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Season 8 divulges itself as being one of the most "intense" seasons for the series and will bring tears to most fans. Most of the original characters left the show, Mary and Adam leave in the first episode, never to be seen again. Johnothan Garvey (Merlin Olesen) is strangely absent from the entire series and there is not a mention of him throughout the series. Nellie Olesen was replaced by "Nancy" and although the olsens, the Ingalls and Laura and Almonzo are still around, there is a whole new breed of characters. Victor French, not surprisingly comes back for some of the episodes. His family, bascially erased from the storyline, moved on without him as he couldn't "deal with the death of his son." Dabbs Greer (Revenrend Alden) is probably only in about 2 episodes during this season as his character seems to be out of the mix. Katheran McGreggor (Mrs. Olsen) is also around for one last stay, as I think she's gone from future seaons. Dr. Baker, Willie, Laura, Almonzo, Eliza Jane all are here too, but enjoy them now as most will be gone later...Laura and Almonzo (are the exceptions)Amazingly though, Season 8 is one of my favorite seasons even with the loss of some big name characters. This season focuses on more "sadness, death, and overall morbidity as you will be crying for most of them". Flu Epidemics, Charles and Mr.Edwards seeking revenge, Laura and Almonzo losing their home to a Tornado, Almonzo suffers a stroke, Charles Ingalls son getting shot in a bank robbery, the loss of Mr. Edwards son (John Jr.) in a horrible accident that causes him to become a raging alcoholic and then eventually loses his family in the process. The final 2 hour episode "He was only 12" was one of Michael Landon's best performances as Charles Ingalls. The gutwrenching concluion of a much needed miracle to save his son's (James) life is terrific entertainment as this is Michael Landon's last stay with with the series with a few exceptions of a few cameos in future episodes. Morbid? yes... series losing steam? No way.This series is a must have, as Season 8 is really not been televised as much as the others due to it's, well, "content". It's a very somber season, and although it ends with a happy bang, the thought of the "Michael Landon" finally leaving the show along with his wife (Karen Grassle) is a sad idea, but it's true. This is it fans! Enjoy them now, because they will be sorely missed as the future seasons just aren't the same without them.The box set includes interviews with Dean Butler (Almonzo) and Dabbs Greer (Reverend Alden). It's nice having the interviews, but the annoying interviewer just seems to ask the most basic of questions for the chracters and it's far to short to boot. Oh well, it's still nice to see these guys, Dabbs Greer is still alive and kickin!Michael Landon made the series what it is today and even after eight seasons, it just continues to get better and this season is no exception. Enjoy this season, as some serious changes are up and coming for Season 9.
