For the Love of Blanche

It's understandable that Michael Landon wanted to have a light-hearted episode considering the three previous we're very dark in nature. But this one was a little far-fetched. I felt like I was watching Any Which Way But Loose. Who couldn't foresee the orangutan doing something nasty too Nancy and then her running off to cry to Mommy. Her incessant mommy, mommy is growing really old and tiresome. And once again here we see Edwards had become guardian of a young deaf boy and he's nowhere around. Why does Landon keep doing this throughout this whole serious? Introduce a character and then you never see them again. It's annoying.

This episode is so sweet! Really a 10/10 for Season 9. You get Mr. Edwards as the lead with the whole town involved and a cute premise executed so well that if you just accept it, you have a great episode. An orangutan in Walnut Grove? Living with Mr. Edwards and then Laura, Almonzo, and Jenny? Attending school? Like with Bewitched and Gilligan's Island, you just need to give yourself over to the whimsy! Edwards even narrates the closing of the episode. The disturbing part of the episode is the new level of evil that Nancy reaches. True, Mrs. Oleson backs her up and is the one to set the wheels in motion against Blanche, but I have a feeling that if Nels (and even Charles perhaps?) was there, he would change her mind. Harriet does not relish in the cruelty the way Nancy does - or at least if you look at her facial expression. I just want to slap that evil look off of her face! Besides that though it's a fun and funny and sweet episode!

Aside from Home Again, parts 1 & 2 and the Christmas reminiscence episode with the Family in the house and mountains of snow outside For the Love of Blanche is my favorite! Michael Landon, who wrote and directed this episode, had to have had a good time making this one! They all did I bet. Orangutans are my favorites ever since Clint Eastwood and Right Turn Clyde when I was a kid growing up! Orangutans are endearing and sweet animals. They take on so many human characteristics and are always funny. For the Love of Blanche is extra special LHOTP at its funniest. Watch and enjoy!

So funny, Blanche the orangutang is sheer class, one of my favourite episodes, love it. Laughed so much in the beginning.

This episode has really taken a funny side with Mr. Edwards' character. Again, he's found himself into some trouble. While traveling back to Walnut Grove, he comes upon a man called Buffalo Bill. Rather he is the Buffalo Bill or not is never established, though it's not from lack of trying! Mr. Edwards promises the dying man to take care of his "little girl." Boy, is he surprsied!

When he gets to Walnut Grove, Blanche manages to surprise a few other folks with his kissing (Harriet and Reverend Alden for two). Almanzo let's Jenny watch Blanch after school, and she even gets to take the monkey to school. That turns into a problem when he hits Nancy back after she hits him.

My favorite part is the first "shooting" of blanch. That is so ingenious of Mr. Edwards, but I've often wondered - are they really THAT smart to do that?

Anyway, this is definitely one you should see if you haven't! It's the last comical episode.