Airdate: 1/11/79
John-Boy’s college buddy, Mike Paxton, returns from the war
a paraplegic. The Waltons take him in, and despite encouragement to move on
with his life (especially from nurse Mary Ellen), he feels defeated and prefers
to wallow in self-pity. Erin attempts to get him a job as a supervisor at J.D.
Pickett’s plant; when J.D refuses hire because he’s handicapped, Mike’s resolve
is only strengthened and he summons the fortitude to drive himself to work and
climb the stairs with his crutches… to his new job. Meanwhile Ike and Ben try a
little soft shoe to audition for a USO show.
48 years before the Americans with Disabilities Act, the
Waltons were ahead of their time in rallying to the support of Mike. You might
remember him from Waltons 3.2, “The
First Day,” as John-Boy’s comrade in arms on his traumatic first day at
Boatwright College. His character, as played by Dennis Redfield, is a bit
mannered and mopey, and even though I know that’s the point it also makes him
oversimplified and slightly unlikeable. A rousing, if somewhat predictable,
conclusion. Ike and Ben’s rendition of “In the Mood” makes it worth the price
of admission.
Time check: Spring, 1942.
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