Ep 5. The Wolves

The Wolves is the fifth episode of the fourth season of Little House on the Prairie, first aired on October 1, 1977. The show is set in the late 19th century and revolves around the lives of the Ingalls family, who live on a farm near the town of Walnut Grove in Minnesota. The main characters of the show are Charles Ingalls, his wife Caroline, and their four daughters Mary, Laura, Carrie, and Grace.

The episode begins with the Ingalls family getting ready for winter. Charles and Laura are out hunting for meat, while Caroline and Mary are busy sewing and knitting. Meanwhile, a group of wolves are spotted in the area, which makes everyone in town nervous, especially since they have been known to attack and kill livestock.

As they prepare for the upcoming winter, the Ingalls family discovers that they are not the only ones who have a stake in the wolf problem. The local farmers have also been affected by the wolves, with many losing valuable stock. This leads to a controversial proposal by the town's leading citizen, Lars Hanson, who suggests that they use poison to get rid of the wolves.

Charles and Caroline are initially opposed to the idea of using poison, fearing that not only will it harm the wolves, but it will also put their own family at risk. However, after their horse is killed by the wolves, they begin to see the necessity of doing something to protect themselves and their property.

The episode takes a more dramatic turn when it is discovered that one of the wolves is actually a domesticated dog who has been living with the pack. The dog belongs to a farmer named Jacob, and he has been missing for several weeks. The revelation of the dog's involvement complicates the situation, as it raises questions about whether the wolves are truly the problem, or if it is the way humans are encroaching on their territory.

In the end, the town decides not to use poison and instead takes steps to protect their livestock. Meanwhile, Charles and Laura find a way to catch the dog and bring him back to his owner.

The Wolves is a classic episode of Little House on the Prairie, showcasing the struggles of early settlers in America. It addresses important issues such as environmentalism and the conflicting interests of humans and animals. The episode is also notable for its strong moral themes, which emphasize the value of life, compassion, and responsible stewardship of the land. Overall, it is a touching and thought-provoking episode which will resonate with viewers of all ages.