| WALTONS DIGEST 47-98:
Hi everyone, It's heading for that really busy time once again with Christmas coming up really soon. There's some news about the Christmas marathon for you all, and it sounds terrific so I guess its time to buy all of the tapes you need in preparation for it. Over here we are heading into our second month of Waltons airing on Foxtel and we have moved into season 2. Like season 1 the episodes are all over the place. So far we have seen The Journey then went miles ahead to The Five Foot Shelf. From season 1 we saw all episodes except for The Easter Story and I don't think we saw The Sinner. Could someone please confirm that for me if possible? I don't think that I missed it. It's a shame really because that is now the one I need to complete my season 1 collection. Oh well.... There's lots of letters so I think that will be it from me today. Talk to you all again next week. Goodnight everyone,
Karen. The reunion movies have had the same writers that did some of the very best and most memorable episodes of the original series. The McGreeveys come to mind. That's one reason I've found them to be so disappointing. Thank you for directing me to the archives; I'm anxious to read what other people wrote in the past regarding their feelings about the reunion movies. The lack of continuity with the original series is very disturbing. I watched some of the "Waltons" marathon on TNN yesterday. Was anybody else as annoyed as I was by the oval logo with the word "Waltons" that was constantly in the lower left-hand corner of the screen? It was very distracting! Geri Ann KAREN'S COMMENT: Thanks Geri Ann. This is in response to my query last week as to whether or not the same writers were used for the later specials as those who wrote the series. I would have thought that by bringing the Waltons into a new era, a whole new lot of storylines could have been developed, but maybe they were restricted because of the time limit. They always seem to me that they want to put several storylines into the one movie length special, but when the series did a two hour special, it was still with only one or two major stories.
About The Changling: Is that the episode where Elizabeth is bothered by a poltergeist? I haven't seen that episode in years and years! It was indeed very strange for the series to do an episode that dealt with the supernatural; it didn't feel "right" somehow for this subject matter to be on this particular series! But I remember it was a very interesting episode. Geri Ann KAREN'S COMMENT: Yes that's it. I always wondered whether it was a Halloween episode, but the airing dates don't reflect this.
One more post from me, Geri Ann in Phoenix! Sorry to take up so much space in one digest! I was reading some of the old digests in which people were commenting on the reunion movies and how they fudged the time line. Some people were very bothered by this and others said it didn't matter because all that counted was that the show was on again, and we should just enjoy it and forget about the time line and the missing characters, etc. My two cents, and probably not even worth two cents, is that the time line and missing characters matter a lot. Things like John and Olivia being married 40 years in 1969, when they really had been married a lot longer according to the timeline established on the original series; what happened to Ben's son Charlie; how old was Virginia when she died; how could Mary Ellen have children when it was established she was hurt in a horseback riding accident and couldn't have any, etc. To me, the reason why it matters is because soap operas regularly do things like this. I watch soap operas such as "Young and the Restless" or "Days of Our Lives," and they will rapidly age children - you will see a child go from age 5 to age 18 in literally a few months time - or they'll just drop characters they no longer want to write stories for, and never mention those characters again, etc, even though the fans of the show remember those characters and wonder what happened to them. With a soap opera, you just adjust to this, shrug your shoulders, and keep watching. It's part of what makes a soap opera a soap opera. But "The Waltons" was never a soap opera. It always seemed so REAL, so TRUE TO LIFE, and part of what made it feel that way was that you could follow the family members as if they were real, based on the timeline established in the show and in how they depicted how events in history affected the family. Mary Ellen and Erin were captivated by the story of King Edward VIII abdicating his throne for Wallis Simpson. We saw how Pearl Harbor shattered Mary Ellen's life when her husband was killed there. We saw the family react to the death of FDR. By messing with the time line and not even mentioning family members like John Curtis, etc., the reunion movies suddenly made the show seem like a soap opera, and it no longer felt "real" and "true to life". It lost the very thing that made it so heartwarming and charming in the first place. It became "just another soap opera," and it had never been like that before. Anyway, that's why I found the reunion movies to be so disappointing. I was glad they made them, but I wish they'd respected the fans a little more and tried to stay closer to things that had been established on the original series. Geri Ann KAREN'S COMMENT: Well said Geri Ann. I think you've expressed a lot of thoughts which many of us have.
Hi, I am wondering if anyone knows what happened to Daisy? I know she moved into Mary Ellen's home but I am not sure if she is phased out after that? I always thought she was the right girl for John Boy. :) Ah well. Also, do they ever say what happens to Jenny as well? Enjoyed the marathon, watched almost all of it. Thanks! Goodnight everyone, Susan KAREN'S COMMENT: I haven't seen these later series for ages, but I'm sure we'll have some answers next week. I don't believe Jenny was mentioned again, nor many of the neighbors who appeared.
Hi Karen, Cathy and you Wonderful Walton People, Here is the line-up for the Walton Christmas Marathon to be shown December 18th and 19th, 1998 on TNN with EST listings: Fri 12/18
I wish to jump in and get an early start on wishing everyone a "Safe and Happy Christmas". good night, Shirley of Canada KAREN'S COMMENT: Thanks for the schedule Shirley. They've actually found more Christmassy episodes than I had thought. Will The Homecoming be airing at all over there?
Hi! I'm Rebekah, a not-quite-sixteen-year-old girl who has just discovered her passion for "The Waltons." I used to watch specials and re-runs with my mom, but I didn't really get what it was all about. On one of those days when I was tired of watching the "Saved By the Bell" re-runs that always seem to be on, I started channel surfing and wound up watching the Waltons. I then discovered that TNN plays re-runs every weekday. I began watching and found that I couldn't wait until tomorrow when I could learn more about this awesome family. Yesterday, TNN played a Walton's Thanksgiving Day Marathon. That was awesome! As I watched A Walton Thanksgiving Reunion, I noticed that Mary Ellen's son John Curtis was nowhere to be seen and no mention was made of him. I decided to do some investigating, and that's when I discovered your web page. Before the description of the movie, you wrote that you got most of your information on that telemovie from two friends of yours. I thought perhaps they might know what happened to John Curtis. The movie does give the whereabouts of Jonsey as VietNam, but I don't think John Curtis was quite old enough yet to fight in a war. Being naturally curious, I hoped you might be able to find this information and put it on the page. Thanks a lot! In His Grip, Rebekah KAREN'S COMMENT: Welcome to the list Rebekah. It's nice to have some young blood contributing too...not that we're all oldies of course. :-) We really do have a great mix of ages. I hope by now you've also managed to have a look at the Digest archives and catch up on all our thoughts about the Reunions. You'll find it at: http://www.oocities.org/TelevisionCity/Set/4536/index.html
I just finished reading the current digest and wanted to say thank you Karen for continuing with this list! Obviously, a lot of people love The Waltons and you are continuing that tradition! I also wanted to write in with a thought on the comments regarding the 1970's aspects of the show. With the exception of Ben, I've always thought the hair on the guys didn't look like "anything special" which is right. Ben's didn't look professionally done or anything but his always looked a little neater but again not special and certainly none of them looked like they had 70's hair! They looked like guys who spent their days in the mountains! The girls I never really thought had 70's hair or clothes either. The only thing that looked a little, and I stress little, 70's to me was the filming of it. All 70's TV movies etc...used experimental and different types of film but I never would have noticed it if I wasn't now looking for 70's aspects. As for Mary Ellen or any of the women acting "out of period" for the era of the show....does anyone remember Katharine Hepburn in the 30's and 40's? She certainly didn't stay with the stereotype that women had. She was her own person and did what she thought was right! I'm not saying Mary Ellen was influenced by Katharine Hepburn, but that just shows that women did have desires and goals just as much as now...it's just that many women didn't have the opportunity or ability to go after them. Mary Ellen was a strong character (as were all of the women) and was not afraid to speak her mind. O.K., I'm done rambling! Have a good night everyone! --Rich KAREN'S COMMENT: Well said Rich. Just mentioning Katharine Hepburn brings to mind her portrayal of Jo in Little Women, a book that Mary Ellen quite possibly may have read.
I thought Mary Ellen was hurt in a car accident? She swerved to avoid hitting a deer and ended up wrecking the vehicle. Wasn't this is one of the specials? Cindy KAREN'S COMMENT: You're quite right Cindy. You can see it in Mother's Day on Waltons Mountain, which deals with the marriage of Mary Ellen and Jonesy.
Hello Digest Members!! I've just finished watching "Day of Infamy," and I'm crying my eyes out AGAIN even though I've seen it a good ten times... Seeing it again makes me want to bring up a couple of points. I know that these points have been discussed in the Digest before, so please pardon me if you don't want to read them again. But, I just feel like I want to get them off my chest. I think "Day of Infamy" is a stellar episode. Almost every Waltons episode brings a lump to my throat in some way, but this one is special. I thought it was beautifully written and incredibly powerful. I am especially touched by the beautiful letter that was written by Curt to John Curtis. Yet, it always brings to mind that INANE episode where we find out that Curt is actually alive! It is just so unbelievable to me that a man who felt that powerfully about his family (not just his son, but the entire Walton family) would knowingly avoid seeing them and would willingly let them believe he was actually dead. At least the writers of that future episode had Mary Ellen stating that the Curt she knew wouldn't have done that; I suppose that's the least we could ask for. I just wish that they had left things as they were, and not tainted the memory of such a great character like that. My second point regards the later specials which make no mention of John Curtis at all. As I stated earlier, I know that we have discussed this point, as well, so I beg your forgiveness for rehashing. It's just that in the series, as soon as John Curtis was born, everything was "John Curtis, John Curtis, John Curtis, John Curtis." We watched his birth, we concerned ourselves with his daycare when Mary Ellen and Erin got the apartment in Charlottesville, we watched Olivia putting aside mementos of his heritage for him (like the article that Marcus Dane sent to Grandma), we fretted when Rose let him out of her sight and he got lost in the woods, we prayed he'd like Eddie Ramirez (was that his name?) and Jonesy... John Curtis, John Curtis, John Curtis. After all they put us through with John Curtis during the regular run of the episode, the least the specials makers could have done was acknowledge what the heck happened to him! OK...I've gotten that off my chest. :-) Now, onto something a little more fun. I just wanted to say that I am having fun picking out the scenes that The Family Channel left out of their broadcasts. In "Day of Infamy," I could swear I had never before seen the scene where John and Olivia sing "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" while driving home with the Christmas tree, so I figured that was the scene not present when The Family Channel showed the episode. Karen, thank you again for the wonderful job you do, and thank you to everyone for putting up with me ranting about rehashed material! I hope you all have a wonderful holiday season, in case I don't write again before the end of the month. Sincerely, Claire
KAREN'S COMMENT: Other people will probably comment on this episode once the Christmas Marathon is through. I do agree with your comments though. Hi everyone! Our campaign against the way the UK's Channel 4 is mistreating The Waltons has started! They've noticed our displeasure (though it seems not doing anything about it....) These annoying on-screen logos are known as "DOGS" (Digitally Originated Graphics). Last week on the "Right To Reply" program, another viewer, Andrew Wiseman, complained vehemently. Here's a short extract - Andrew Wiseman: But one Channel 4 commissioning editor has become a DOG breeder on Sunday mornings, much to the annoyance of many viewers, especially fans of The Waltons. So why does T4 have a DOG? Andi Peters, Commissioning Editor, Children and Young People, C4: T4 has a DOG because I thought it was necessary that the whole output of T4 programmes be branded. In this day and age it's possible to see a programme for instance like Sister Sister five times in one day on three different channels. Therefore it's essential that when people watch Sister Sister on Channel 4, on T4, they know it's Channel 4 that they're watching, and that might make them stay and think I'll keep watching, because of what will come next. Andrew Wiseman: Are you surprised that viewers have complained? Andi Peters: Approximately a hundred people have complained. On average the shows are getting a lot more viewers than that. I knew people would complain, especially Waltons viewers, and as a special thing for Waltons viewers I am in the process I have commissioned the DOG to change to a sepia coloured DOG. I don't have a problem with DOGS. Andrew Wiseman: So you won't be putting the DOG down then? Andi Peters: It's on four legs and it's going to stay there. You can read the full transcript, together with my comments (!) on my site at - www.surflink.co.uk/users/arthurdungate/wltnp1.htm
Then use the bottom link to "TV DOGS". This sort of thing wouldn't have been allowed to happen in the Walton age! I hope to make contact with Andrew one day soon. www.surflink.co.uk/users/arthurdungate/index.htm (Basingstoke Canal site = www.surflink.co.uk/users/arthurdungate/bascan.htm)
KAREN'S COMMENT: I've grouped all these letters together because they are all commenting on the treatment of The Waltons episodes currently airing in UK. Please add your voice to these and maybe something will be done. Hello Even though I've been a member of your digest for a year and two weeks, this is my first time of writing. Firstly, I would like to say how much I enjoy reading your posting each week. I quite like the idea of a socket on the ceiling, for ironing, the amount of times I've nearly burnt the cord with the Iron, creased my shirts again whilst dragging the cord. I agree with all the fellow English fans who have been writing in, about the way Channel 4 are currently portraying The Waltons. The T4 logo stands out a mile, (does any one know what the 'T' stands for?). I was also shocked beyond belief, about the presenter after the show. Before the actual music started and bodged end titles, the presenter had the nerve to say, "You're still awake then!". Not only that, the whole crew in the background started laughing!. What are Channel 4 playing at?, surely this guy should not get away with offending 10 million Walton fans. I'm wondering if it would be a good idea to write to the following complaint commissions: The Independent Television Commission, 33 Foley Street, London W1P 7LB
Tel : 0171 255 3000 The Broadcasting Standards Commission, 7 The Sanctuary, London SW1P 3JS Tel : 0171 233 0544
Fax : 0171 233 0397 Or the Managing Director Channel 4 Television 124 Horseferry Road London SW1P 2TX
I'm going to try all three! Jeremy KAREN'S COMMENT: These are a good idea Jeremy. The presenter obviously isn't aware that not only children are watching the show. I wonder if he would like the same treatment for his favourite show or movie? It's all very well if he doesn't like it but many do enjoy it and he's obviously being very insulting to those of us who understand.
I just thought, I would forward on my letter of complaint, which I have Emailed, to Channel 4 Enquiries. I am also going to send a copy (Via slow mail) to the Director General. Dear Sir/Madam I wish to make a complaint, about the way you have mistreated 'The Waltons' over the last few weeks. For one, there is the obtrusive logo on the top left hand corner, of the screen, which sticks out a mile. Your eyes just can not stop wondering towards it, and thus spoiling the picture. Secondly, what has happened to the end titles? I always enjoy listening to the theme tune, as I feel it is part of the program. How would you feel if you wrote a master piece, and wanted the people to listen to it only to find that it is drowned by constant chatter. Believe me you wouldn't! Thirdly, I was disgusted, by the way the presenter mocked the series at the end of Sunday's program. Just before the final music started, the teenager said, "YOU'RE STILL AWAKE THEN!", I could hardly believe my ears when he said that, and as if that was not bad enough, your whole crew thought it was hilarious, and all busted out in laughter. This was down right juvenile, and they should not get away with it, especially seeing as the 10 million viewers watching at that point in time would be Walton Fans. Not only that, surely he is mocking Channel 4 at the same time and therefore showing his disloyalty to his own employees. Now I'm sorry, call me stuck up if you like, but I think that this sort of behavior is down right unacceptable. If you no longer wish to show The Waltons, then let the professional, BBC have the rights, now they know how to treat their viewers. They would probably put it on at a reasonable time in the evening, and as it is the BBC, there will be no adverts. Please sort yourselves out, get your act together, and treat all your programs with respect. Regards Jeremy PS What does T4 stand for anyway?
KAREN'S COMMENT: Could the T stand for Transmission? Or Telecast? Hi Karen, Those of us watching 'The Waltons' on the UK's Channel 4 are being subjected to their idea of Sunday morning children's TV programming. I object to the continuity geek whose presence begins and ends the show, and the intrusive '4TV' logo that is on-screen throughout the episodes. I have e-mailed Channel 4 about this, and I hope other readers of the Digest are doing likewise. Tricia KAREN'S COMMENT: That's probably your answer Jeremy...4TV! Glad you've emailed the channel Tricia. Hopefully they might soon get the message.
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