Actors:Michael Learned, Ralph Waite, Ellen Corby Genres:Drama, Television Sub-Genres:Drama, Television Studio:Warner Home Video Format:DVD - Color,Full Screen - Subtitled DVD Release Date: 01/06/2009 Release Year: 2009 Run Time: 19hr 32min Screens: Color,Full Screen Number of Discs: 3 SwapaDVD Credits: 3 Total Copies: 0 Members Wishing: 3 Edition: Box set MPAA Rating: NR (Not Rated) Languages:English Subtitles:English
"Season Eight was a particular interesting year for The Waltons. Michael Learned (Olivia) returned for twelve episodes, Ellen Corby is seen in fewer episodes as Grandma, and Robert Wightman makes his first appearance as John-Boy; replacing Richard Thomas for the rest of the series.
Despite these things, the show still retained its family values, and appeal. The season begins with World War II raging, John-Boy is missing in action, Jason is in charge of recruits, and Olivia struggles to keep up with her changing family. Erin, Elizabeth, and Mary Ellen do their best to help in the war effort, and Ben and Cindy have their first baby.
When Olivia leaves to go back to the Sanitorium, Rose--a close family member--comes to help with the needs of the family. Jason befriends a woman named Toni (his future wife), and Jim-Bob finishes flight school and heads to war as a pilot.
The following is a list of the 24 episodes of this season:
1. The Home Front (1)
2. The Home Front (2)
3. The Kinfolk
4. The Diploma
5. The Innocents
6. The Starlet
7. The Journal
8. The Lost Sheep
9. The Violated (1)
10. The Waiting (2)
11. The Silver Wings
12. The Wager
13. The Spirit
14. The Fastidious Wife
15. The Unthinkable
16. The Idol
17. The Prodigals
18. The Remembrance
19. The Inspiration
20. The Last Straw
21. The Traveling Man
22. The Furlough
23. The Medal
24. The Valediction
While it is true that by this point in the show, some of the quality was degrading. But, for a true fan, this season is a Godsend."
True family values
Cheryl P. Chism | TN | 09/01/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I watch the Walton's almost every morning and have seen all the shows numerous times...but still I need to have these DVD series just in case they should ever go off tv. I think they are one of the best family value shows that were ever on tv."
The Waltons
Sherrie | Battle Ground, WA United States | 10/07/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I agree, there are not many shows out there that the whole family can sit and watch together! We love watching the Waltons with our kids and they enjoy it as much as we do!"
I LOVE THE WALTONS!
Page Walter | Muncie, IN | 01/02/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I love the Waltons. I have all 7 seasons so far and will get season 8 just as soon as it is released! My favorite character was Grandpa - so I am sad that he passed away so soon in the series. However, these are just as great as well. Season 9 is the last season - HOWEVER - they made several movies after that. I hope these movies are included as a Season 10 (so to speak). Just like Little House on the Prairie made their last season with their movies."
As good as and perhaps a bit better than before
S. Egidio | Florida | 02/18/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is not an impartial review. Season Eight, as is the entire TV series, The Waltons, is what TV shows of this type should be, in my opinion -- strong, believable characters, and strong, believable stories that most people, regardless of race, gender, religion, etc., could relate to and identify with at a deep level. The only agenda I have ever noticed with these shows (and I have watched every episode of the Waltons several times over and over again) is the attempt to portray solid family relationships, solid moral foundations, and a realistic portrayl of an ordinay family with ordinay struggles (and I believe that true for both country and city people). Earl Hamner, the creator of the Waltons, fashioned the original Walton characters from characteristics of his own family, but the many other show writers injected enough differences and introduced enough new characters to keep the show fresh and interesting the entire time it was on the air.
In Season Eight, even though Grandpa is gone - anytime he is mentioned either by something he said or someone looks at his picture, it is like he's right there. When Grandma has short cameos in these latter years because of Ellen Corby's illness, it's like she was never gone. That's high quality TV writing. As I see it, there is not a lot of difference between 1936-1945 and 2009 in the world when it comes to what really matters and what's at stake. War is war. Tyranny does not change much. Economic woes come and go. What endures through all of that is the human spirit and the strong family connectedness.
Season Eight continues to maintain the same high quality as all previous Walton seasons have. I highly recommend Season Eight and all other seasons of the Waltons to anyone interested in really fine TV viewing."