Yeah, a Midwestern might be a good way to describe LHotP. B) Michael Landon had spent all those years on Bonanza, after all. And there were some episodes that were flat-out Western in nature - complete with tin-pan pianos and saloon girls and poker and bad guys in black hats and everything else.
I see no one has mentioned that goofy series called "Wild Wild West" from the '60s with Robert Conrad. Not really a western, huh?
You're right, Stumpy. The thing I loved about "Little House" was the fact that they all loved each other but they weren't perfect. They made a lot of mistakes and they were always realistic about what the consequences for those mistakes could be. And Laura was great - cute and sweet but not too much of either.
The show could be schmaltzy from time to time, but I don't care. It had a sense of humor, too.
The only bone I have to pick with it now as I watch it is an adult is in the portrayal of Pa. He was a wonderful father and sometimes I find that very real and heartfelt. Other times he comes off as a little too heroic; I'm surprised they never show him walking on water. I guess Michael Landon was prone to ego trips the same as any other Hollywood type.
Does "Little House on the Prairie" count as a western series?
(Relax - I'm kidding.)
