The Cheaters

I gave this episode a 10 even though I have always wondered a few things. Why were all the grades 4 and up taking the same test? There is nothing about making different tests for different grades. There were no copy machines so could you have imagined the paper work if many tests were needed.

Also if Albert did poorly on all the other tests how did he suddenly win the blue ribbon just because he received a hundred on the last test. Shouldn't have all the tests scores counted? It may have been a moral lesson to lose the blue ribbon on deliberately getting low grades and have the ribbon go to some other kid.

Still it is a good episode and it did entertain me. I did like the fact they touched on how a person can cheat in two ways.

Nowadays we would probably find out that Andrew had a learning disability in some way. Something that wasn't known back then. It would have been nice if it could have been hinted in some way since Michael Landon did try to touch on modern issues in a round-a-bout way.

Also Andrew didn't deserve the whipping because he was forced to study with Nellie and confessed his wrong in front of the whole school even Mrs. Oleson.

I know it's a shocking truth, but after all this time we've finally learned the secret to Nellie's success: She cheats! I know, it knocked me through a loop too...NOT! How many cheaters can one small country school have? Well, you'll have to watch this episode to find out! It all starts with Andy doing poorly in school and his mother being ashamed of him. The truth is that Andy would rather go fishing or frogging then study. His own mother is the school teacher, and when Harriet Oleson approaches her and offers to let Nellie help Andy, well she's just dismayed! But when Jonathan "tells" her to take her up on her offer the trouble begins.

Andy is shocked when Nellie confesses her deep, dark secret to him. But he does cheat and his grades do improve. while his grades improve, smart Albert's go down. Laura is privy to all the information as to why. As usual, it takes the Ingalls to set things right again.

Now, Andy is punished at the end of this. I kinda feel that the spanking is unnecessary. If Andy was still struggling to the truth, I can see it. But Andy and his parents had a big heart-to-heart. He was sincerely sorry and all's forgiven. I'm just a bit torn on rather he needed one...

As for Albert, I loved the father-son talk. I think a lecture let Albert off really easy, but then that's Albert!!!