User Reviews

Jane Canfield, a dear friend of Laura's from the blind school, was coming back to Walnut Grove to get a new start and find a new lease on life. She began by getting a job at Nellie's hotel, working the switchboard. Hester Sue was thrilled at the extra set of hands, while Harriet had her doubts about a blind girl being able to work a switchboard properly. Well, sir, a minute on the job and she surpassed Mrs. Oleson. Open wide for your other foot, Harriet; Jane even found a new friend in Mr. Edwards, who proved to her that she could dance. After that, they stood out on the porch as Edwards told her all about the stars, believed to be the windows and floors of heaven. As the days went by, it seemed Jane and Edwards really started to hit it off. She baked him a pie, he invited her to make a trip with him to Sleepy Eye, and he bought her a very lovely broach. Yep, I think it's apparent that Mr. Edwards is in love, and Jane was just crazy about him. One fine day, a letter arrived for Jane from Dr. Vanderan, an ophthalmologist in Chicago, who was perfecting an experimental eye surgery and he wanted Jane as his candidate. Despite Laura's and Hester Sue's encouragement, Jane did not want to go through with the surgery. Even though the chance existed that she might gain her sight, she didn't want to risk it, for it might be another false hope. However, it was the sound advice of Edwards, telling her to take chances when they come and not let life pass you by, that gave her a new sense of hope, so Jane agreed to the operation, owing it greatly to him for giving her a kindly push.

For days on end, Edwards worried about his new love away in Chicago, and it didn't help much that a few people were finding it strange that a man Edwards' age would be in love with a girl Jane's age. Even Laura subtly showed her disapproval. Wow, isn't it nice that Edwards' friends are there for him to offer sound criticism over something that isn't any of their business? Douchebags. Meanwhile in Chicago, the operation had been a complete success. Jane Canfield could now see the world around her, and that's fantastic. They should really tell Mary about this operation. While in Walnut Grove, Edwards slowly begins to take in his age and know that he was truly getting older, and his biggest fear was dying alone. Even though he and Laura made amends, he still felt some things were out of place. A few days later, Jane returned to Walnut Grove to literally see all her friends again. But would she still feel the same about Edwards when finally being able to see him? You bet she did. Her feelings hadn't changed, but sadly, his had. Despite the fact she loved him with all her heart and he thought the world of her, he had decided that because of their vast difference in ages, it simply would not work out. Edwards convinced her that in time she would find a man just as good as him in her age range, someone she could grow old with and not have to take care of when he got too old to lift a spoon, despite the fact Jane would willingly do it for him, but it was not to be. He sadly had to turn her away and told her to go home with Laura. A day or so later, Jane boarded a stagecoach to take her home, while Edwards watched from the field. He would never forget this experience, for both their lives had been enriched in the kindness and wisdom they had shown for each other.

Good episode. Very well done. Victor French was amazing, you could really feel the pain and sadness his character was enduring. He was such an underrated actor and was really only remembered for this show and Highway to Heaven in which he starred opposite Michael Landon, which ran a good five years up until Victor's untimely death in 1989; as for co-stars, Jill Schoelen is absolutely beautiful and angelic. Jane was an almost perfect person. She was kind and gentle with everybody she met, never got angry. One would say Edwards was a fool for turning her away, but the outcome of this episode can effect people in different ways according to their feelings and preferences. For me, I think Laura and everybody else should have minded their own damn business. It's not like Jane was a 10 year old or something, she was a legal adult. An adult is an adult, be they 20 or 45. Maybe Edwards and Jane should have stuck together, but then it might have been too "Hollywood". They can still be good friends and keep in touch, so it's not a total loss. Anyway, Little House fans, this is one you shouldn't miss, but do keep that Kleenex box handy!

The irony of actual, unconditional love is just that: it has no conditions. Humans put the "rules" and put forth the acceptable dynamics. I've lived in other countries and cultures where the age issue between Mr. Edwards and Jane wouldn't even be discussed. But, in American society, sadly, it's a problem.

It's funny how when two people who are in love, everyone else feels that they are entitled to venture and give their views and opinions, even when they are not asked. People don't leave the only two people who should care, to work things out for themselves.

Mr. Edwards finds a friendly companion in Jane, a blind, young woman who has returned to Walnut Grove (never mind that we've never seen her before; it goes along with all of the 'residents' who've lived there forever but we've never seen). It isn't long before Jane falls for Mr. Edwards, and Mr. Edwards is also feeling something for her as well. Despite initial protests from Mr. Edwards, Jane doesn't care. Perhaps, in this case, there is a blessing to the blindness as it enables one to feel a deeper connection to who that person is, rather than be swindled by the misrepresentation of the outer shell. For so many people, age and physical features are the cornerstone to deciding if someone is compatible or not.

Jane has an opportunity to get corrective surgery. Of course, Mr. Edwards encourages her to do so, despite his fears of how he will be perceived by her. Mr. Edwards has a rather short, but intense discussion with Laura, who can't help herself and meddles to speak of her own fears and insecurities. Of course, this is done under the guise of "concern" for Mr. Edwards and Jane. People who meddle always do so to help themselves. They are the focal point. Otherwise, a person would simply step back and give those involved the freedom and space to work things out for themselves. Now, that does not mean that you can't venture a view or even advice...so long as it is asked for!

Mr. Edwards has already been through two marriages. Jane gets her surgery and is able to see again. Of course, she seeks out the now fearful and insecure Mr. Edwards. Her feelings haven't changed. Mr. Edwards feels that he's in the twilight of his life where as she is in her prime. He doesn't want to cheat her of the other opportunities as they might arise by being with her. What ends up happening is that Mr. Edwards' insecurities and fears overshadow Jane's love for him.

Love knows no difference in any way, shape, or form. Love has no limitations or boundaries. Human love, however, knows all of those things and then some. Perhaps that is why so very few people have ever experienced true, uncondtional love.

This was a touching episode, despite its predictability. One couldn't help but feel for Mr. Edwards and an opportunity missed as he watches from the hillside as Jane's stagecoach leaves Walnut Grove. Left to wonder what might have happened had he dared to take a chance, for true love requires absolute vulnerability, which is the only true courage.

Jill Schoelen is nice enough to look at, but not the greatest actress. Jill's not entirely to blame, though. The story is also underwhelming and unconvincing. Jane and Edwards start talking to each other, and there is only a subtle hint at some kind of attraction between them. Once Jane has a chance to have an operation which could restore her sight, Edwards admits that he is in love with her. Then, we get all the talk about age difference and whatever else would make he and Jane unsuitable for each other. I wasn't convinced that Edwards did love this young woman. I think he just liked the fact that a woman that young and attractive, seemed to like him. Nothing is convincing here. Both Jane and Edwards ultimately give up on each other too easily. If genuine feelings are involved, it's not that easy. Jill was OK here. I liked her better in "The Stepfather."

Edwards, Edwards, always Edwards... Brilliant. His performance alone makes the chapter emotional and enjoyable... So much emotion and expressiveness in his gestures, looks, attitudes, even in his silences. Great.

Then, it seems to me that there is a total exaggeration of almost the entire context (even in Laura) in condemning in advance a possible love between Edwards and a young woman (Jenny) much younger than him. Things could have worked out, and in any case, it is something that only concerns Jenny and Isaias, as they usually say, "the outsiders are tough." I found the intervention of Isaias's neighbor disastrous, who instead of being grateful to him for having cut the wood, seems to wish him the old age that he himself already suffers... The neighbor was very uncourteous, really.

I think that Isaias should have gone ahead with his love and not paid attention to Laura, Harriet or anyone other than Jenny herself, who loved him.

First of all, who the heck is this person? A best friend of Laura's? Never heard of her or have seen her. Is it me or is this lady's voice annoying as hell? The idea of a surgery restoring her eyesight at that time period is crazy. Everyone needed to but out and let them be together. Hell, how long did Laura fight Pa about the age difference of her and Almonzo? It worked for her and now she is judging someone else? If its love, its love. It was no unheard of back then for a young girl to marry an older man. Some girls married as young as 13 back then. Although I don't agree with doing that it was something they did in that time period and really shouldn't have been an issue. This show went downhill without Ma and Pa and I couldn't stand the story about the wild boy and the Carters. No wonder it didn't last after that.