Ep 14. The Intruders

The Waltons season 4 episode 14, titled "The Intruders," is an installment in the beloved family drama series that follows the lives of a rural Virginia family during the 1930s and 1940s. In this episode, the Walton family faces a new challenge when a group of strangers comes to their mountaintop home, seeking shelter from a raging storm.

The episode begins with a typical day on Walton's Mountain, as the family members go about their individual routines. John Walton, the father, is busy working on his sawmill, while his wife, Olivia, tends to household chores. The young children, including John-Boy, Mary Ellen, and Elizabeth, are out playing and exploring in the woods.

As the day progresses, a severe storm brews in the area, and the skies grow dark. Suddenly, the Walton family is confronted by a group of strangers who arrive at their doorstep seeking refuge from the storm. The strangers, consisting of a man, a woman, and a young child, are apparently traveling through the mountains and got caught in the bad weather.

The Waltons are initially hesitant to take in these strangers, as they know very little about them. However, they ultimately agree to let them stay, providing food, shelter, and warmth. The family members are curious about the outsiders, and they try to engage them in conversation, but the strangers seem guarded and reluctant to share their personal information.

As the storm rages on, tensions rise in the Walton household. Some of the family members feel uneasy having these strangers in their home, especially since they do not know their true intentions. John-Boy, the eldest son and a budding writer, takes a particular interest in the strangers and spends a lot of time trying to get to know them better.

However, his efforts are met with suspicion and hostility, and the strangers continue to keep their guard up. The family starts to suspect that something is not quite right with these people, and they wonder if they should have let them in.

As the night wears on, a series of events unfold that puts the Waltons in danger, and they realize that their suspicions were valid all along. They must come together as a family to protect themselves and their home from these intruders.

"The Intruders" is a captivating episode of The Waltons that showcases the family's strength, resilience, and tenacity. It highlights the importance of hospitality and kindness, but also cautions against blindly trusting strangers. The episode is filled with suspense and action, as the Waltons face a threat that puts their safety and well-being at risk.

Overall, "The Intruders" is a must-watch episode for fans of The Waltons, as it features all the hallmark themes and elements of the series. It is a poignant reminder of the importance of family, home, and community, even in the face of danger and uncertainty.