Ep 1. The Conflict (1)

The Waltons is an American television drama series that aired from 1972 to 1981. The show is set in rural Virginia during the Great Depression and World War II and follows the lives of the Walton family, headed by their father, John Walton Sr.

In season 3 episode 1, titled "The Conflict (1)," John-Boy, the oldest child of the family, decides to go to New York City to pursue his dream of becoming a writer and attending college. However, his departure leaves his family feeling conflicted and unsure of how to proceed without him.

The episode opens with the Walton family gathered around the kitchen table, discussing John-Boy's plans to leave for New York City. While John-Boy is excited to pursue his dreams, his mother Olivia is hesitant about the idea, fearing for her son's safety and well-being in the big city.

Despite her reservations, Olivia ultimately supports John-Boy's decision to leave and even helps him pack his bags. However, the rest of the family is not as enthusiastic about his departure, feeling a sense of loss and uncertainty about the future without him.

As John-Boy prepares to leave, he shares a heartfelt goodbye with each member of his family, leaving them all visibly emotional and unsure of how to proceed. Even his father, John Sr., who is typically stoic and reserved, struggles to hold back tears as he bids farewell to his son.

The episode ends with John-Boy driving away in a car, leaving his family behind and embarking on his journey to the big city. The remaining members of the Walton family stand together on the porch, watching him go and uncertain of what the future will hold.

Overall, "The Conflict (1)" is a poignant and emotional episode that explores the themes of family, sacrifice, and pursuing one's dreams. While John-Boy's departure is a difficult and emotional moment for the Walton family, it also represents an opportunity for growth and change, both for John-Boy as an individual and for the family as a whole. As the season unfolds, viewers will see how the Walton family copes with John-Boy's absence and find new ways to come together and support each other in the face of change and uncertainty.