The Waltons (TV Series) The Sinner (1972) User Reviews

Ritter

[dawnsacks-01578 · 9/10 · 14 March 2019]

One of the best episodes ever of the Waltons. Amazing performance by John Ritter and the woman who played the religious woman. Though and atheist I found this episode uplifting

Great Lesson Here

[janet-conant · 9/10 · 8 June 2023]

I always enjoyed this episode even though I am not a believer. Seeing Colin Wilcox playing a straitlaced reverend coming to introduce a new possible preacher for Waltons Mountain made me remember only 10 years earlier Wilcox played Mayella Ewell in To Kill a Mockingbird, the complete opposite who brilliantly portrayed a poor vulnerable girl who she herself had sinned. What a wonderful actress she was.

I found Ritter as Rev. Fordwick exceptional and see why he had an illustrious career. The best here is Grandpa Walton letting Matthew sample the recipe and kick back. When Miss Mamie offers to replenish Matthew's cup you have to laugh to see Grandpa drink up and reach for more.

Having the new minister get drunk and pass out in front of his mentor was the whole purpose of the lesson taught. He can't very well teach about sin unless he has known the temptation. John Boy at first dismisses him as a hypocrite then convinces him to not run away. When Fordwick delivers a fine short sermon from the heart, despite the faces of those judging him, you know they will welcome him especially with Grandpa's and John senior's fine show of support.

Unjustly Accused.

[jack31961 · 9/10 · 11 March 2024]

Reverand Fordwick did nothing wrong. We can trust in his strict Baptist upbringing, he had never touched Alcohol before. Had he known the Baldwin Sister "Elixer, contained it, he would have politely declined. But he did not know. He was unjustly judged by Miss Prism. (Who by Baptist policy. Should not have been preaching anyway} He had nothing to be ashamed of, or sorry for. Only John Walton stood up for him.

He was a very young wet behind the ears preacher. But thankfully with experience which we saw later in the series, He became invaluable to the church, and community. I hope Miss Prism mellowed with age. Her manner was no way to bring people to Christ!

The New Minister

[garyldibert · 10/10 · 23 February 2008]

The Episode aired on October 26 1972 with this opening. I remember a day in a hot summer back during the Depression when we all wished Waltons Mountain was a mile higher so its cool shade would reach us sooner. Growing up in those long-gone days, I took for granted the discomfort of a hot summer; but as a novice writer, I took it as my duty to question other things, like sin and what made a sinner. Trouble was, no one seemed to agree. The show opens with John Ritter playing the role of a young minister named Reverend Matthew Fordwick who's on his way to meet the Waltons and become the new Minister of Waltons Mountain. Olivia has all the children dress in there Sunday best and they had been waiting for two hours. John comes from outside and tells the children to go get there swimsuits on because he promise to take the children swimming. While outside playing in the water, the new minister shows up and things get off on the wrong foot. As the New Minister is talking to Olivia Grandpa comes wondering out of the bedroom in his swimsuit and that doesn't sit well with Grandma. Later in the day, when the children are gather around Mary Ellen as she works on a project she uses the word damn. Well that sets the of the New Minister who starts talking in away that John doesn't like which then has the two men exchanging words. Now the new Minister ways and the way he's talking as the Walton's children having dreams which doesn't sit well with John and that's causing friction with Olivia. That night Yancey Tucker shows up drunk and starts a fire in the Walton Barn. Later in the day, Reverend Fordwick has Grandpa take him to the Baldwin Sisters house. How will the New Minister explain his visit to the Baldwin Sisters to people of Waltons Mountain? I loved this episode because the part on the swimming hole remained me of when we to old bedroom doors and tied them to Entire tubes to float on the water. Because of the memory and the beautiful sites of the mountain, I give this episode 10 weasel stars

A very powerful ending

[zmos99 · 10/10 · 27 March 2023]

John Ritter guest stars as a young preacher, who stumbles seriously, jeopardizing his whole future. Somehow, the Walton family manages to get him on the right track, both in his own eyes and the eyes of the community.

Another reviewer here said that "somethings missing" because Jesus is not mentioned. That's true. But that's OK, because everyone knows exactly who the people are gathered to worship, and everyone knows who provides grace and forgiveness when it's needed most. And that is Jesus Christ.

I have 95 characters left, so I've just got to say the grandpa really saves the day at the very end. You can't help but love that guy more with each episode.

Something Is Missing

[Mark_The_TV_Geek · 5/10 · 4 April 2022]

This could have been a great uplifting episode but in this episode about sin, salvation and Christianity the name of Jesus is never mentioned. Nor is the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Why is that? Because it's Hollywood. Where preaching the Good News of Jesus Christ is forbidden. Even on the Waltons. Disappointing to say the least. However, there is a really good conclusion to this episode that does warm the heart.