Ep 22. The Bicycle

The Waltons season 1 episode 22 is titled "The Bicycle" and revolves around John-Boy's yearning to own a bicycle, but his family cannot afford it. John-Boy sees a brand new bike in front of the store owned by a wealthy family in town, and he makes a deal with the store owner to pay for it in installments.

John-Boy makes a plan to work harder to pay for the bike, but he does not consider the potential consequences of not paying his debts on time. The bike becomes his obsession, and he spends every spare moment working to earn money to pay for it. His siblings and parents are concerned about his overworking and warn him about the dangers of being consumed by one material desire.

Meanwhile, John-Boy starts delivering groceries to the Baldwin sisters, two elderly sisters who live in a mansion and have a peculiar hobby of making flower recipes. John-Boy and the Baldwin sisters develop a friendship, and they teach him to appreciate the simple things in life. They also appreciate his help and generosity, which is much needed during the Great Depression.

As John-Boy puts all his effort to pay for his bike, he ends up neglecting his chores on the farm, much to his father's disappointment. John-Boy's stubbornness to finish the job on time puts him in danger and compromises his responsibilities. His family intervenes and prevents an accident, which leads John-Boy to realize the error of his ways.

The episode shows the importance of priorities, self-discipline, and balance. John-Boy learns the value of hard work and sets a higher standard of character. The Waltons is a heartwarming and family-friendly show set during the Great Depression, showcasing the struggles and triumphs of a large family in rural Virginia.