one of a two - part story, Olivia is shocked when she discovers the reason Darcy Thatcher ( Antoinette Stella ), wife of a young soldier, is no longer responding to his letters. Meanwhile, Corabeth receives a large inheritance, buys a luxury car and talks of retiring. The episode ends with the Walton family receiving news about John - Boy. 185 10 `` The Waiting '' Philip Leacock Kathleen Hite November 22, 1979 ( 1979 - 11 - 22 ) In the conclusion of a two - part story, the Waltons finally hear about John - Boy ; after being found in a hospital in Europe he is transferred to Washington D.C. Olivia moves there and becomes a Red Cross caseworker, and befriends a young amputee who has no family. Notes : Robert Wightman takes over the role of John - Boy Walton. This is also Michael Learned 's last appearance in the original series ; she will appear in four of the six reunion movies. 186 11 `` The Silver Wings '' Stan Lathan Michael McGreevey November 29, 1979 ( 1979 - 11 - 29 ) Jim - Bob falls for an attractive older woman, the wife of an Air Corps pilot, and helps her do home repairs. After he gives her jewelry, she realizes he has become too smitten and tells him they must just be friends. Then she learns her husband was killed in action. Jim - Bob takes his first ride in a biplane. Rose 's granddaughter wanders into the woods at night. 187 12 `` The Wager '' Gwen Arner Teleplay by : E.F. Wallengren Story by : Claylene Jones December 13, 1979 ( 1979 - 12 - 13 ) Mary Ellen and Erin try to prove they can do anything as well as men, so they enter the 1st Annual Run and Ride Race in Rockfish and eagerly exercise ( with Elizabeth coaching ) to train for the race. 188 13 `` The Spirit '' Herbert Hirschman Kathleen Hite December 20, 1979 ( 1979 - 12 - 20 ) A series of thefts worries the community, while Jeffrey makes friends with a mysterious visitor ( Ned Bellamy ) on Walton 's Mountain, an escaped German prisoner. Corabeth 's holiday pageant is cancelled. 189 14 `` The Fastidious Wife '' Gwen Arner Loraine Despres December 27, 1979 ( 1979 - 12 - 27 ) Cindy follows a book 's advice on how to be a good wife, but ends up exhausting herself. Rose 's grandchildren adopt a cat which has a litter of kittens. 190 15 `` The Unthinkable '' Ralph Waite Dan Ullman January 3, 1980 ( 1980 - 01 - 03 ) Jason realizes the full horrors of war when his Jewish fellow soldier Ted Lupinsky ( Todd Susman ) reveals that his grandfather was killed in a Nazi extermination camp. Jason invites him to stay with the Walton family over the weekend. Meanwhile, Elizabeth must deal with being teased and called a `` teacher 's pet '' by her friends when she get straight A 's on her report card. 191 16 `` The Idol '' Gwen Arner Juliet Packer January 10, 1980 ( 1980 - 01 - 10 ) Elizabeth makes great friends with the new progressive school teacher, Ms. Lamphere ( Susan Krebs ), until she discovers her friend has a terminal illness. Meanwhile, as the time nears for Cindy and Ben 's baby to arrive, Ben waits it out drinking. Ben ca n't be found when Cindy goes into labor, so the Waltons escort her to the hospital where she gives birth to daughter Virginia. 192 17 `` The Prodigals '' Stan Lathan Robert Pirosh January 17, 1980 ( 1980 - 01 - 17 ) Josh and Jeffrey get into major trouble when they get involved in crap - shooting. Jeffrey steals money from Ike 's store, and Josh is blamed for the theft. The truth finally comes out after Jeffrey tries to run away. Meanwhile Ben, although married, wrestles with whether to join the Navy. 193 18 `` The Remembrance '' Herbert Hirschman Marion Hargrove January 24, 1980 ( 1980 - 01 - 24 ) Grandpa 's childhood friend, the independent Cousin Zadok ( Woody Chambliss ), comes to Walton 's Mountain to keep a 20 - year - old appointment. Zadok wills his experimental orchard to the University, and gives the Waltons a family - heirloom fiddle. Jason meets a beautiful young WAC officer on base. 194 19 `` The Inspiration '' Ralph Waite E.F. Wallengren January 31, 1980 ( 1980 - 01 - 31 ) Grandma returns home and meets the new housekeeper, Rose. Miss Mamie refuses to have cataract surgery, so John and Mary Ellen move Grandma in with the Baldwins to convince the sisters that surgery is the right thing to do. Elizabeth tries different ways to get a certain boy to ask her to an upcoming dance, but ends up going with someone else ( Tony Becker ). 195 20 `` The Last Straw '' Harry Harris William Parker February 7, 1980 ( 1980 - 02 - 07 ) One thing after another goes wrong for John, who is swamped with orders at the mill. When the motor from the old power saw blows out, it becomes the `` last straw '' for John and he quits the lumber business. In the subplot, Jeffrey builds a racing cart for a school project and hopes that Ike will be able to bring the All American Soap Box Derby to Walton 's Mountain. 196 21 `` The Traveling Man '' Herbert Hirschman Kathleen Hite February 14, 1980 ( 1980 - 02 - 14 ) Stanley Perkins ( William Schallert ), an old beau of Rose 's who danced the nights away with her back in Baltimore, comes to Walton 's Mountain and proposes to her, even planning to buy a house nearby. However, she realizes he subconsciously wants to move to California. 197 22 `` The Furlough '' Harry Harris Juliet Packer February 21, 1980 ( 1980 - 02 - 21 ) John - Boy returns to Walton 's Mountain physically healthy but mentally tormented by the fact that he ca n't remember the moments of the plane crash. Ike ignores his military - draft notice and is arrested for evasion. 198 23 `` The Medal '' Walter Alzmann Rod Peterson February 28, 1980 ( 1980 - 02 - 28 ) Mary Ellen falls for a fiery young Mexican - American paratrooper whose life Curt saved at Pearl Harbor. He gets into a scuffle with some sailors who insult him at Godsey 's Store. Meanwhile, Corabeth encounters a former admirer who begs her to meet him for a romantic tryst at his hotel before he is sent overseas. 199 24 `` The Valediction '' Harry Harris Claire Whitaker March 13, 1980 ( 1980 - 03 - 13 ) Jim - Bob contemplates failing a school examination so he wo n't have to be valedictorian. Once he graduates, he and his classmates enlist in the military. Substitute - teacher Corabeth suggests a too - frilly graduation ceremony. Meanwhile, all the Walton boys are sent overseas for active duty when the Allies invade France. Erin gets a `` Dear Joan '' letter from Ashley Longworth Jr. Note : This is Ellen Corby 's last appearance in the regular series ; she will return in five of the six reunion movies. -- -- `` The Waltons : A Decade of The Waltons '' Harry Harris & Philip Leacock Earl Hamner May 22, 1980 ( 1980 - 05 - 22 ) As the family prepare a surprise party for Grandma 's birthday, they reminisce ( via flashbacks ) about various events in their lives. Season 9 ( 1980 -- 81 ) The year is 1945 and 1946 during the end of World War II and shortly after. No. in series No. in season Title Directed by Written by Original air date 200 201 `` The Outrage '' Philip Leacock Claire Whitaker & Rod Peterson November 27, 1980 ( 1980 - 11 - 27 ) Verdi 's husband Harley ( Hal Williams ) is accused of escaping prison for a murder ( which was in self - defense ) 9 years ago and is reluctantly arrested by Sheriff Bridges. Meanwhile, Elizabeth spends her time with her new horse Molly, Corabeth resigns from the general store when Ike accuses her of being too much of a business woman and not enough of a wife, and the D - Day invasion begins in France. John fights to clear Harley 's name by traveling to Warm Springs, Georgia where he gets President Roosevelt to issue Harley an official pardon, just before the President 's sudden death which is mourned by the nation. 202 `` The Pledge '' Lawrence Dobkin Kathleen Hite December 4, 1980 ( 1980 - 12 - 04 ) Mary Ellen attempts to enroll in medical school in order to become a doctor after the community 's beloved `` Sweet Billy '' ( Richard Lineback ) dies, but she is discouraged by the school 's sexist Dean. Meanwhile, Jason receives many presents for his birthday as he and John - Boy fight in France. 203 `` The Triumph '' Philip Leacock Robert Pirosh December 18, 1980 ( 1980 - 12 - 18 ) Germany surrenders in the war but Jason and his squad must contend with a German sniper who does n't know it 's over. In other subplots, Ben still deals with the Japanese in the Pacific, Jim - Bob and his friend consider being conscientious objectors and Ike 's store is robbed. 204 5 `` The Premonition '' Bernard McEveety E.F. Wallengren December 25, 1980 ( 1980 - 12 - 25 ) John - Boy falls deeply in love with a French girl in Paris. Cindy dreams she sees a vision of Ben, then learns that he and some of his fellow seamen are captured by the Japanese. 205 6 `` The Pursuit '' Philip Leacock Michael McGreevey January 1, 1981 ( 1981 - 01 - 01 ) Jim - Bob comes home on furlough, but runs into trouble when a girl ( Jennifer Jason Leigh ) arrives claiming to be pregnant with his child. Mary Ellen finds the girl is only faking pregnancy. Meanwhile, Jason reunites with Antoinette ( Toni ) in Paris, and Ben and his navy buddies defy the Japanese commandant in the POW camp by raising a makeshift US flag. 206 7 `` The Last Ten Days '' Bernard McEveety Marion Hargrove January 8, 1981 ( 1981 - 01 - 08 ) Ben and his fellow POWs are worried they might be executed after the dropping of the atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki ensure an end to the war. Meanwhile, Jason and Toni have differing plans for their future together. 207 8 `` The Move '' Harvey S. Laidman Kathleen Hite January 15, 1981 ( 1981 - 01 - 15 ) Ben returns from the Pacific theatre and enthusiastically plans to go away to Engineering college. But he changes his mind and agrees to stay in the saw mill after the family receives the unwelcome news that Olivia 's tuberculosis has recurred ; she has to go to an Arizona sanatorium and John decides to go with her. Note : This is Ralph Waite 's final appearance in the regular series ; he returned for all six reunion movies. 208 9 `` The Whirlwind '' Nell Cox Claire Whitaker January 22, 1981 ( 1981 - 01 - 22 ) Jason bites off more than he can chew when he buys the Dew Drop Inn and tries to repair it for reopening. Reopening night proves a success as the neighbors come and celebrate. Mary Ellen, believing her husband was killed at Pearl Harbor, accepts Jonesy 's marriage proposal until she receives some shocking news that makes her break the engagement. 209 10 `` The Tempest '' Gabrielle Beaumont E.F. Wallengren February 5, 1981 ( 1981 - 02 - 05 ) Mary Ellen goes in search of her supposedly late husband in a little town in Florida after receiving information that a Curtis Packer is alive and the spitting image of her own Curt. When she finds him, he initially pretends amnesia, then reveals his identity and admits that due to his injury in the bombing of Pearl Harbor, he can not father any more children. Meanwhile Jonesy is hired by J.D. Pickett and is immediately made Erin 's boss, but she resigns, until Pickett begs her to return, offering a substantial raise. Jonesy then resigns, reunites with a returning Mary Ellen, and becomes a geology professor at Boatright. Corabeth starts a realtor business and tries to convince the Baldwins to sell and move. 210 11 `` The Carousel '' Herbert Hirschman Robert Pirosh February 12, 1981 ( 1981 - 02 - 12 ) After Cindy 's father dies in a car accident, she discovers that she was adopted. She goes about finding out about her past, eventually meeting her birth mother. Meanwhile, Drew moves in with the Waltons while his family visits his ill grandmother in Richmond, much to the delight of Elizabeth. 211 12 `` The Hot Rod '' Bob Sweeney Scott Hamner February 19, 1981 ( 1981 - 02 - 19 ) Having just been discharged from the military, Jim - Bob and Jodie carouse and cause much trouble with their new ' hot rod ' car until the sheriff straightens them out. 212 13 `` The Gold Watch '' Walt Gilmore Juliet Packer February 26, 1981 ( 1981 - 02 - 26 ) Stanley Perkins, Rose 's salesman beau, returns from his ' dream sales territory ' out west. But he seems to be hiding some personal secret. Meanwhile, Toni tries to help Jason out when the Dew Drop Inn 's business starts to decline. 213 14 `` The Beginning '' Lawrence Dobkin Kathleen Hite March 5, 1981 ( 1981 - 03 - 05 ) Walton 's Mountain receives a new minister, Reverend Tom Marshall, who proceeds to renovate the dilapidated church with the assistance of the Waltons and friends. Meanwhile, Jason and Toni consider marriage, but religious differences threaten their plans. 214 15 `` The Pearls '' James Sheldon Mary Worrell March 12, 1981 ( 1981 - 03 - 12 ) Corabeth 's flapper - like sister Orma Lee ( Ronnie Claire Edwards in a dual role ) arrives and creates fun and concern in the community, while Elizabeth tries running away to visit her parents, who are at an Arizona sanitarium. She is found at the nearby bus station. 215 16 `` The Victims '' Lawrence Dobkin Juliet Packer March 19, 1981 ( 1981 - 03 - 19 ) The Waltons involve the sheriff as they help rescue the battered wife ( Carol Jones ) of a violent veteran ( Ben Andrews ) who has flashbacks of combat, while Jim - Bob is cheated as he tries his hand in the war surplus market. 216 17 `` The Threshold '' Herbert Hirschman Scott Hamner April 2, 1981 ( 1981 - 04 - 02 ) John - Boy returns home, and tries out for a job in Boatwright University 's brand new television department, but must convince the trustees with a speech. Meanwhile, Jim - Bob makes a TV set to watch John - Boy. Another woman competes with Rose for Stanley 's affections. Rose tries to lose weight, and the Walton girls make her a stylish dress. 217 18 `` The Indiscretion '' James Sheldon E.F. Wallengren May 7, 1981 ( 1981 - 05 - 07 ) Ike and Corabeth come to blows after she finds old love letters and suspects Ike is seeing another woman. Ike talks her into staying in the marriage. Drew boldly asks Elizabeth to spend the night together, but she declines. 218 19 `` The Heartache '' Herbert Hirschman Kathleen Hite May 14, 1981 ( 1981 - 05 - 14 ) Stanley Perkins once again proposes to Rose and she accepts. However, after she discovers she has a heart condition, she breaks the engagement, not wanting to keep him from his dream of traveling. Will they ever recover their relationship ? Cindy discovers she dislikes working at the dress shop and would rather stay at the farm. 219 20 `` The Lumberjack '' Harvey S. Laidman Carol Zeitz May 21, 1981 ( 1981 - 05 - 21 ) Erin falls for Paul Northridge, the handsome son of a wealthy lumberman. Ike and Jim - Bob try a get - rich - quick scheme by hunting for uranium with a geiger counter. 220 21 `` The Hostage '' Herbert Hirschman Marjorie Fowler May 28, 1981 ( 1981 - 05 - 28 ) After Mary Ellen saves a minor from an arranged marriage, the Walton family must contend with a very disgruntled groom. 221 22 `` The Revel '' Harry Harris Scott Hamner June 4, 1981 ( 1981 - 06 - 04 ) John - Boy goes to New York City ( again ) to see if his third book is to be published ; but after running into many obstacles, and being evicted, he returns home feeling like a failure. Meanwhile the Baldwin sisters plan an elegant reunion ball for their finishing school class, but no one comes except the neighbors. Reunion movies ( 1982 -- 97 ) Title Directed by Written by Original air date `` A Wedding on Walton 's Mountain '' Lee Philips Marjorie Fowler and Claylene Jones February 22, 1982 ( 1982 - 02 - 22 ) It is 1947 and plans for Erin and Paul 's wedding are disrupted by the unexpected return of her ex-beau Ashley Longworth Jr. who is now a widower. John visits from Arizona to help Ben and Paul save the family lumber business. `` Mother 's Day on Walton 's Mountain '' Gwen Arner Juliet Law Packer May 9, 1982 ( 1982 - 05 - 09 ) Mary Ellen and Jonesy finally get married. However, as Mother 's Day approaches, she finds herself missing her mother Olivia, who is still recovering in a sanitarium in Arizona. After Mary Ellen is hurt when her car collides with a deer and is advised by a doctor never to get pregnant again, she becomes afraid that her new husband will lose interest in her. Meanwhile, Aimee Godsey returns home from boarding school, but her flirtatious and sophisticated behaviour alienates her local friends. `` A Day for Thanks on Walton 's Mountain '' Harry Harris Kathleen Hite November 22, 1982 ( 1982 - 11 - 22 ) Approaching Thanksgiving Day 1947, Elizabeth feels sad about those who can not be there, including her boyfriend Drew, her parents and John - Boy. At the same time, newlyweds Erin and Paul want to move out of the Walton homestead. Jason decides to try to make more of his musical talent, while Jim - Bob asks the Baldwin sisters to help him expand his garage business. In New York, John - Boy is in love with Jane Schuler ( Melinda Naud ) who is trying to help him deal with writer 's block. Mary Ellen and Jonesy are tasked with fattening up a turkey for the big day. ( Note : This is Robert Wightman 's last appearance as John - Boy. ) `` A Walton Thanksgiving Reunion '' Harry Harris Claire Whitaker and Rod Peterson November 21, 1993 ( 1993 - 11 - 21 ) In mid-November 1963, the Walton siblings and their families return to Walton 's Mountain for the Thanksgiving holiday, including John - Boy and his new fiancé Janet. Several days later, they receive tragic news that President Kennedy had been assassinated in Dallas, Texas. ( Note : Richard Thomas returns to his role as John - Boy Walton for this and the two subsequent movies. ) `` A Walton Wedding '' Robert Ellis Miller Claire Whitaker and Rod Peterson February 12, 1995 ( 1995 - 02 - 12 ) John - Boy and Janet are about to be wed on Walton 's Mountain, though Janet 's overbearing Aunt Flo ( Holland Taylor ), who has put herself in charge of planning the ceremony, may drive everyone crazy in the process. Grandma becomes upset at an article John - Boy wrote about her father. `` A Walton Easter '' Bill Corcoran Julie Sayres April 27, 1997 ( 1997 - 04 - 27 ) It is 1969 and John and Olivia are looking forward to celebrating their 50th Anniversary, John - Boy and Janet are about to have their first child, and the entire family and community are looking forward to Easter. Janet initially resists John - Boy 's plan to maintain a home on the mountain for occasional visits, but relents when she realizes how much the area means to him. Elizabeth, home from the Peace Corps, fears that Drew has left her for another girl, but they end up reuniting. Reunion special ( 2010 ) Title Original air date `` A Walton 's Family Reunion '' October 18, 2010 ( 2010 - 10 - 18 ) A Walton 's Family Reunion brings together the cast of the beloved series. References Jump up ^ Brooks, Tim ; Marsh, Earle ( 2007 ). The Complete Directory to Prime Time Network and Cable TV Shows 1946 - Present ( Ninth Edition ). Ballantine Books. p. 1686 - 1689. ISBN 978 - 0 - 345 - 49773 - 4. ^ Jump up to : `` The Waltons website ''. Retrieved April 6, 2011. Jump up ^ `` TV Guide 's Top 100 Episodes ''. Rev / Views. Retrieved July 4, 2016. Jump up ^ Curtis was played by Ned Beatty in season 1, The Bicycle. Jump up ^ Covington was played by David Huddleston in season 1, The Literary Man. Jump up ^ The Conflict, Season 3, Episode 1 Jump up ^ John Furia, Jr. Retrieved from `` https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=List_of_The_Waltons_episodes&oldid=854491705 '' Categories : Lists of American drama television series episodes The Waltons Talk Contents About Wikipedia Suomi Edit links This page was last edited on 11 August 2018, at 19 : 05 ( UTC ). Text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution - ShareAlike License ; additional terms may apply. By using this site, you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. 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Question: what was the first episode of the waltons called
Answer: "The Foundling"