No Beast So Fierce

Given the plot summary posted here for this episode, all spoilers have been revealed. James had to grow on me, like he did with Albert on the show. This episode with Gideon is the best one I think of the many when James constantly is feeling sorry for himself for messing up or being a burden on the Ingalls family. Albert felt bad once or twice when adopted and only ran once away and that was it. James just can't accept his new home (he did literally see his parents die tragically and brutally right in front of him). Laura was the one who had to get over her jealousy of Albert with Pa - he's Pa's first son to live as the first boy born to them dies within a a few weeks in Season One. Gideon's parents are also so sweet and protective but not crazy haters like a lot of newcomers to Walnut Grove. The ending is a bit predictable, but as a dog lover I teared up - Gideon and his stutter and protective and kind folks just made for such a sweet scene. Ma and Pa are great too. Ma finds him and her one on one talk with Gideon reminded me of the one with Able from Season One and there's just nothing like a road trip with Pa!

This episode focuses on James and a little boy named Gideon. Gideon is new in school,and James befriends him right off. But the kids make fun of him because he stutters. James doesn't want to be like them, but eventually gives in. Gideon is very upset - the one person he could trust is no longer his friend!

James feels awful. Charles decides to take him on a trip with him where they meet a wild dog. The dog doesn't like Charles, but is taken with James. He saves them from robbers one night and a bear the next morning.

Meanwhile, Caroline joins in the search for Gideon. Why she has success where the parents fail is a mystery, but she does.

The episode is a good lesson about how untrue the sticks and stones saying is. Words do hurt - and kill friendships!