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!
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!