Another Review

I grew up with the Little House book series, re-runs of the Michael Landon show, and historical information about the real Ingalls Family. I’m also in my late 20s, so I don’t think I have the same nostalgia for the Michael Landon show most of the reviews I’ve seen do. I have also suffered through another (terrible) rendition that came out in the early 2000s.

I’ve also read Laura’s original manuscript (Pioneer Girl) and Prairie Fires. I did a re-read of the books as an adult as well. I say all of this to say, I see I am bringing a different perspective for a review, than the ones I have seen to the remake.

Overall I enjoyed the show. There were aspects directly from the books that were a straight up treat: The River Crossing, Ma building the house and Santa at Christmas. I also enjoyed seeing the Osage march by the house, exactly as described in Laura’s books. The music and Pa’s fiddle was fantastic. I really liked getting to see a real life character: Dr. Tann on the big screen. I liked his character being fleshed out a little more.

I know in the books the girls were younger, but I understand aging up the girls for TV, for me that was fine. I liked some of the “imagined” scenes as well. I liked giving Mr. Edwards some depth as a war veteran who lost his family. To me this gave this mysterious character some development, other than just comedic relief in the show. I liked the portrayal of Carrie’s birth. This scene gave depth to Ma saying she “has never done this without her sisters.” I totally bought the “let’s call her Caroline” after watching how strong Ma was in this show. I’ve seen other reviews complaining that Ma in this show is cold. I disagree, I think Laura herself portrays Ma as a little cold, especially in the shadow of her Father. And I think this portrayal of Ma was realistic. Compared to Karen Grassel, I think she really shined.

Pa was totally different from both Michael Landon and Laura’s Pa. The jury may still be out on whether or not I liked this portrayal of him. I like that this show humanizes him as flawed. But I have seen some unfair characterizations of him as well.

I have seen complaints about some of the town scenes, but I understand the need for other characters as well. A lot of the town scenes seem to be inspired by other books (I’m thinking specifically about Independence Day described in Farmer’s Boy).

Now here is what did not work for me: Laura’s hat (lol) and some of the other costumes were absurd. I think the girls were much naughtier than they were in the books. I get this is for a modern audience, but book Ma and Pa (and real Ma and Pa) would not have put up with how they treat each other or talk back to them. I didn’t love the sub-plot of Eliza trying to get Ma to leave Pa (this really was not common in those days, and Ma’s family almost starved after her dad died). The sub-plot with George Ingalls didn’t work for me either. I’m not sure why the show makers bothered changing the reality of “we are poor, and looking for a better life.”

Some of the other sub-plots, didn’t really work for me either. I didn’t need the Mr. Edward’s romance, Mary’s romance or the Dr. Tann romance (although I liked the inclusions of the ensemble cast: Lacy and Emily)

Laura, Laura Laura. I’ve read a lot of reviews of this show, and I think what I’ve learned is, we are all Laura. This is what makes her (and these stories) so iconic. We all want to see a piece of ourselves in those characters: whether that be her curiosity, her temper, the fact that she’s a tom boy, her hard working spirit. I don’t know that I saw my Laura in this little girl, but I can see where another Laura might see herself in her, and I hope that is the case.

All in all, I got my nostalgic fix and definitely cried at this one. Will watch another season, and I’m happy the Little House is back for another generation to enjoy.