James and Cassandra have officially become part of the Ingalls' household, and what a happy little household it was. Too little, in fact. Seven people crammed into a three room house, or rather one room, one loft and one alcove, can leave much to be desired. So after a lovely breakfast of burnt biscuits, Almanzo comes by to drop off a big-ass chest of drawers courtesy of Mrs. Oleson, ordered by Caroline for James and Cassandra's clothes (got all that?) Charles was left to ponder where to put their new monstrosity as he's nearly mowed down by his four school-going children. Quite a morning, huh? Guess what, they go through this every morning! As a result, Laura reverted to big-sister mode to talk with Albert, James, Carrie and Cassandra about the trials and tribulations of having such a large household and told them to be more self reliant. Then she tells them coldly that if they're late again, it's extra homework... has she no heart? As if things weren't bad enough, every time James was around Albert he never shut the hell up. Every waking moment he'd pester his older brother with stupid questions. When Albert finally got the chance to get away, James went home and practiced shaving with Albert's razor, despite his being asked not to touch it. Well, the razor is predictably ruined in the process, and James got rid of it. It was only a matter of time before Albert realized his prized possession was gone, then the sparks would fly.
After discovering the price of shoes is might higher when you're buying two extra pairs, Albert had to forgo his pair so the others could get theirs. He was a good sport about it. While this was going on, James spotted a razor in the display case that looked exactly like the one he wrecked, so he snatched it when nobody was looking and pulled the old switcheroo. It worked perfectly...for five seconds. See each man knows their own razor. Albert identified it as being not his razor, James fesses up and is rightfully punished. So while Albert pouts over the razor and acts like he's the only person on earth with problems, James decides he's no good and runs away. Feeling responsible, Albert goes off to look for him. He finds him and attempts to use reverse psychology by making James think he's running away with him and the two get about as far as the lake before the cliché thunderstorm sets in. They seek shelter and despite Albert offering to take James' punishments, the little bastard still wouldn't go back with him. Deciding they were tired of being outside in the rain, the two junior schmucks seek refuge in a big, scary house...sensible. The house is empty, so they go right in...and you just know nothing good will come from this. Sure enough, they come across...a rifle toting Santa Claus? No, this was kindly old Mr. Tibbs. He invited them in and gave them a taste of his family specialty: Muskrat Soup. Yummers! Then the boys are shown to their very own rooms, but James finds it too lonely and scary in his own room, what with that hunting trophy above the bed, and so he bunks with Albert, finally ready to go home. In the morning they venture back with a newfound appreciation for one another, as well as tight spaces, and so the Ingalls family sits down to breakfast to celebrate their unity.
Great episode, truly a display of just how close love and acceptance can bring people together. Jason Bateman and Matthew Laborteaux had good on-screen chemistry and were believable as brothers. This one starts out funny, almost like a sitcom, then it gradually turns into a family drama, then a buddy comedy, then a horror film, and then back into a family drama with a happy ending. So many genres in one and they really pull it off. So if you like episodes that are centered around James and Cassandra, as few as they are, I say this one is worth a try. Character development is well done and Albert truly comes across as a model big brother.
After discovering the price of shoes is might higher when you're buying two extra pairs, Albert had to forgo his pair so the others could get theirs. He was a good sport about it. While this was going on, James spotted a razor in the display case that looked exactly like the one he wrecked, so he snatched it when nobody was looking and pulled the old switcheroo. It worked perfectly...for five seconds. See each man knows their own razor. Albert identified it as being not his razor, James fesses up and is rightfully punished. So while Albert pouts over the razor and acts like he's the only person on earth with problems, James decides he's no good and runs away. Feeling responsible, Albert goes off to look for him. He finds him and attempts to use reverse psychology by making James think he's running away with him and the two get about as far as the lake before the cliché thunderstorm sets in. They seek shelter and despite Albert offering to take James' punishments, the little bastard still wouldn't go back with him. Deciding they were tired of being outside in the rain, the two junior schmucks seek refuge in a big, scary house...sensible. The house is empty, so they go right in...and you just know nothing good will come from this. Sure enough, they come across...a rifle toting Santa Claus? No, this was kindly old Mr. Tibbs. He invited them in and gave them a taste of his family specialty: Muskrat Soup. Yummers! Then the boys are shown to their very own rooms, but James finds it too lonely and scary in his own room, what with that hunting trophy above the bed, and so he bunks with Albert, finally ready to go home. In the morning they venture back with a newfound appreciation for one another, as well as tight spaces, and so the Ingalls family sits down to breakfast to celebrate their unity.
Great episode, truly a display of just how close love and acceptance can bring people together. Jason Bateman and Matthew Laborteaux had good on-screen chemistry and were believable as brothers. This one starts out funny, almost like a sitcom, then it gradually turns into a family drama, then a buddy comedy, then a horror film, and then back into a family drama with a happy ending. So many genres in one and they really pull it off. So if you like episodes that are centered around James and Cassandra, as few as they are, I say this one is worth a try. Character development is well done and Albert truly comes across as a model big brother.
