Doc Baker is called upon to deliver the second child of Laura and Almanzo Wilder. It's a healthy, bouncing baby boy. Naturally, Almanzo and Laura are overjoyed to finally have a son. As far as names go, they are undecided. Doc Baker continues to be an attentive doctor to the baby, who seemed perfectly healthy. But, one fateful morning, when going to wake up their new son, Laura and Almanzo discover he died during the night. Well, the happy couple turned devastated and, at the funeral the next day, when Doc Baker arrived, Laura told him to get lost. She placed blame of her baby's death entirely on the doctor, without much reasoning. And so, at the behest of Reverend Alden, Doc Baker left. The doctor soon found himself snubbed by some of the townspeople, including Mrs. Oleson. But fortunately, Nels and Isaiah were still on his side.
The doctor hadn't a patient in weeks. Except for an old man and his mule. It appeared the only thing to do would be to leave Walnut Grove, after 20 years of residency. But the worst was yet to come-- baby Rose developed a bad fever, so Almanzo sent for Doc Baker, despite Laura's protests. Doc Baker diagnosed Rose with the beginnings of small pox, which is unfortunate considering there was no known cure. It would appear she contracted the disease when the family was away at Redwood Falls three weeks prior. There had been reports of an outbreak. The Wilder house was put under quarantine, the doctor set himself up in the barn, and proceeded to race against time, giving his all in treating Rose to help her overcome this fever that might kill her. For days and days on end, Doc Baker worked. Treating. Administering. And then, sure enough, the fever broke. Now all they had to worry about were the blisters, which healed soon enough and Rose was good as new. The next day, Doc Baker left and prepared to leave town forever--until he is confronted by the entire township who let him know just how much he means to them, and Laura formally apologized, stating she was so upset over the baby's sudden death and misunderstanding the situation, she had to blame somebody. So now, all was well. Doc Baker was persuaded to stay. That's when Isaiah invited everybody to come inside the restaurant and help themselves, as it would be on Mrs. Oleson.
This was a good Little House on the Prairie episode. Well acted, all the great drama the series is known for. I recently became an avid watcher. This episode is from the show's ninth and final season where Charles and Caroline have moved to the city, and now the Carters occupy the little Ingalls house on the prairie. Now about this episode, this features the third baby boy to die on this show. The first being Charles Jr. in the first season. Then little Charles Adam Kendall died in the school for the blind fire, and now, baby no-name Wilder dies of unknown causes. Laura was incredibly unfair for blaming it all on Doc Baker, who did nothing wrong. I know Laura didn't understand the whole situation and the small pox disease, but that's still no reason to act like a total snob. Ever since Laura moved out of her house, married Almanzo and became a schoolteacher, she has been incredibly snobby. I liked her better when she was a little girl. She was unfair, unkind, and selfish. Laura is no better than Harriet Oleson here.
Anyway, to all Little House fans, this is a good episode and next time it's on, I think you should catch it. Directed by Victor French, who plays Isaiah Edwards. Isaiah is a character you could often count on for comic relief, such as when he calls Mrs. Oleson ugly. Ha ha. This episode will give everyone a deeper appreciation for Doc Baker, and a little resentment towards Laura. Check it out!
