Waltons Season 1 (1972), The Review

There’s something about the unerring down-homeness and optimism of The Waltons that seems almost camp in our cynical times. It may be set in America’s Great Depression, but rare is the episode when a kind word from his father (Ralph Waite) or a hearty meal rustled up by his mother (Michael Learned) can’t ease John Boy’s (Richard Thomas) path to manhood. Many will find it dated, but those who can put aside their modern mindset will enjoy their time at the crowded Walton table.