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» » La petite maison dans la prairie The Stranger (1974–1983)

Short summary

When young Peter Lundstrom is expelled from his private school for petty theft, his wealthy father sends the boy to stay with Uncle Nels Oleson in Walnut Grove for a long-overdue lesson in values.

This is the first episode out of those in which both Alison Arngrim and Jonathan Gilbert are present as Nellie and Wille Oleson, where Gilbert receives his on-screen credit before/above Arngrim.

User reviews


  • comment
    • Author: CrazyDemon
    It is apparent from the very beginning of this episode that Peter's father isn't very attentive. Peter goes away to a private school without even knowing where his father is. His father is loving and concerned - just detached. When Peter gets into trouble, his father sends him to his cousin - Nels.

    But Nels doesn't have much success. Peter does not like the Olsen family much. His attitude sours and he breaks the store window with a chair. Of course, we know who steps in to help...That's right! Charles Ingalls. Charles takes Peter to his farm to work off the debt he created by breaking the window. Charles holds back nothing and threatens to whip Peter right off if he disobeys. Peter soon learns that hard work is just the thing he'd been looking for. And he starts wishing his father was more like "Uncle Charles."

    When his father comes to Walnut Grove to pick Peter off, Charles is bold enough to point out his faults. The grandmother is very upset, but Peter's Pa knows he was wrong. A heart-to-heart talk in the Ingalls' barn may bring tears to your eyes!
  • comment
    • Author: Rexfire
    It seems young Peter Lundstrom has been expelled from school for cheating and stealing. Who is Peter Lundstrom, you ask? The son of Olaf Lundstrom whose cousin is Nels Oleson. Never heard of them? You have now. Anyway, was Peter sorry for his wrongdoings? Uh-uh. Was his father angry about his expulsion? Not so much. His late wife chose the school way back when and Olaf thought little of it, so now it was time to instill a sense of values, workmanship and responsibility into his insurgent son, despite the vehement protests of his mother in-law. Peter would be sent to Walnut Grove, Minnesota to become Nels and Harriet's latest burden. Right away Peter had doubts about his new temporary home, especially when Willie introduced him to the outhouse. The next day following church services, some of the local boys initiated Peter into the community by smearing mud all over him...hey, love thy neighbor, boys, no matter how weird he acts! Peter was a real problem child, and sadly, Nels and Harriet didn't know how to properly handle him, even though they've got two problem children of their own. Peter was feeling homesick and the thought of his father possibly not wanting him around ate away at him. Well, sir, the straw that broke the camel's back was when Peter smashed the windows of the mercantile in a fit of rage. Nels was all but ready to give up the ship when Charles stepped in and offered to put Peter to work in the field for a few weeks. Does Charles have what it takes to break this brat? I'm sure he's up to the challenge.

    Peter soon found out that Charles Ingalls meant business. Right away, he made for him to sleep in the barn loft and put him to work helping him haul and cut branches. His blistered hands at the end of the day showed Peter what hard work really is. Charles even taught him how to swim by way of picking him up and throwing him into the lake. He learned pretty quick. Yep, it seems Charles formed a bond with this kid, he's like the son he never had. After some time had passed, Peter had more than paid what he owed to Nels for breaking his window, with a little change left over. Things were going great, until one afternoon Olaf came out to see his boy. Peter tried to show him he learned how to swim, but his father paid it no mind, disheartening the boy. Olaf hadn't the faintest idea what was wrong with him, but it seems he doesn't know his son much at all. Charles had deduced that Peter's bad behavior was his way of crying out for his father's attention. Well, sir, Olaf and Peter had a little heart-to-heart in the loft. Seems they were close and yet so far apart. No more. Things from here on out would be different between them. And to celebrate, they went swimming.

    Another very endearing episode. Written, directed and acted to perfection by Michael Landon. Also great were Nehemiah Persoff as Olaf and young Michael Sharrett as Peter. What I liked most about this episode was how Charles dealt with Peter from the start. He didn't take any B.S. from him. He told him straight out that if he didn't do as he was told, he was going to get his ass kicked. I think they should make reality shows like THIS. Have a bratty kid who hates you and won't obey you? Send'em to Charles Ingalls, or a reasonable facsimile, to give the little pain in the ass a pain in the ass. Learn him some good old school values. It's too bad we don't have more people like that anymore; seeing the bond form between Charles and Peter was very believable. It wasn't forced or inconsistent, so this is one all Little House fans or just all people in general should check out.
  • Episode cast overview:
    Michael Landon Michael Landon - Charles Ingalls
    Karen Grassle Karen Grassle - Caroline Ingalls
    Melissa Gilbert Melissa Gilbert - Laura Ingalls
    Melissa Sue Anderson Melissa Sue Anderson - Mary Ingalls
    Rachel Lindsay Greenbush Rachel Lindsay Greenbush - Carrie Ingalls (as Lindsay Sidney Greenbush)
    Sidney Greenbush Sidney Greenbush - Carrie Ingalls (as Lindsay Sidney Greenbush)
    Richard Bull Richard Bull - Nels Oleson
    Katherine MacGregor Katherine MacGregor - Harriet Oleson
    Nehemiah Persoff Nehemiah Persoff - Mr. Olaf Lundstrom
    Michael Sharrett Michael Sharrett - Peter Lundstrom
    Cicely Walper Cicely Walper - Mrs. Caldwell
    Jonathan Gilbert Jonathan Gilbert - Willie Oleson
    Stephen Coit Stephen Coit - Mr. Tate
    Alison Arngrim Alison Arngrim - Nellie Oleson
    Hersha Parady Hersha Parady - Alice Garvey
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