Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

I grew up watching the repeats of "Little House On The Prairie" on TBS however I have never seen the pilot movie. I don't think it was put into syndication? "Little House On The Prairie" premiered years before I was born, suffice it to say it has been one of my favorite television shows because it is a rare combination of both entertainment and family values. In fact, I cannot think of any television show that is as beloved as this wonderful series. The pilot movie introduces the Ingalls family for the first time. The characters aren't as polished or well-rounded as they are in the TV series. The pilot also introduces their longtime family friend Mr. Edwards. It starts out by telling the story of why they left their original home (and relatives). Charles finds a nice piece of land and sets up his residence for his family. It is at this time that they meet Edwards who helped in the construction of their new home. Also included in this movie is a very touching Christmas scene (that was repeated in subsequent "flashback" "Little House" episodes) where the Ingallses celebrate their first Christmas in their new home. Mr. Edwards even plays Santa by surprising the entire family with his cheer and gifts. Keep in mind that this is not set in the town of Walnut Grove (where the TV series took place). In the pilot movie they lived in a different location which was even more remote with no town and no neighbors to speak of (except the Native Americans who befriend the Ingallses). Tragedy strikes when their log house catches on fire. I thought it would all be burned down, however they were blessed with a beautiful rainstorm which saved their home and barn. But their happiness is short-lived when the government tells Charles that they have to vacate. The land is not for them; so they pack up their belongings and say good-bye to Mr. Edwards and go on their way to find a new home. The movie ends with the Ingalls family riding away. This somewhat loosely explains how they came to their new town (Walnut Grove) in the TV series. Unfortunately, television these days doesn't even come close to the high standards that Michael Landon set forth on "Little House On The Prairie." This is a wonderful pilot and a wonderful TV series!