Ep 20. The Election

In Little House on the Prairie's season 3 episode 20, titled "The Election," the town of Walnut Grove is gearing up for its upcoming mayoral race. Nels Oleson (played by Richard Bull) is considering running for the position against the current mayor, George Sims (played by Charles Tyner). Laura Ingalls (played by Melissa Gilbert) is excited about the election and decides to write an article for the town's newspaper, encouraging people to vote.

Meanwhile, Willie (played by Jonathan Gilbert) is caught stealing candy from the mercantile and is forced to apologize to the store owner. He is also worried about his father's potential campaign and the effect it could have on their family.

When Nels officially declares his candidacy, he faces opposition from the town's wealthier residents, including George Sims and Harriet Oleson (played by Katherine MacGregor). Nels also struggles with public speaking and doesn't feel confident in his ability to win.

The election heats up when both candidates participate in a public debate, moderated by Reverend Alden (played by Dabbs Greer). Laura and her classmates attend the debate and ask questions, which puts pressure on both Nels and George to answer honestly and thoughtfully.

As the election approaches, tensions rise and both sides become more vocal in their support for their respective candidates. Ultimately, the election results are revealed and the town must come to terms with the outcome.

Overall, "The Election" is a classic episode of Little House on the Prairie that explores themes of democracy, community, and family. It features strong performances from the cast, particularly Richard Bull as Nels, who grapples with his own limitations and fears as a potential candidate. The episode also showcases the strength of Laura's character and her commitment to speaking up for what she believes in. Fans of the show will undoubtedly enjoy this compelling and thought-provoking installment.