Pa was working at the mill when Kate fell, so naturally he had to be the one to carry her into Doc Baker's office. Like, none of the other 25 tools who come to gawk at the stage every week would be able to do anything with Hero Township's finest on the scene.
Kate is smitten. She interrogates her uncle Nels about why such a good doctor would stay in such a shithole like Walnut Grove. I think Kate was from Chicago, so I guess she's allowed to hold such strong opinions.
The next day, she goes for a horseback ride. Spotting Doc Baker at the Ingalls place, she smacks the horse to send it running away, then runs down to the little house with a lie about being thrown.
In the house, Harriet confronts Kate. Is Doc Baker falling in love with her? He's old! And a freaking veterinarian! And HE HAS NOTHING! NOTHING!!!
Later, at the mill, Hansen complains to Charles that Doc Baker never has time for him anymore since that young girl came to town. Hell, Hansen's only 5 years older than Doc Baker and you don't see him trying to hook up with... well, anyone.
I guess Doc Baker sensed that Hansen was feeling jealous, so he invited him over for more pinochle. Doc's mind is obviously elsewhere and he keeps making mistakes. Doc, dude, you're gonna have to get your shit together if you wanna play cards with Lars "Shark" Hansen.
Hansen figures it's a waste of time to continue the game, so he starts in with the "Kate Is A Child, And You're Old" tactic. Doc Baker's already been thinking about if they got married and had kids, how messed up that would be. But he doesn't care. He feels alive for the first time.
Kate accompanies the Doc on his rounds, which for some reason includes stopping at the Ingalls place to give candy to the children. Laura asks if they are going to get married.
After they drive off, Kate repeats Laura's question. Doc starts off saying what we're all thinking: He's too old. But he loves her. Doc's probable first kiss is interrupted by some townie yahoo yelling about an emergency.
As Doc's carriage rips toward the scene, he yells a proposal to Kate.
Later, Doc checks the mercantile's jewellery selection, but leaves with nothing.
Ma and Pa discuss it in bed. Ma is concerned about the age difference. Pa thinks it's cool if they're cool. But his daughters best not get any ideas about courting with older men, which I think we already knew.
Kate & Doc accept an invitation to the Ingalls for dinner. Kate plays baseball with Mary and Laura while Pa takes the Doc fishing. Doc Baker is troubled by Kate running around like a kid. He goes home and looks at his old face in the mirror'
The next day, he is called to the Olafsen's for a baby delivery. Kate comes along to help. Afterwards, he realizes that not only did he deliver the baby, but also the parents. Holy Hell, he's freaking ancient. This shit has to stop.
He breaks up with Kate, and she leaves town - never to be seen again.
Laura narrates that Doc Baker was depressed for a month, and then entirely back to accepting his celibate lifestyle.
8 comments:
Ugh, did Ma and Pa discuss it in bed while eating popcorn? I never got that obsession.
I also never understood why LHotP was so against May-December romances. When Mr. Edwards was finally, briefly happy with a younger woman, the show hated that too. Now, when I watched the show, I was under the impression that the niece was in her twenties--teens might be pushing it. But seriously, why are some people doomed to live alone just because they like people a little younger?
Oh I'm so glad you're posting again, I thought you'd abandoned the blog.
I always thought this episode was majorly depressing. Clearly he didn't love her that much if he was over her in like a month.
oh i am so glad you are posting again also. you are so funny.
seriously, i always hated this episode. doc baker kissing anyone is just not right. i have to turn my head every time. i hope the actor playing kate got hazard pay.
Hey you're back!:) I lost the URL to this blog for a few months and was so upset. You should have seen me typing, "BEADLE AIRBORNE" into Google just hoping to find you again! Your posts are so funny! You need a lot more followers, you deserve more exposure! Will you make any more posts? I crack up laughing with all of these. Your comments are freaking PRECIOUS! Anyone who is a fan of this show can't help but laugh. I love the screenshots, too. Please update soon! Need any help? Maybe I can do a post for you or something just to keep the love rollin in! LOL
Is that the "birthing sofa" in the last screen shot? Looks bloody uncomfortable.
And I must reiterate, how come the Ingalls work like ten slaves and never have a pot to piss in? Doc Baker has luxe accommodations and he never gets paid in anything but eggs.
This episode is my favorite. Anne Archer (Kate) does it for me.
This blog by LongWinter is also the best.
I was just watching this episode on TV and am confused by one scene. In the scene where Mrs Oleson and Kate are talking about whether or not Doc Baker loves Kate, Kate makes a comment, “Auntie, my background is exactly the same as yours. Papa just happened to make a lot of money before he died”. This statement makes me think that Mrs Oleson was poor.
Such a strange episode (didn’t like this episode). Seems like the show has a bit of a trend (similarity with the episode with Mr. Edwards and Jane) where much younger female characters are coupled with older male characters. The older male characters feel younger and things are great but eventually, they have a moment of realization and their conscience/ethics is a factor - then they end end the relationships.
I’m trying to figure out the purpose of this since it feels like the younger female characters are portrayed as not possessing the agency to make important decisions for themselves. Thus, solidifying why they shouldn’t be married in the first place. I think stronger female characters should have been written and they should have been matched with people closer to their own ages with similar experiences and attitudes. It is odd to see episodes such as this where older male characters have a chance at “fun/youth” and younger characters lack the awareness/intelligence to make important life decisions yet make impulse decisions to marry. If the older male characters make the “right decision” in the end to not marry, why have them even start the relationship/propose in the first place?
Post a Comment