Little House on the Prairie: Season 9 [1974]

Customer Reviews:

'Little House - A New Beginning' shows definite potential.......2007-06-19

I think it's sometimes tempting to think of 'Little House On The Prairie's final (full) season as a somewhat sad end to what has generally amounted to almost a decade of wonderful stories involving the many characters we've come to know and love particuarly in light of the fact the family most central to the series (the Ingalls) had now left. However, the series being based on Laura Ingalls Wilder's books proves that primarily the stories are about her (and not solely her family) so there is perhaps some justification in carrying on without them.
Actually the loss of the Ingalls family isn't as great as one might imagine because in many ways the retitled 'Little House - A New Beginning' manages to find a new perspective by refocusing on different characters and in turn creating new and entertaining situations. Many of the old characters still remain of course, yet those new faces in addition to the returning Mr Edwards give the series a freshness and vitality that had been lacking somewhat in recent seasons. It's also worth noting that many of the stories now seem a lot less sensationalised which for me makes them easier to relate to. 'A New Beginning' therefore does seem a very apt title.
This seasons stories are possibly the strongest for several years - certainly since season six or even going back as far as season four. Michael Landon still maintained his position writing and directing many of the episodes even if he only appeared twice during the series ('Times Are Changing' and 'Home Again'). The themes of the series remain very much the same as always and involve prejudice - 'Little Lou' - mistreatment and greed - 'The Wild Boy', anger - 'A Child With No Name' and also a dose of humour - 'For The Love Of Blanche'. There is also a story involving Albert Ingalls use of drugs - 'Home Again' which has the aim of educating viewers in the danger of drugs.
If there are any negative points to this final series it is that at times the series lacks a strong lead (vacated by Michael Landon). Melissa Gilbert (Laura) takes the lead credits alongside Dean Butler (Almanzo) but really the series is very much a group effort where all the actors take a share of the responsibility. Often though, in truth, it's Victor French (Mr Edwards) who carries the responsibility most effectively with a number of very powerful scenes of emotion alongside his more jovial traits. This is the reason why in my opinion the stories his character is most prominantly involved in tend to be the most memorable (and enjoyable). Really this season needed more performances like this from some of the other actors. The new character Jenny played by Shannen Doherty also puts in a number of really fine delicately emotional performances. She was a most endearing young girl!
Generally, 'Little House - A New Beginning' is very strong. It has a freshness due to the fact there are several new characters and a new sense of perspective. In turn there's also far less need to sensationalise because the characters have yet to be developed to their full potential which ultimately adds to the strength of this series.

What would have happened if the series had continued - who knows? based on what is evident here the series still had great potential.

Little House On the Prairie: Season 9 [1974] (REGION 1) (NTSC)

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Little House On the Prairie: Season 9 [1974] (REGION 1) (NTSC)

Manufacturer: Lions Gate Home Entertainment
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: 630974951X
Release Date: 2007-04-02

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