The Waltons - The Baptism episode - Behind the Scenes with Judy Norton 

That’s so cool that Ralph was an ordained minister. As I watch the show now and see when Ralph directs, there’s a different feel to those episodes. Or that may just be in my head. Thanks for doing these “looking back” episodes … they’re so fun!

Forgive me if this becomes long-winded as THE BAPTISM was a memorable episode for me. During filming I was able to glue myself to Ralph Waite and observe his imaginative mind, and directorial skills at work...his lovely way of covering scenes with reaction shots of each of the family is a crucial part of Ralph's magic. Memories of filming include the insert shot of the beef stew being passed along...notice a huge chunk of beef plops onto the table...because we used film (Kodak stock 5247) we had no such thing as a monitor, and the only one to actually view the scene being shot through the lens was our Camera Operator Dick Rawlings, Jr. It was customary, almost instinctive, that our Directors would make eye contact with the Camera Operator anticipating a nod in either a 'yes' manner or a 'no" at which point the Director would either say 'Print" or something on the order of "Let's do it again'"...in this particular situation I vividly recall (almost 50 years later) Dick nodding, but adding "Ben spilled his stew on the table" to which Ralph replied, "Let's move on" Ralph was always thoroughly prepared, so at that moment, we all jumped to the next set-up. As for "Rover": the crew (including me) wished Andy White had made the choice of writing the Peacock out, as his unanticipated LOUD SCREECH often resulted in time loss as Bill Flannery (our Sound Mixer) would have to call for 'Cut' during those backlot scenes...and on several occasions I received angry calls from other shows shooting on the backlot commanding we "Shut the darn bird up!!" Eventually, thank goodness, "Rover" written out, although I don't recall that ever being established. Regarding the Baptisms in Drucilla's Pond: WBros. routinely emptied and sort of cleaned the bottom of the pond. A request to 'sanitize' the water was put in by Ralph Ferrin our Production Manager. The pond was filled the following night. It is my recollection that no one was looking forward to wading into the cold, 'sanitized' water. Memories of my dear friend KATHARINE HEPBURN arise as Kate had taken a plunge into a filthy Venice Canal in SUMMERTIME a feature film directed by David Lean. Kate told me that David had hired a Stunt Double, however, Kate being Kate, insisted on taking the plunge herself. David remarked that they had 'sanitized' that portion of the canal and David said, "Close your mouth and eyes if you go under." While filming the scene Kate said, "I really slipped on the edge of the canal and idiotically forgot to close my eyes and shut my big mouth!" As a result Kate contracted a terrible eye disease which lingered for the rest of her life. Okay, so what I recall of the Baptism scene is lots and lots of extras, lots and lots of set-ups, big concerns of someone slipping on the bottom and drowning...yikes!..and, as for ADs on set, all I recall is Ralph Ferrin, and me...Joe Florence may have been there also. Other memories: Singing the hymn "Stand up, Stand Up for Jesus" in the church was real, enthusiastic, and I recall singing along...the music played over the Baptism Scene was recorded during the Church singing "Shall We Gather at the River" ...maybe John Walmsley could verify this...both Hymns are Public Domain so there was no fee. I do recall shooting the scene where Ralph is struck by lightning clearly remember that John Karlen (visiting preacher Reverend Ezekiel L. Henshaw) scared the 'bejesus' of me while filming his fiery speech in the Church...John was a lovely man, the consummate character actor, I'm saddened to learn he passed in 2020. Basically I believe everyone in the Cast and Crew put effort and enthusiasm into the episodes directed by Ralph Waite spurred on by our genuine affection for him.

Ed Graves could have been kin to me. My mother's maiden name was Graves. Judy, I just learned last year that I could be distant kin to Earl Hamner. His maternal grandmother and my maternal grandmother had the same maiden name Mann. My great great grandfather was from Richmond. His wife from Charlottesville. They appear on the same genealogy on the internet. My cousin in England does lots of genealogy work. She said the connection must go back to Surrey England. The talks about religion between John and Olivia really happened with Earl's parents. This is a great episode!!! Ralph Waite was the perfect one to direct this one!!!

Thanks Judy. Loved that episode..so well written and acted as were all the episodes of The Waltons. Wish we had shows like that now. 📺😊

Yancy cracks me up , scared into repentance from getting inside out of the rain 😂

Much respect to Ralph Waite for capturing some amazing shots while at the same time delivering a great acting performance. That man had some serious talent.

Love ❤️ the waltons always great 👍 insight Judy you were one of my favorites on the waltons thanks 😊

As others have mentioned, Baptists believe the Bible teaches Believers Baptism; one only gets baptized AFTER they have experienced conversion in their heart. Since that’s different for everyone, that’s why some kids have been baptized and some kids (and John) haven’t. I see a parallel storyline between John’s personal choice about baptism and Rovers choice to stay/go. Free Will and those intruding on that of others is clearly the theme of this incredibly true-to-life and entertaining episode. ❤️ TFS Judy!!

This tension between Olivia and John is very accurate. Here in the south (especially) it was very often the mothers who took the lead regarding religion in the home and impressed their children with the importance of the church and salvation. My father never attended church that i remembered but he supported my mothers efforts to make us go until he felt we reached the age to make the decision for ourselves (which never set well with my mom).

I noticed none of the continuity issues in this episode. I think I’ve always been so entranced, enjoying my second family when watching episodes, that I don’t look for any imperfection. I noticed script continuity issues in the reunions. But in the first run series episodes, well, I was enjoying my Thursday 8 PM family hug, so I wasn’t in a questioning state of mind. Thanks for another very interesting presentation Judy.

I always appreciated John’s ongoing struggle with organized religion, and how the series allowed him to stay true to himself. Ralph Waite always played this internal conflict with understated gravitas, never dismissively or contemptuously relative to Olivia’s faith. John, in his own way, was perhaps the most noble and righteous character in the series. I hadn’t remembered that Ralph Waite directed this episode, and he shined both in front of and behind the camera.

Thanks Judy ❤️♥️

So glad you answered my question as to why grandpa was hugging Erin at the baptism when it should’ve been you!!!! You just wonder what “they” were thinking BUT i quess back then everything was so different. Love these videos soo much!!!

I can realte to John in this episode, I have also struggled with that pressure of being saved. My grandmother just like on the show wanted her whole family to be. lol. Love the ending how she respects johns choice and doesn't push.

One of my favorite episodes. Ralph did an amazing job of acting and directing at the same time. Great job!! Thank you.

Another awsome episode Judy,Thanks

Thank you so much. Great episode! I love the episodes that Ralph Waite directed.

A very cute comment by Mary Ellen with regard to "Needing all the help I can get" and the idea of getting baptised. I guess we all could say that! I appreciate John's internal struggle with his religious convictions.

For some denominations, baptism is usually performed when one is an infant (i.e. Roman Catholicism), however, adult baptism also occurs within this denomination. One reason why some of the children may have been baptized, while others were not, would be because some denominations (i.e. Baptist convention) leave baptism up to the individual whenever they feel ready. Some decide when they are older, some younger. :)

You sang my favorite things From the sound of music i just watched the sound of music

I remember this episode. In my opinion at the time, and I was a kid, I always wondered why John had never been baptized before because to me, he seemed like he believed. I had not gone to a church like that so I was scared by that Reverend. I also remember the episode of Grandma trying to teach John Boy how to preach. Speaking of Grandma, have you done a video about Ellen Corby coming back after a stroke? I thought it was so genuinely kind of them to do that. And Ellen Corby had a long career before, the one character I love Ellen Corby as besides Grandma, was Mrs. Lesh, the leader of the gang of car thieves on the Andy Griffith Show.

Hands down that was really a emotional episode for me. I truly loved the character of John/Ralph and agreed with him 100%. Andddddd, when John Ritter, first came to the Waltons, all episodes with him in it, very hard for me to take him serious as the preacher. I always watched him on Three Company, he was very awsome on that show, so it was, like I said, to think of him as a preacher.

I understood where John stood. Even today we don't want to be shouted at. We all worship and believe in God our on way.

This was a powerful episode either heaven or hell will spend eternity in that pastor was scaring the Walton kids into baptism whatever it takes to get people to come to Jesus and to be saved baptism don't get you into heaven call upon the name of Jesus to save you than you shall be saved and believe he died for your sins on the cross baptism follows after you get saved great episode judy

Thank you so much❤❤❤

I see a lot of the sets on the Waltons on the TV show Wonder Woman her first season.

Dang! Seems that every time a new preacher comes to The Walton's community, Yancy Tucker does something wild like starting a fire in the barn or smashing the chicken coop! (Grandpa's laugh)

Probably my favorite episode , my religious views are pretty similar to John,Sr .

I liked at 831. One of my favorite numbers

Father on Walton cool Sweet

This was very interesting with so much to keep track of. The acting and directing was really great. Personally, I was sprinkled as an infant, poured on as an adult joining a particular religion and then, dunked later on for reasons which escape me now. Religion is a tough subject to do films about. There seems to be so much division these days. Great job, Judy.

keep the clips coming

As others have pointed out, this episode had a lot of unusual shots - the two family ones for example: the one in the barn while they all are looking up at Jim-Bob and the one when Ralph comes to after being struck by lightning. Despite the stereotypes of evangelical practice (honestly earned) I did think the episode was a good conversation about matters of faith and belief. I enjoyed the "good night" scene especially when right after the peacock crows, Grandma's "Good Lord!" followed.

One of my favorite episodes, but I'm partial to anything directed by Ralph Waite.

I was baptized as a Catholic, but even after a Catholic education and an opportunity to be an altar boy in some of the great cathedrals in Europe, including St Marks, the Duomo in Florence, St Peter's in Rome (main altar) and Notre Dame, I left the Church for its unreasonable stance on mixed religious marriage, birth control, and the enormous amount of sexual abuse by priests that was being covered up by the church. I have my own religious beliefs but it would take a while to explain them all. But I do remember this episode very fondly because many times I have felt like John Walton, having standards without the need to proclaim them to the world every Sunday while pretending to be of a particular faith yet disagreeing with some of their dogma.. I thought of him one day when someone said in a smug condescending manner that HE hadn't seen ME in church on Sunday I think I gave him a response that John and Grandpa would have loved when I said "You know Dave, if God wanted man to spend his Sunday mornings in church, He never would have created FISH.

I always loved episodes directed by Ralph Waite. He had such a great perspective when filming scenes. He had the uncanny knack of knowing what the viewer wants to see--like the bowl of beef stew being passed around--and delivering it so well. Also, here's a fun fact about peacocks: I once spoke with a woman who owns a peacock farm and she told me that they sometimes sound like a woman crying for help. She said her neighbors would sometimes call 911 because of the peacocks!

Hi Judy. I didn't know Ralph was an ordained a minister. I think it is a bit ironic considering his character was resistant to organized religion and wasn't baptized. I always thought "Rover" was a humorous name for a peacock.

Judy--I remember that visiting pastor as being a regular on "Dark Shadows". I like the actor when he appeared in The Waltons, but not his role as the fire and brimstone pastor. The baptism was beautiful.

Judy l think l saw actor John Karlan in this episode?

Like you I'm just about any kind of music and I like other things also I like I've got a set of records called down memory lane from 1900 to 1965 enjoy old 78 but my grandparents had I really enjoy them to listen to and I'm really like what I listen to and it's brings back good childhood memories cuz I as a child listen to that music it really brings back good things and I enjoy watching just about anything I've got my favorite movie by the way is the homecoming I really enjoyed that because of Mary Ellen the character that you played I really enjoy it when she's when she's talking about the bird poop and thing and how she liked it because it was a homie effect or something and I really enjoyed that part of the movie and course the other one is with Maryellen got squatted by Jon boy for whatever she said you keep up the good work I hope hope that you can continue doing more of these ass chewed because I really like them one question I did have is the radio was that on a tape being played somewhere or or was it actually the radio itself being played.

Ralph was a very talented director! Do you remember any particular direction he gave you in a scene? 💗

💙🔥💙

my parents same way mom is a church going person my stepdad not a church going person. i think john walton was religious in his own way i do understand mr's walton concern. john ritter was great actor.

With the lack of family quality TV programs have You or any of the cast ever considered writing and producing a family show?

personally, I don't think it was anybodies business what Ben was doing in the Dew Drop Inn ... least of all a preacher .. and just what was HE doing there ?? Get a beer ??

Morning Judy,1st.😅

The Waltons were Baptist, and Baptists don't have a set age when their children are baptized. They believe one must profess faith in Jesus first, and then get baptized. I'm the youngest in a large family, and all of my siblings were baptized when they were children. I wasn't baptized until I was fifteen. I have to wonder if Ezekiel Henshaw, the evangelist, was patterned after Mordecai Ham. He is best--known for a crusade he held in Charlotte, North Carolina, in 1934, in which a teenage boy was converted. The boy's name was Billy Graham. I come from a long line of Baptists, but I never heard of an "all-day revival" until I saw this episode. Most revival meetings among Baptists last a few days, and they only have evening services except for Sunday, when they have both a morning and an evening service. When I was little, revivals typically lasted a week, and I knew older people who could remember when they lasted two weeks. I like the way Henshaw was portrayed. It would have been easy for the writers to depict him as a charlatan or a con artist. Instead, they depicted him as sincere and well-meaning, but overzealous.

Which one religious? Baptist church? Or Pentecostal? Do you read bible Acts 2:38 ? You pray say Father, Son ,and Holy ghost ? Or say in Jesus name ?

A really good episode about baptism and what it means to different people of the Christian faith. Ralph Waite did a fine job directing obviously on a subject close to his heart. I know it took me until the age of 21 to be baptized myself which was done in front of the entire congregation of my church, but it was a step of faith I never regretted. Thanks Judy for another great installment of your show. 🙏

Disclaimer: I am not a baptist, but I think it is up to each individual to decide when they feel they are ready to be baptized. This would explain why some siblings were baptized and others weren't. Sorry if someone else has already addressed this.

What a lovely episode directed perfectly by Ralph Waite, it has a lot going on in it and Ralph's pacing of the story is just perfect. I have to admit, if a preacher hollered and screamed at me like that, I'd be straight out that door just like John Walton was😆. Thank you for a charming segment today Judy and best wishes to you from your waltonian superfan all the way from a warm England😉

I like when Miss Emily says "Papa used to say, eavesdroppers seldom hear good of themselves" and Ike says "I wasn't gonna eavesdrop- I work here!" Always made me laugh 😂❤️ really love this episode. Ralph did an especially outstanding job here. And thank you for addressing the inconsistencies in the episodes, I've noticed them and been confused as well so it's nice to know that you are also confused! 😅

Judy the baptism is a great episode thanks for sharing

This is one of my favorite episodes. It has so much to say and really, more than anything, turns the camera on us the audience. Every time I watch this, I feel like I’m in Johns shoes. The pressure of religion in the family unit can powerful enough to destroy it. I really resented Olivia’s obsessive push for John to get baptized. She would’ve had to accept Johns position on that way back before they got married, and after 20 years of marriage it’s still a hot potato issue, which to me was unacceptable. Who holds a grudge like that for so long, with a man she married, had 7 kids with, gone through war time and a depression, and you name it and still holds this sword of Damocles over his head that if you don’t get baptized you’ll never be accepted by God? Unreasonable? Yeah! Then she drags him to the revival where John is screamed at essentially over the same thing. And BTW, whose big mouth was it that told Henshaw about John’s situation? To me that seemed like an invasion of his privacy that didn’t need to be held up on a billboard for all to see. Who could blame him for stepping out of that pressure cooker? My dad, who was a Vietnam veteran had said while we watched that episode, that if he had been put in that situation, Henshaw would be missing some teeth and he’d have walked out on Olivia and moved in with Yancy Tucker. Knowing how John can get angry, especially when he saw Rev. Fordwick screaming at his kids while practicing a sermon, it’s a miracle in itself that John, a veteran of a war himself, didn’t lose his cool with Olivia and at the revival. The amount of stress he was getting over this whole thing was monumental. And then on top of all that, you got this screaming bird that just shows up and forces himself into the Walton’s home. It offers nothing for its stay like all the other farm members have to if they wish to live on the residence. All it does is demand attention and parade around showing off it big long feathers. It’s a wonder John didn’t have a nervous breakdown and turned Rover into a Sunday dinner! But at the end of this episode we sort of get a resolution that indicates John and Olivia’s love for each other was more powerful than all of that chaos…but Olivia still has hope she’ll get him baptized!? After all that insanity, and she still wants to push the envelope and risk dropping the last straw on Johns back. A guy, any guy, watching that episode can’t help but be sucked into that drama. The story was that well made, acted and Directed, Judy. Again it’s one of my favorite episodes that illustrates that even without violence, explosions, sex and a multiverse of plot complications, you can still get hyped up over drama if you do quality work. And as Rose would say, “That’s the Key!”

The episode was great , Ralph always strove for perfection . The wheel shot was fantastic circle of life John and Olivia shared

I loved this episode. John Karlen was a very underrated actor. I followed him since his days playing Willie Loomis on Dark Shadows in the 60s. He also played Harvey Lacey to Tyne Daily's Mary Beth Lacey on Cagney and Lacey. I also saw him in a movie with Ricki Lake in the late 80s. He didn't have much of a part in that movie, but made the most of his screen time. Did you get to work with him directly?

Having grown up in the Bible Belt, I think to answer your question about why some of the children were married and others were not, I always took that to mean like a lot of churches in that area that there is an Adult Believer's Baptism. That means that when someone is ready to take on a commitment to be a Christian as an adult (whatever that means in terms of age and maturity) is when someone is baptized. Sometimes people are ready to take that on like as a traditional Bar Mitzvah/Confirmation age (12-13ish) and for others its more like 18 when people are ready to make an adult commitment. That's how I always read that episode. I think I got baptized at the age of about 10 in a creek (true story!) in Corryton, Tennessee. I think it was right after Easter one year and that water was ice cold. The preacher had on fishing waders. If you are not from that culture...it's a whole different world.

Peacocks are plentiful in Virginia. They tend to flock together up high in trees. The sounds that they make are very unique and distinctive...Some would say even obnoxious. Due to their social nature, it's actually hard to believe that Rover would have been on his own. There should have been five or six more birds along with him.

Good episode and it actually explained a lot about some family religious beliefs with a different way to look at it. I have such great memories watching this show with my Mom and sister who have already passed on at early ages. My sister passed away last year on June 22nd from cancer, she’s the one who told me about your channel Judy. She loved you and your channel. I miss she and my Mom so much. 😢

Easily in my top five Waltons and I loved both Ralph Waite's acting and direction in this episode. I could completely relate to where John was coming from just because you don't go to church or get baptized doesn't mean you can't be a good man. John Karlen as the Rev. Ezekial L. Henshaw was everything you'd expect from a man who went town to town saving souls and preaching the word. Thanks again Judy for covering this great episode.

This was a episode alot of people can relate to. Not all married couples are the same religion, causing confusion on how to raise your children. And among couples themselves. Also seeing one of your children going into taverns, and trying to discover a bit of independence, the way Ben did, may be a little over whelming for parent. Thank you Judy.

This episode is a great one, and it's also right in the middle of a bunch of really awesome episodes; The Vigil, the comeback, the Firestorm, the Nightwalker, the Wedding etc. etc! It's hard to pick out favorites on this show, but I've always really enjoyed the fifth season!

The end of the episode where the baptism are happening makes ne laugh everytime i watch.

John Karlen was known for playing Harvey Lacey on Cagney and Lacey.

This was one of the rare times I felt sorry for John-Boy because having parents with very systems of beliefs is not unlike having parents of different political parties (and I'm leaving it at that!)! On a much lighter note, nice subplot about Jim-Bob 'adopting' Rover the Peacock and Grandpa's right about peacocks being associated with royalty. Boiled down to essentials this came to be in the Middle Ages because the peacock was associated with the Hera, the Queen of the Greek Gods. Long-short is that her marriage and family was strained because her husband Zeus was rather untrue. To try to help with that, she hired a giant man who had eyeballs covering his body so he'd rat out Zeus and Zeus's flings- which would get Hera to either kill or do something else mean to the fling but nothing to Zeus himself. Anyway, after losing one fling too many, Zeus got fed up with the giant and killed him. This made Hera very unhappy so as a peace or guilt offering, Zeus took the eyeballs from the giants body and put them on the peacock's tail then presented the peacock to Hera who LOVED it and made it her own special pet because not only did it look prettier than the giant but every so often that peacock would make that shrill cry and Hera would know. ...Zeus was up to something! Before I go, I have to agree that Mr. Waite had some rather innovative framing of the individual shots of this episode! Thanks for sharing it with us!

I have this episode set to watch tonight. Thanks for bringing this one to us again. I can’t wait to watch it again and go over your assessment in my head while watching

John Walton was never a religious man but his spiritual faith was solid. He just never felt that his spirituality should be defined by religion. Still, he always supported Oliva, the grandparents, and the children attending church services each Sunday. John Walton was such a well written character.

The baptism was an excellent episode.Ralph Waite did a good job, and John Ritter. The Waltons filmmakers made it life like.I think the episode had gotten the message out about baptism and what it's about.

Father Walton didnot Like to Go Church on Sunday With Family he Stillhome Wantfish Andwork Peace wow love

I liked the part when .....John got up and walked out... he was more Christian than most of all of them......he didnt need a sweaty preacher screaming at him... good for him!

Hello Judy 😊This was a strong episode and I'm like John when it comes to religion 😊😊

This is one of my favorite episodes

It was mentioned that Olivia and John let the children make their own choices or decisions on religious issues beliefs

I love hearing about how shots were filmed as well as the artistic way in which scenes were set up. Since watching you the last few years I’ve learned so much and now watch each show with more of keen eye to details. Thanks for what you do. It’s always respectful and educational. Mary

I loved this episode! Ralph Waite was an incredible actor and director. I'm currently binging The Waltons and am on the 8th season. This stands out as one of my favorite episodes to date. I loved that he was a man of God but did it in his own way. He was such a genuine character!

Judy, I remember this episode well - decades later. What made it work was the conflict. When you present true conflict it draws you right in. Something a lot of writers miss. I can see both Olivia's and John's perspective and both had valid points. It's what made the episode so special to me even back then. When there is no 'bad guy'. Brilliant writing.

Well, scripted episode, very strong performance, strong performance by each and every actor portraying their character. Well done Performance by actor John Karlin. Who I remember his role on Cagaine Lacey, and on Dark Shadows. Ralph Waite's role was extremely powerful. A powerful scene with John Sr and Olivia at the end of the episode. ❤️ Thank you for sharing these precious memories Judy!

Good to see John Karlen ( Dark Shadows and Cagney and Lacey) good actor!

Tks Judy, again such great behind the scenes reporting, and no matter the differences, things work when love is involved.

Hi Judy this episode was interesting

Hi Judy! I loved this episode so much! So many things happen in this episode and I get chills every time when they show John getting struck by lightning and then everyone surrounding him when he wakes up. I always love the scenes of Mary Ellen being welcomed home and the very ending scene with John and Olivia where it was shot thru the wheel. Thank you for sharing and I hope you’re having a wonderful day! ❤ Jamie ~ huge Waltons fan ✨

It was a good episode, but John Karlen’s character reminded me a little too much of a cousin of mine who was that kind of firebrand, in-your-face type of preacher who just shouts at you like you’re less than navel lint. I never could understand how people could respond any way but negatively to that approach.

Well, who would have ever thought Ralph Waite was an Ordained minister. Very surprising based on his character as John. I wonder if he ever thought is was a struggle with his real life faith and his characters faith. I still can't believe even to this day that grandma wouldn't have had John Baptized as a baby or a little boy. Shocking. I can understand John's resistance as well with a preacher shouting in his face. God is a loving god that wouldn't be shouting in someone's face. Great episode and segment.

Peace fully wow Godloveyou much

John Walton was a good honest man and good provider. I'm glad that Olivia recognized those qualities in him and respected his wishes not to be baptized. Excellent episode and love when Ralph directs.

Have Aniceforof 4th July Judy and Family and friends wow

I saw a great deal of Zeb and John Walton, in my own grandfather. His "church" was his farm, and the land in Upper New York State. He only went into a church for weddings or funerals, but he had a fierce love of God, and creation! He never felt the need to attend church every Sunday. when he communed with God amongst his apple trees and crops. He was a man of tremendous faith, and I totally understand John Walton's point of view. Thanks for sharing this, Judy.

Cool Showthe Walton family

Looks like we're all having a good time here thanks to you. Always look forward to whatever you bring to the table it's been a banquet so far right down to the apple sauce cake ! ; )

Love you tub Pages Judy

They were Baptists. So there is no ceremonial infant baptism. It is an outward representation of an inner acceptance of Christ as Savior. They do not have to be close together.

Happy Summer time Judy

I love the way you explain what happened behind the scenes. You are always so respectful of the series, the actors, and the crew. I feel sure there were moments that were you wanted to be anywhere else but on the set, but you always speak with such grace about your experiences with this iconic television series! TY for keeping the memories alive for us all!

I'd be interested in hearing Eric Scott's interpretation of this epeisode, being Jewish and acting in a baptism scene.

Growing up as a kid in the 1970's, and having young parents that were from Kentucky (Dad) and North Carolina (Mom), watching "The Walton's" was a required weekly family event!

I love how, in the end, Olivia reialized that John had his own way to worship. Perhaps the mountain and the woods were his cathedral. Perhaps while hunting for food, he took a moment to appreciate the beauty around him. The sounds of nature were the choir. Being a good person who helped those in need whenever possible and doing his best to provide for his family was more than enough.

The way I understand it Baptists decide for themselves to be baptized. Usually at 8 or above. John probably made sure none of his children were forced into the decision to be baptized, so it makes sense that different children were baptized at different times. So many great episodes in season 5! This is the episode I wondered if they had used Mary Beth to pretend it was you. You notice she had a towel over her head. I guess you did too!

Ilove your Tub Channel Talk about the Walton wow

Darn, I haven't reached this episode in my current binge watch but I will make sure to watch it now. I forgot that Ralph was in Cool Hand Luke until I saw it recently. Did he ever speak of any anecdotes while filming that? Thanks Judy ! I can't wait to see this episode . :)

I remember when I was baptized. I was about 14. I’m disabled & they took my out of my chair & into the baptistery.