Hi everyone,

I think everyone must be on holidays and enjoying the wonderful summery weather you all seem to be having over there currently. Would you believe that there are only two letters for the digest this week?!? Thinking back though, I seem to recall that the same thing happened during the summer last year, so I guess we'll all have to just put up with it and wait until the weather gets cold again.:-))

Just a couple of things, while there is plenty of room available in the digest. Don't forget that the next talking point, to be published next week, is to nominate your favourite episode from season one, and say why. For those of you who have joined us fairly recently, the talking point is just a part of the digest which will be devoted to a certain topic. If you want to contribute, just send your mail to me in the normal way, and I'll add it to the next talking point. They are published every two weeks to allow everyone who wishes to do so, to have some time to contribute.

The other thing is that Arthur's episode synopses are coming along well. You might remember that a couple of weeks ago, Arthur let us know that another list member had offered to help him with these. It is a huge job. So far I haven't had a chance to look at them yet, but I intend to do so this coming week. Anyway, if you have time, please have a look and, I'm sure Arthur would love to hear what you thought of them. You can find the season 5 ones at Arthur's site:

<www.surflink.co.uk/users/arthurdungate/season5.htm>

As I said, it is a huge amount of work involved in completing these, but they make terrific reading. It's a great way to revisit some of your favourite episodes. I certainly appreciate the time both Arthur and William have taken to compile these.

Well that's it from me for this week. I'll talk to you all again next week.

Goodnight everyone,

Karen.

Now I do remember about the Gentleman Bandit and that was another movie in which a Walton character made an outstanding appearance. I think I already cleared up with Vicki in my subsequent commentary on why they had Curt still alive after the war, but her points were also well made. Unless Curt's dog tag may have become separated from him at the time he was taken to the hospital-there must have been a lot of panic and confusion that day so that could have happened, and maybe Curt could not be identified and they did not know who he was.

Donald F Nelson and Erin the cat

KAREN'S COMMENT: I haven't seen the Gentleman Bandit with Ralph Waite. I'll have to keep my eyes open for it.

I haven't been on the list very long and I don't know if this has been discussed before, but can you believe how ridiculous the timeline is for "A Walton Thanksgiving"? The movie takes place in 1963. Let's say the series ends in 1945 or 1946 (correct me if I'm off on this). That makes close to a 20-year leap. So Elizabeth, the youngest, would be in her mid to late thirties. Nobody was the right age in that movie. And what was up with the Baldwin sisters still hanging out making the recipe?

I understand the desire to have as many of the original characters in the movie, but they should have dated the movie earlier to have it make sense. I never saw the last one, but I heard it was really bad and actually took place in the 70's with a young-looking John-Boy and his new bride having twins. He should have been in his fifties during that time.

Heather :)

KAREN'S COMMENT: Hi Heather. We've had these sorts of comments before on the list. Many of the list members would agree with you, even if we are true Waltons fans. :-) You can catch up with all our thoughts in some of the back issues of the digest...probably those from early last year. I have to say though, that although they were very obvious discrepancies. I was still very happy to catch up with The Waltons again, and what they had been doing with their lives, so that "mistakes" didn't bother me much.

The thing that did bother me though, was the disappearance of John Curtis and Charlie. I've just had a thought though everyone. Do you suppose that John Curtis chose to go and live with his real Dad, the impotent Curt, and so was banished from the family!!!!!! Just jesting everyone, please don't take that seriously. :-))

Anyway Heather, if you want to check out the past digests, go to:

THE WALTONS MAILING LIST and PAST DIGESTS

http://www.oocities.org/TelevisionCity/Set/4536/index.html