The sub-plot of this two parter is quite tragic. Eliza Jane's story is so sad and so tragic. I and many I know are Eliza Janes. People on the fringes. Single people who never get noticed, never get asked to the dance, never get a proposal, never find true happiness for themselves. Eliza gets a taste of happiness, a glimmer of hope, but her love goes unrequited. So she keeps all that sadness to herself and turns outward to others to make them happy.
Even this sub-plot may go unnoticed by viewers amidst the noise of Laura and Almanzo's love story. Lucy Lee Flippen does an excellent job of acting in this episode and the music tied to her scenes allows the viewer even more of a glimpse into her broken heart and her selflessness. Eliza's story, although tragic, is one of self-sacrifice.
Little House on the Prairie (TV Series)
Laura Ingalls Wilder: Part II (1980)
User Reviews
Review this title8 Reviews
What I Did For Love.
ExplorerDS678929 March 2012
Warning: Spoilers
Previously on Little House, Almanzo purchased a big plot of land for he and his future wife, Laura. Eliza Jane tried putting the moves on Harve Miller, who she saw as a real hunk, as well as her first chance. Almanzo was subsequently cheated out of his land when the man who sold it to him cut off his irrigation system, resulting in it becoming a great big dust bowl. Because of this, Almanzo decided that he was no damn good for Laura right now and decreed they would postpone the wedding. So things were bleak for Mr. Wilder, but Miss Wilder got the surprise of her life when Harve invited HER to dinner for a change the next night, with a mighty important question to ask her. There could be some light at the end of the tunnel, because Caroline remembers the teaching position Laura had been offered, and with both her and Almanzo working, they could make ends meet. Naturally, Almanzo had to find a problem with this. He couldn't swallow his pride and let the little woman help out financially. He put his foot, but she also put hers down, taking the job, so there! Meanwhile, Harve and Eliza Jane sit down to dinner, where Harve professes his love...for another woman! You could say he was a jerk, but then he didn't know how EJ felt about him. Well, she decided to tell him...after he'd left, but she managed to track him to Sleepy Eye and told him right then and there that she loved him. Regardless, he was marrying that other woman on Sunday. Heartbroken, Eliza Jane rode away, leaving that poor man's Don Juan in the dust.
That night, Laura saw Almanzo ride up to the house. It seems he finally came to his senses and wanted to talk...well, that's half right. Almanzo still hasn't forgotten his pride, the two begin acting like children and she gives back the engagement ring! Well, can't say I'm too surprised. Who would want to marry Almanzo with his attitude, but then who would want to marry Laura with her's? Love is such a strange thing. I'll bet Cupid's sorry he ever showed his face in Walnut Grove. All may not be lost, however. When writing in her diary, Eliza Jane wished for a way to help her loved ones, and then it hit her! She raced to tell Almanzo the news, and even though Harve clearly blew her off, Eliza Jane never told anybody and let them assume they were still in love, so she fibs about Harve wanting to move to St. Louis and get married and with her leaving, the Walnut Grove school would need a teacher. With the prospect of Laura staying in town, Almanzo finally warmed up to the idea so he grabbed the ring and rode like the wind to catch up with Laura, bound for Radner. Aboard the stage, Laura had the misfortune of sitting across from a couple who couldn't keep their lips off each other. Get a room, you two. Fortunately, Almanzo caught up, admitted he was as stubborn as a mule, laid out the whole plan and once again proposed to Laura, and she accepted. Hallelujah! They race off to Sleepy Eye where Charles and Caroline were celebrating with Adam and Mary their wedding anniversary. To mark the occasion, Almanzo and Laura decide to get married right that day, so he and Adam can remind one another of their anniversaries. As Charles and Hester Sue seek out a preacher, they run into Harve, who reveals he was already married. Charles confronts Eliza Jane and, after hearing her reasoning, agrees to keep the secret. And so, at long last, Almanzo and Laura were pronounced man and wife, and all were very happy.
A beautiful end to a terrific two-parter. Going in, we all knew Laura and Almanzo were going to tie the knot, but they kept the suspense going all the way to the end. Things were tough at times, but through all their struggles, all their hardships, they never lost hope, and are finally together, but this won't be the end of their childish spats. There's plenty more of those on the way. Dean Butler, Melissa Gilbert and James Cromwell were all very good, but the one that stands out the most is Lucy Lee Flippin. What a sacrifice Eliza Jane made for her brother. That is extremely noble. I have to say that Eliza Jane Wilder is A-Okay in my book. Glad to see everything worked out in the end, as it always does, so check out this episode, as well as the rest of Season 7. It had its share of great episodes (To See the Light, A New Beginning, Portrait of Love, Blind Justice, The In-Laws), crappy episodes (The Nephews, Divorce Walnut Grove Style, Oleson vs. Oleson, Goodbye Mrs. Wilder) and taboo episodes (Sylvia, The Lost Ones). While not one of the series' best, Season 7 is still a worthwhile crowd pleaser. Check it out.
That night, Laura saw Almanzo ride up to the house. It seems he finally came to his senses and wanted to talk...well, that's half right. Almanzo still hasn't forgotten his pride, the two begin acting like children and she gives back the engagement ring! Well, can't say I'm too surprised. Who would want to marry Almanzo with his attitude, but then who would want to marry Laura with her's? Love is such a strange thing. I'll bet Cupid's sorry he ever showed his face in Walnut Grove. All may not be lost, however. When writing in her diary, Eliza Jane wished for a way to help her loved ones, and then it hit her! She raced to tell Almanzo the news, and even though Harve clearly blew her off, Eliza Jane never told anybody and let them assume they were still in love, so she fibs about Harve wanting to move to St. Louis and get married and with her leaving, the Walnut Grove school would need a teacher. With the prospect of Laura staying in town, Almanzo finally warmed up to the idea so he grabbed the ring and rode like the wind to catch up with Laura, bound for Radner. Aboard the stage, Laura had the misfortune of sitting across from a couple who couldn't keep their lips off each other. Get a room, you two. Fortunately, Almanzo caught up, admitted he was as stubborn as a mule, laid out the whole plan and once again proposed to Laura, and she accepted. Hallelujah! They race off to Sleepy Eye where Charles and Caroline were celebrating with Adam and Mary their wedding anniversary. To mark the occasion, Almanzo and Laura decide to get married right that day, so he and Adam can remind one another of their anniversaries. As Charles and Hester Sue seek out a preacher, they run into Harve, who reveals he was already married. Charles confronts Eliza Jane and, after hearing her reasoning, agrees to keep the secret. And so, at long last, Almanzo and Laura were pronounced man and wife, and all were very happy.
A beautiful end to a terrific two-parter. Going in, we all knew Laura and Almanzo were going to tie the knot, but they kept the suspense going all the way to the end. Things were tough at times, but through all their struggles, all their hardships, they never lost hope, and are finally together, but this won't be the end of their childish spats. There's plenty more of those on the way. Dean Butler, Melissa Gilbert and James Cromwell were all very good, but the one that stands out the most is Lucy Lee Flippin. What a sacrifice Eliza Jane made for her brother. That is extremely noble. I have to say that Eliza Jane Wilder is A-Okay in my book. Glad to see everything worked out in the end, as it always does, so check out this episode, as well as the rest of Season 7. It had its share of great episodes (To See the Light, A New Beginning, Portrait of Love, Blind Justice, The In-Laws), crappy episodes (The Nephews, Divorce Walnut Grove Style, Oleson vs. Oleson, Goodbye Mrs. Wilder) and taboo episodes (Sylvia, The Lost Ones). While not one of the series' best, Season 7 is still a worthwhile crowd pleaser. Check it out.
Love, loss and grief
dakjets31 August 2023
This brought the whole family together when it ran, and is still popular. This double episode is an excellent example of why the series remained popular for so many years. Michael Landon was never afraid to portray drama, interpersonal relationships. He also brought up and showed that not all people succeed in life. The main content of this episode is about Laura and Almanzo and their start to adulthood. But I think that the sub-story about the tragic and sad fate of the teacher and the pepper maiden Eliza Jane is what really lifts this episode. The series dealt with various destinies and Michael Landon must have been incredibly good at casting. I think it's strange that the show didn't win more Emmys than it actually did.
One of the highlights in a long series of good episodes.
One of the highlights in a long series of good episodes.
Will you marry me?
mitchrmp24 September 2013
Warning: Spoilers
All hell breaks loose when Almanzo looses he land and drops a bomb of an announcement: he has to cancel the wedding. Laura is upset, but understands and accepts it. She's sad and Caroline can't stand it. She comes up with the perfect solution: she should take her previously offered teach job and help Almanzo earn the money they need for a home. But Almanzo is not thrilled with the news. A huge fight breaks out. Laura informs Almanzo that no matter what, she's taking the job.
Oh, but that's not the worst part! What follows is the fight of all fights when Laura gives him back the ring! Laura storms off thinking it's over. She can't stand to be around the man she loves anymore and decides to move away for good...
The story is so sweet and romantic. I wouldn't change a thing about it! I think what Eliza Jane did was nothing short of unconditional love. I hate to see Miss Wilder go, but I'm happy that Laura will be moving into the old house!
This is probably THE greatest moment of the entire nine series show - the last ten minutes when Laura leaves, Almanzo goes after her, and they marry...
Oh, but that's not the worst part! What follows is the fight of all fights when Laura gives him back the ring! Laura storms off thinking it's over. She can't stand to be around the man she loves anymore and decides to move away for good...
The story is so sweet and romantic. I wouldn't change a thing about it! I think what Eliza Jane did was nothing short of unconditional love. I hate to see Miss Wilder go, but I'm happy that Laura will be moving into the old house!
This is probably THE greatest moment of the entire nine series show - the last ten minutes when Laura leaves, Almanzo goes after her, and they marry...
A brilliant conclusion to a tear jerking story.
mark.waltz20 September 2021
Warning: Spoilers
Lucy Lee Flippen ends her "Little House" stint doing much more than sending Willie to the corner. On her way to the sitcom "Flo", Flippen gets a wonderful send-off as Eliza Jane, making a sacrifice for Laura and Almonzo after her feelings for Harve (James Cromwell) go unrequited. Flippen shows the building passion that quickly falls apart, and your heart can't help but bleed for her pain. She'll be back for a guest appearance, but this is the finest moment for her even if the character has an ending that would probably bring out tears in Scrooge.
For Laura and Almonzo, Eliza Jane's sacrifice is a triumph for them so this episode has a number of emotions. Nellie makes a brief appearance to keep the audience aware of her story and the nice Nellie is sensational to watch. You also get a, brief to the blind school with Mary, Adam and Hester Sue. Ketty Lester makes the most of even the smallest of appearances. How this episode could be topped in season seven is nearly impossible.
For Laura and Almonzo, Eliza Jane's sacrifice is a triumph for them so this episode has a number of emotions. Nellie makes a brief appearance to keep the audience aware of her story and the nice Nellie is sensational to watch. You also get a, brief to the blind school with Mary, Adam and Hester Sue. Ketty Lester makes the most of even the smallest of appearances. How this episode could be topped in season seven is nearly impossible.
Mixed Signals
Hendry223 November 2018
Warning: Spoilers
No one could blame Eliza Jane for getting a bad case of mixed signals. Harve certainly made her think he was interested. The sad ending is very true and something I've said more than once at someone else's wedding - "I've never been happier in my life - really I haven't."
Sad episode and Almanzo is a jerk.
bigwhiskers-1217023 August 2023
Warning: Spoilers
This is a rather sad episode regarding the Eliza Jane subplot. She has painful shyness and self image insecurity and it's a shame that she could not overcome it and express her true feelings for Harve. Instead she spends most of the episode beating around the bush with him, he ends up telling her that he is interested in another woman so when she finally decides to tell him how she really feels it's too late as he's decided to marry the other woman. It's a shame that something wasn't written in to say maybe have Laura or even Caroline speak with Harve and tell him exactly how Eliza Jane feels about him and that she was painfully shy so that way he would know and give Eliza the benefit of the doubt one way or the other.
As for the Almanzo and Laura subplot Almanzo was being a male chauvinist pig.
The old fashioned thing that women should not work or be barefoot and pregnant is such bs even for the 1890s etc. So in his mind if a man can't support his family then they should just starve. If I was Laura I would have dumped him on his head and found somebody better.
One final note- it seemed to me that the character of Eliza Jane might have come across as a closeted lesbian too. Bookish, shy, gets along with women better as she mentions to Harve. So even though she seemed to have fallen in love with him she could have been suppressing feelings too.
As for the Almanzo and Laura subplot Almanzo was being a male chauvinist pig.
The old fashioned thing that women should not work or be barefoot and pregnant is such bs even for the 1890s etc. So in his mind if a man can't support his family then they should just starve. If I was Laura I would have dumped him on his head and found somebody better.
One final note- it seemed to me that the character of Eliza Jane might have come across as a closeted lesbian too. Bookish, shy, gets along with women better as she mentions to Harve. So even though she seemed to have fallen in love with him she could have been suppressing feelings too.
But there is something in favor of this wedding: Ester Sue did not sing!
drfernandogil23 April 2024
Warning: Spoilers
Eliza ends up assuming Harvey's rejection with astonishing chivalry, and sacrifices herself in favor of Laura and her brother Almanso: She creates the lie of her own wedding, to leave Almanso her house and Laura her job. Incredible so much nobility in a person who could be hurt and spiteful because of his eternal singleness and the collapse of his dream.
Very childish and typical of the films that Almanso runs the cart where Laura is leaving, stops her and magically reverses his "principles" that women should not work and redoes their wedding plan.
Harvey is a very inconsiderate guy, he receives Eliza's declaration of love and confronts her that he will get married soon and move away... Zero consideration.
The wedding, so untimely and without Laura's friends or her siblings Albert, Carrie and Grace, is not typical.... Reverend Alden should have married them and Dr. Baker should have been present. But there is something in favor of this wedding: Ester Sue did not sing!
Very childish and typical of the films that Almanso runs the cart where Laura is leaving, stops her and magically reverses his "principles" that women should not work and redoes their wedding plan.
Harvey is a very inconsiderate guy, he receives Eliza's declaration of love and confronts her that he will get married soon and move away... Zero consideration.
The wedding, so untimely and without Laura's friends or her siblings Albert, Carrie and Grace, is not typical.... Reverend Alden should have married them and Dr. Baker should have been present. But there is something in favor of this wedding: Ester Sue did not sing!
See also
Awards | FAQ | User Ratings | External Reviews | Metacritic Reviews
