MY ELLEN - RECAP!

This week, we dive into one of the most quietly devastating episodes of the series: “My Ellen” — and honestly, may have emotionally wrecked an entire generation of children who were just expecting, you know… a nice pond day. Can we say TRAUMA ON THE PRAIRIE?!

What starts as a classic Walnut Grove hang—Laura, Mary, Carrie, and their friend Ellen Taylor heading out for a carefree swim—takes a sudden and deeply upsetting turn when Ellen accidentally drowns. Trauma #1 !

From there, the episode shifts into something even more haunting. Ellen’s mother, Eloise, spirals into grief that manifests as blame, denial, and eventually a full psychological break. Laura becomes the target—first as someone to blame, then as someone to replace her lost daughter. Casual! Totally normal emotional trajectory! Definitely what kids tuned in for at 8pm! Trauma #2 !

And then—because this episode apparently decided emotional devastation needed a B-plot—we get Busby. Sweet, gentle, minding-his-own-business Busby. A classic “gentle giant” figure, he’s immediately misunderstood by the town , and before you can say “maybe let’s ask a follow-up question,” he’s framed for the abduction (and suspected murder of Ellen) and shot. Shot! In what is already an episode about a child drowning! Trauma #3 !

We talk about how Busby represents yet another layer of tragedy here: the danger of fear, mob mentality, and assumptions. Busby is in the dreaded Vortex of one-episode wonders--but we want more of him!

We talk about how shockingly raw this episode is, especially for younger viewers, and how Little House doesn’t soften the edges of grief here. There’s no quick resolution, no neat moral bow—just a portrayal of loss that is messy, frightening, and painfully human. It’s a bold swing for a family show, and one that still lands decades later.

Bring tissues. And maybe don’t watch this one right before bed.

Then, join us on Patreon where we delve deeper into My Ellen, and the reason why Michael Landon would have these cinematic, one-off episodes, centering on outside characters never to be seen again.

FINALLY! The Jan Broberg Show has re-released her podcast interview with Alison--and it is a must listen!
direct episode: Listen Here!
https://janbrobergfoundation.org/podcast/

Links and Resources:

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www.LittleHouse50Podcast.com to connect with our hosts and link to their websites.

www.LivinOnaPrairieTV.com Check out the award-winning series created by Pamela Bob, with special guest stars Alison Arngrim and Charlotte Stewart.

Prairie Legacy Productions - the place to go for info about all new Little House events!

To learn more about Little House on the Prairie, Visit www.littlehouseontheprairie.com

Facebook/Instagram/TikTok:
Dean Butler @officialdeanbutler
Alison Arngrim @alisonarngrim
Pamela Bob @thepamelabob, @prairietv

Social Media Team: Joy Correa and Christine Nunez
https://www.paclanticcreative.com/


Producer: Tony Sweet
www.ubngo.com






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