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

Eric Scott really shines in this episode. The confrontation between him and his father made every kid remember what it was like to defy his parents. Very well written.

I always thought this episode showed a very realistic portrayal of John because it was very rare that we saw John (or Olivia) really get upset. While I love how John and Olivia's parenting skills were portrayed on the show, life during a depression and having seven children, there were going to be times of conflict. I'm glad they showed this because it made the show more relatable. Even though we know its television and not real, people do take characters from shows and try to live up to the "standard" they present on the show. While that can be good to try and emulate the positive, real life doesn't come with writers and re-takes, so showing the harder, realistic, less than perfect aspect of a character helps reinforce that perfection isn't possible. Hope that makes sense ;)

I enjoy these videos so much! Brings back memories not just of The Walton episodes but also of the honesty & integrity I grew up with. Values our country so badly needs now! Thank you, Judy for these glimpses & reminders of the past! God bless!

I always loved Ben’s stubbornness, confidence and gumption when it came to getting things done, even when he screws up. Very authentic scene when Ben smarts off to his dad. Ralph was strong. He shoved him like he was a toy. How many times has that moment been played out in RL over the generations. Great episode Judy. Thanks!

Just saw one of my fave episodes of The Walton's yesterday (MeTV in So Cal): Grandpa's acquisition of the Annabelle Lee statue. Loved Grandma's jealousy of the slightly lustful statue and I especially loved Grandpa's reciting the famous EA Poe poem. I've been a great fan of Poe since my teens and so this episode was especially beautiful ( also because of the parallel story of JohnBoy writing a fictionalized story of the Baldwin sister's love for Ashley Longworth).

I believe that is the signature quilt the ladies from church made for Olivia when she had polio.

I'm still watching the Walton's

Cindy Fisher was in that terrific ABC Movie Of The Week, "Bad Ronald" along with frequent "Waltons" guest star Cindy Eilbacher as her sister. Cindy Fisher has also been married for nearly 40 years to Doug Davidson, long-time star of "The Young and the Restless". Coincidentally, Cindy Eilbacher played Doug Davidson's wife on Y&R!

The scene between John, John-boy and Ben in the living room, was one of the most powerful scenes in television I had seen. I generally felt a chill run up my back when you see John go after Ben. And seeing John-boy, look away because he doesn’t want to see what was coming, added the tension. I liked how Bens shirt was wet under the armpits from fear of what he was about to face. But in another episode where we see John not answering Ep Bridges about some cups being stolen at a home he was working in, showed how much Ben is a lot like his father. They both take pride in keeping a promise or not betraying their word. Back in those days a handshake sealed a bargain and when someone said they were going to do something, you can bet your last dollar they would. So Ben in this episode learned from his father all to well. He probably felt he was doing the right thing by taking full blame and probably thought his family would be more understanding. That’s why he got in an argument with John-boy for trying to get the full story out of him. He’d rather go down an honorable man than save his own skin. Does anyone know anybody like that today?

This is the episode where John got so mad at Ben. It was a very good episode. The acting was great. Thanks Judy💕

My favorite episode with Ben.. The acting on all parts was great. Very realistic especially the scene with John and Ben on the living room. My dad would have reacted the same way. Thank you Judy. Love your enthusiasm when taking about the episodes.

I remember this episode from when I was a kid. It scared me when John grabbed Ben up off the couch, and then pushed him towards the door. John and Ben had a few great arguments that seemed so realistic! Those 2 were the best at this sort of acting imo. There is either another scene or a whole different episode where those 2 go at it again. I was afraid for Ben when I first saw them. Thanks for this Judy 😊

Thanks Judy I can imagine as a kid,having the police at your door,One would indeed dig a hole,trying to escape the anger of John and John boy.

Thank you for this segment, Judy! I love this episode, and you really get to see John Walton in an intense scene! The acting is so good, when John is sitting on the coffee table and Ben defies him, John Says "What!?" And stands slowly and lunges forward and yanks up Ben, and you hear Grandpa shout "John!", as if to rope back John's anger and refrain from beating Ben. It's just such an intense scene, and they all nailed it! Thank you for sharing these, Judy! I love watching them!

John Walton is definitely not a man whose bad side I'd ever want to be on! When he demands an explanation from Ben and Ben flat out tells him no, I like how John Boy, who had been angrily grilling Ben up until then, quietly bowed out at that point. It was a matter between Ben and Daddy now lol. 😂 Great acting from all. Thank you as always, Judy!

Good Morning Judy!! I remember seeing that quilt from the Easter Story when the ladies from church sent Olivia a quilt and was reading the messages they put on the quilt for her. This was also one of the rare scenes when John really loses his temper when Ben won't tell what happened. I thought this ended kinda of sad that even though she did meet her mother she stayed with her father never married and stays in the house after her father passed. Another wonderful episode. Thank you so much Judy!! 🥰

Judy, I absolutely adore and I mean adore how you keep the Waltons series alive! I grew up on it and I missed a lot of the nuances, and now I’m watching the entire series again as an adult and I love it even more! I can’t get enough, thank you so much!

Hi.. I wanted to tell I watched The Foundling from season one where your family teaches a profoundly deaf little girl who has never spoken and left abandoned at the Walton home to communicate via sign language. It is definitely one that you need a box of tissues for after her parents learn to sign with her. so heartwarming and just a super feel good episode.

Heart warming episode Judy ❤

Another great episode. I would have been in Ben's shoes too. As a teenaged boy, girls made me do lots of stupid things that my folks wouldn't have approved of. And how cool to see an episode with a quilt that doesn't make Mary Ellen get on grandma's bad side. 😀

I really enjoyed the performance between Richard and Eric. They really made the scenes believable. Bravo!!! To both Actors. Thanks!! Judy for sharing.

I had totally forgotten about that episode. Great acting by Eric, and Ralph was actually scary when he flared up at Ben. Looks like your bamboo wilted while you were on Holiday, better water it! :)

Loved this episode of Ben being a typical young man and the sometimes bad decisions they make to please a girl... reverse with girls pleasing a boy(s) too. In Ben's case it worked out. Parents reactions and how siblings squeal on each other too. I will have to pay more attention on the same houses used in different episodes. The house that Rose was going to decorate/fix up was used for different family situations too if I remember correctly. Thank you so much Ms Judy for another awesome "Behind The Scene" episode. I usually learn something new about a particular Walton episode. Have a great rest of your week and weekend.

I remember that episode so well. I have said it before, that is the only episode where John almost lost it with one of his kids. He did exercise restraint with Ben because violence was not in him. I have also noted before that John could be the calmest and kindest man ever but if he got riled up he could look very menacing. What an actor he was. I loved the way he stood by his children and the way he went with Ben to confront Nancy's dad and finally get the truth out. Ben really stood by his word on that one. The other episode where John got a little angry was the episode where he was questioned by the sheriff about stolen silver goblets and he yelled at John Boy to go in the house. The most menacing look on his face was when he appeared out of nowhere as a guy was taking money out of a jar in the kitchen cabinet. What a look he had on his face. It even made me jump a bit. Ralph was truly a great actor and no one could have played a better husband, dad and friend to the community as Ralph did in The Waltons.

Ben's character was always interesting because he was always very stubborn and stood his ground. Very realistic reaction from John especially about what Ben was doing. You don't want to get John Walton angry! Lol .

John showing his anger in a more physical way lets Ben know that his actions and his lie are very serious. Sometimes it takes more than words to get the needed answers. John was desperate to get to the bottom of this mess and get things resolved. People sometimes need a reminder that the truth is the best way through difficult situations. Telling a lie just leads to more trouble. Once the truth was out, John was able to help Ben with the poor choice he made. Life's lessons aren't always easy. Thank you so much for sharing another great "Behind the Scenes" video.

What a great behind the scenes, thank you! I love knowing the back story and other details. And I LOVE your necklace! Thank you.

Hi Judy, what a great Walton episode! Ben played his role very well, his father got upset of course, but the truth had to come out. All this little stories are impacting our lifes and form our personality. What a blessing to see the Walton family happily united. Thank you so much ❤.

Enjoyed that episode reminded me of myself at Ben's age when I was a teenager, and one of youngest of 8 siblings. I got in trouble a few times.

I have had a bad day. We lost a kitty this morning and I forgot all about what day it was. When I saw your notification of a new video, it was a wonderful, just what I needed. I found comfort in watching your video today. Thank you for everything.

Ben's character transformed greatly during the years. He turned into an amazing family man 😀 Grandpa would have been pleased.

I never noticed the words on the quilt before, very interesting. I have however damaged my Dad's truck. I would put it in neutral and push it down the lane before starting it. I hit a nasty patch of fog ...then an electric cow fence 😨 lesson learned. Ben was always the one who was the most independent and head strong. Great episode!

The Lie is a really good episode. I really thought John was going to beat the crap out of Ben! He shoved him around pretty hard.

It is amazing how the director's and stage crews often use the sets (the houses) in different scenes. I recently viewed the latest remake of the Walton's Thanksgiving. Of course, Richard opens it like similar to what he did in 1993 in the Thanksgiving Reunion. Guess who I might of seen? It was "Ben," a little redheaded young lad who needed a place to stay.

Great episode...Ben and Daddy had a history together with 'mouthing' off and getting hot under the the collar

This was great, Judy! I recall Ralph's "angry parent" scene! Even I jumped out of my seat! I also laughed a little to myself. Having participated in a few live theater shows myself, I know a little of what goes into such a dramatic scene. And, such scenes are kind of fun! Poor Ben always getting into trouble! The theme here again is a courageous foray into issues of custody battles and the children suffering! Poor Nancy. Wow! I never would have spotted that quilt square! Good eye! Thanks for sharing such joy with us, your fans, Walton's fans! You're wearing one of your most popular necklaces ~ at least with this crowd! It's very artistic! Do you do any artwork~ painting, clay, etc.? Have a wonderful weekend and bless you! ✨🍂✨🍁✨🦃✨🥧✨🧡✨ PS ~ about draining and refilling Drucilla's Pond? Was there not an easier way? Some other yard available?

Oh, Ben! What a mess! Thanks for another fun episode.

Love this episode. It's on a season 3 dvd disc i have where the beguiled is on and the match makers is on. Thought the girl who played Nancy is just gorgeous. Thanks again

I love how you explain the back stories of the series!! This one was especially good!! I am glad I get to watch reruns of the show! Thank you Judy!!

I like the ending scene when John Walton confronts Nancy's dad and John gets aggressive and puts Nancy's dad in his place. I don't think I would want to tangle with John.

Hi Judy🙋🏼‍♀️ been Watching the Waltons every Evening and Just Watched the one with Olivia she finds out she has Polio & goes away for Somtime ❤ i 😢 when everyone said goodbye . I'm going to Watch the lie episode with Ben tonight

Loved hearing about this episode. The character of Ben is so well protrayed by Eric Scott. Appreciate your insight and your time spent to do this.

I found myself telling Ben through the TV screen "Come on Ben spill the beans, tell Dad ! ". .Very insightful about the quilt Judy ! I enjoyed this episode ..because of the circumstances ..thank God I knew things were going to work out eventually ..but this episode was very enjoyable !! Thanks for re-capping this Judy !

Great information Judy. It’s always a pleasure to hear you talk about how things are done when doing a series. Without you, most of use wouldn’t have a clue. Thank you!

ONE of my favourite episodes!! Thanks Judy!!!! xx

Judy, this was great. I do recall this episode and how touching it was as well as tough. Daddy was tough but tender, too.

Thank you, Judy, for these vids. They're a delightful distraction from the world falling apart. Also, it's wonderful to be reminded of memories of watching The Waltons. You're articulate and great interviewer and commentator.

One of my favorites. The acting was very tense and showed a more realistic parenting view from John and Olivia. Thank you, Judy. I would love if you would bring your stage show to Sarasota Florida. I’ve watched you sing on RU-vid, but it would be great to see in person. Thank you for your generous time in explaining these wonderful shows. ❤

thank you judy for the great history you still look good

Judy This was one of my favorite episodes Enjoy your channel.

I asked about that quilt before and why did it end up in the boy's room...It was the signature quilt given to Olivia when she had polio....I don't recall ever hearing anything about a "May" as part of the series, but the folks from the community or church family presented the quilt....So, perhaps the name May was used just as one of the folks there.

Nice Story! Love Ben's Story about the Girl's Lost Mother!!

Great episode especially the scene where the father was about to beat up on Ben. Also featured Hersha Parady looking very stunning in her restaurant scene with her daughter.

Hi Judy thanks for sharing the segment about the lie. I too wondered how that gentleman could get John boys information off that car because it was so dark. But the other thing I questioned was how did the matches get into Jon Boyce car when Ben didn't smoke as far as I know he didn't pick it up from the restaurant. I guess it's just another one of those things that they had to add just so that the story would make sense. Thanks for sharing I enjoy all of your behind the scenes segments.

I've been binge watching The Waltons for the past couple of weeks, hour after hour, and loving every minute of it! I did see an oops that caught me by surprise and wonder what your comments might be. The episode was when the whole family was helping John to complete an order of 500 posts due in 2 weeks. Olivia was dressed in overalls, certainly prepared to get dirty. The menfolk loaded up the family truck and she was the designated truck driver, driving loads of completed posts to Rockfish. After some briefs moments of flirtation between her and John, she set off to make her delivery. On the way to Rockfish, she comes across Corabeth walking along the road on her way to the parsonage. Olivia stopped and the two conversed for a bit. Corabeth convinces Olivia to accompany her to the parsonage. Here's where the oops comes in. Upon arrival at the parsonage, Olivia's truck WAS COMPLETELY EMPTY! Not a stick of wood anywhere around, lol.

Hi Judy! Another great episode, I loved this! It had a great ending where everything got straightened out. Also I want to say my mom is amazed at how you’ve replied to me 28 different times since I found your channel! It makes me so happy to interact with you every Monday and Thursday and I’m so grateful ❤ Love, Jamie ~ huge Walton’s fan

Your description of this episode is outstanding, Judy; thank you so much for sharing. Well done and (as always) much appreciated!

Another interesting video that would have looked to go on & on. Srainung the pond was a surprise.....for sure. Making use of everything on set. A great story. Happy actor Eric got to shine. TU, Judy! 👍🙂

I love everything that you do Judy! However, these behind the scenes are my absolute favorite! Thank you!

So much to absorb from you. Love to listen.👍🤔

Thank you again. I just sit here fascinated -- your synopsis of the episodes, with the insights on the personality traits of the characters, the storyline, along with the behind-the-scenes details, and personal anecdotes -- all in under 15 minutes! Awesome! And to some of the details -- I love how much use the back lot was in the show, in so many ways -- parking in Drusilla's Pond -- I never would have guessed!!!

Love the behind the scenes stuff, thank you Judy, great video.

Dear Mrs. Norton, I watched this and the cast did an excellent job on this story line. Ben as all other cast member really did a great job. I really enjoyed the scene at the end where the two actors made up, that for me was as good as it gets. Enjoy your day...):

I am totally enjoying these episodes of The Walton's Judy. I have been a fan of the show for years and I watch them over and over again now. Thank you so much for taking the time to looking back and taking us back to this amazing journey of The Walton's.

Maybe The Quilt Was From The Episode When Olivia Had Polio. And Her Friends Made Her The Quilt.

Thanks Judy for your insight on the episode “The Lie.” I believe the quilt was the one introduced in “The Easter Story”, the quilt that the church ladies made for Olivia with hand written messages. Because of watching your videos, I seem to catch things that I probably wouldn’t have picked up on. I was watching the episode “The Job.” Elizabeth was dressed in overalls. As they all got on the truck to go to the picnic she was in her overalls. As the truck drove down the road, she was wearing a red dress. Then at the picnic her overalls. They obviously stuck in footage of the family riding in the truck from another episode. In the past, it was something that I probably would have never noticed. Watching with a different perspective, it is fun to not only watch the story but to pick up on something new.

The Lie episode was the only episode where even I was a little scare watching just to see how enraged daddy was at Ben. The way he grabbed Ben and yanked him up from the couch. It did look like he was going to give Ben a good smack. But being good TV you knew that was never going to happen. It would be interesting to know how Eric Scott was actually feeling during the filming of that scene. Great segment.

Thank you so much for sharing i.enjoy. watching and learning more about the waltons

I watched this episode yesterday. As always great work judy. 👏 you are the greatest. Thank you once more. Please don't stop. We love what Your doing.

Hi Judy! Thank you for taking time out of your day to take us back to The Walton's 😁💜 I really enjoy listening to you! So..thank you so much! By the way I love your necklace 💛🌼

No questions today just wanted to show support for your channel. Blessings

Thanks for this episode. Always really liked it.

I don't like to think of Drusilla's pond drained! That was probably my favorite scenery from "Walton's Mountain."

I really enjoy your videos. I didn’t watch The Waltons during its original run, but I am enjoying the program now. I enjoy your role, but I am enjoying these guiders even more,

When wasn’t Ben in some type of trouble 😂

fantastic video judy

Hello Judy 😊I liked this episode a lot. You would have never had thought that would have happened to the car. Ben being new to driving and leaving the keys 🙄

Another great episode with fabulous acting by Eric Scott & Ralph Waite. As always, thank you for sharing!

Oh yes such a great episodes Ben was a stubborn one John Walton could beat that stubbornness out of him but John Walton wasn't a child beater great episode judy it's a good one

thanks judy - another thing to point out with the erin & jason scene is that when marys/erins hair is neatly behind her shoulders she and jason/jon have a full glass of milk - when her hair is fluffed and messy looking their milk glasses are empty - go figure LOL :) thanks for the points of interest you highlighted for all of us to notice take care judy :)

What a coincidence. I just watched this episode yesterday. 😍😍

Hi Judy I love you videos and interviews wirh the actors and the behind the scenes crew. I was wondering if you ever will interview David Friedman as he played your son on 3 of the reunions. I know he went on to act in Little House: A New Beginning, but we haven't seen or heard from him in years. I think he did a fantastic job as John Curtis.

Love the homecoming. Almost the time of year to watch it

The quilt was from the Easter episode when Mama was stricken with polio; her friends sent her signature quilt. They, all wrote messages to comfort and inspire her. I remember she asked grandma to put it over her because it was like having all her dear friends near her. The quilt wound up in several places throughout the years I remember seeing it on Jason to bed on Jim Bob’s bed, and then evidently on Ben’s bed too.

Judy Walton's are a great show The Lie was great EP

Judy I loved the drama in this episode

Thank you Judy. I have so many favorite episodes and this is one of them .

Thanks for reviewing this great episode! I’m enjoying your channel. I am ( Kami’s) Elizabeth age, and I started watching The Waltons when the series started . I think it was in 74, so I sort of grew up with her.. You all are very talented and worked so hard on this show! Are you working on any other shows?

Judy I just watched the burn out part 1 and part 2. All of you were incredibly fantastic. We love the professional work you've done for the simple enjoyment of us.

The changing of Drusilla's pond so interesting. Thank you, Judy.

I remember that episode

funny u r talking bout this episode we just watched it last sat this was yet another great episode I always thought ben could b a little stubborn and yet he usually tried to do the right thing ofcourse this was fine acting on Eric's part looking forward to ur next video judy

I really liked that episode Ben keeping his promise to a friend Ben always the go getter John boy the big brother who always takes care of his younger brothers and sisters just like in this episode got to the bottom of the wrecked car and problem was solved Judy love the videos watch the Waltons everyday can't wait for your next video

This was really informative and entertaining, Judy. I always look forward to your segments…they’re like a visit with a beloved friend. Also, learning the technical side of the production is so incredibly illuminating. I almost feel guilty knowing all the work that went into something I enjoyed so much every Thursday. Thanks again, you’re always so lovely to see and listen to. ❤

Great story telling Judy

I did enjoy this episode Judy. Ben's insistence on helping Nancy really at the risk of him getting into a lot of trouble. And daddy Walton's intense anger towards him was actually a little surprising. I didn't expect it to be that intense but he definitely played that scene very very well. Really enjoying these behind the scenes videos thank you so much for them.

I watched this one a couple of days ago. its one of my Favorites. God Bless and take care Judy. ♥

That scene with Erin’s hair pulled back and then down in her face is interesting. It shows hard they tried to present reasonable continuity in all they could. The part with John grabbing Ben and getting angry? A little more righteous tough love like that doesn’t hurt and probably did a lot more good. Another good life lesson from The Waltons that endeared them to the whole country. And poor Ben. Behind many a situation like that unlooked for by the boy, has a girl pulling the puppet strings. Then he tries to go up a slippery slope but finds out his family is not as gullible as he hoped. Ever it was thus! 😇

Judy I adore your videos. Thank you so much for doing this

Glad Eric Scott got this shining episode. Ben did all the right things, helping a friend, chivalry, connecting a family, just gotta take the keys!