Waltons 2.3: The Separation

Airdate: 9/27/73

The Waltons get their electricity shut off for nonpayment, and Zeb takes it upon himself to make some money by doing some repair work for the Baldwin sisters. When he goes with them to Charlottesville to pay the bill, it turns into an all-day affair, and upon his return home he’s read the riot act by his wife. He responds with resentment that she has so little trust in him, and so both parties, too stubborn to clear things up, are at a détente. Olivia decides to invite both to the county dance, and stir up Zeb’s jealousy by informing him that Esther’s old flame will be there. It works: the two dance together to their old favorite, “My Wild Irish Rose.”
 

Zeb in the doghouse... on a pool table

Zeb and Esther, heretofore supporting characters, are finally front and center here, and their marital spat is definitely a highlight of the season. My favorite scene is when Zeb can’t take it anymore and storms out of the house, only to spend the night on the pool tsable at Ike’s general store! The teleplay was written by Richard Carr, from a story by Grandma herself, Ellen Corby.