John Anderson is the guest star in this episode. Anybody who's watched any old television show has seen this guy. He's been in numerous television shows - especially westerns. He plays well in any role he plays. He and Melissa Gilbert played very well in this episode.
Who knew that a little girl wanting to give into a dare would end up helping an old man face the truth about the woman from his past. Yet, this episode tugs at your heartstrings. Mr. Pike is feared by many. Mrs. Olsen thinks he's disgusting (though his money seems good enough to handle). She doesn't want her children anywhere near him.
But Laura is dared by Nellie and Willie to touch the house. She chickens out at first, then goes back to get a piece of wood to prove that she had been there (though it's unclear why Nellie would believe the wood was actually taken from that house). After Jack chases a cat into the house, she ends up inside. Soon, the odd relationship begins.
Charles is Charles in this episode. He tells Laura to stay away from the old man who just wants to be left alone. Then he allows her to go apologize. Soon, he comforting her after Mr. Pike demands she goes away and never come back.
My favorite part in the whole episode Is Laura reading the Bible and giving Mr. Pike the Bible so he'd have something to hope in. I thought that was sweet, and that was followed by a tearful scene as Laura held Mr. Pike and let him cry out his grief.
By the way, it appears the DVD this episode is on has the show out of sequence...Just for a heads up!