The cult series, Little House on the Prairie, ran for 9 long seasons, culminating in 3 TV movies, giving the show a performance worthy of its namesake. However, according to actor Dean Butler, who played Almanzo Wilder, the series almost ended early!
The episode that changed everything
in the program Small house 50Posted on YouTube (noted Recreational television), the actor returned for one episode “controversial”Which was crucial for the future of the series. Back then, in 1982, Michael Landon (Charles Ingalls) wanted to leave Little House on the Prairie. Therefore, the producer had to know if the show could stand on the shoulders of Melissa Gilbert (Laura) and Dean Butler (Almanzo).
“Michael Landon made the decision to step out and the producer Kent McCray Said: We need to know if you and Melissa can be captured.revealed by Dean Butler.
Thus, the audience would scrutinize, especially the episodes filmed by the couple. From this point of view, the 17th and 18th parts of the 8th season, called “The Test of Life”, were decisive for the future of the series.
Directed by Michael Landon himself, these 2 episodes tell the story of a very dark event involving the duo Laura and Almanzo. The latter, suffering from diphtheria, was almost paralyzed. He will gradually regain his strength; But his fear of not being able to fulfill his responsibilities as a father and husband causes him to fall into depression, which threatens his relationship.
Dean Butler, aka Almanzo
Almanzo is sick and depressed
“It’s a very dark story where Almanzo, half-paralyzed and completely angry, pushes Laura to become a full-time nurse. In these episodes, Almanzo is less of Laura’s book-sturdy farmer and more of Walnut Grove’s Eeyore.”Alison Arngrim, Nellie Oleson’s interpreter, emphasized with humor.
Dean Butler, on the other hand, had a hard time playing this hidden side of Almanzo, which was usually so brightly colored: “I was very depressed and thought, ‘Oh my God, this is not my idea of ​​the character at all.’he emphasized. The actor mentioned this to the director Michael Landon and asked if Almanzo could not act like that. “more noble”.
However, the creator of the series was uncompromising and did not want Dean Butler to change his interpretation during these episodes. If Michael Landon and the producers have pushed the dark cursor too far, it’s not just to stir up emotions in the audience. They wanted to know if the series could stand on the shoulders of the Laura-Almanzo tandem, despite “all trouble” to fall upon them.
Although the episode was underwhelming, the ratings were spectacular. It worked very well.
In the end, this test was more than definitive. “Even though the episode was underwhelming, the ratings were spectacular. It did very well.”Dean Butler admitted. It was a success and Little House on the Prairie was renewed for a 9th season. Then it ended with the filming of 3 TV movies in 1983-1984.
Source: Allocine

Rose James is a Gossipify movie and series reviewer known for her in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the latest releases. With a background in film studies, she provides engaging and informative reviews, and keeps readers up to date with industry trends and emerging talents.