LITTLE HOUSE ON THE PRAIRIE - Series 8 (1981) (import)

I can't deny approaching season 8 of 'Little House On The Prairie' with a certain trepidation. True, i've seen all the episodes before but having them neatly arranged in box sets made me much more aware of where the series was heading. For me season 7 was the weakest season by far.The good news for me is that season 8 is considerably more satisfying where the stories have predominantly a greater focus and a better sense of purpose and the drama and humour are more finely balanced like in the earlier seasons. However, having said that this doesn't necessarily mean this season is as good - it's certainly a long way from the standard set in seasons 1-4 - yet at the same time any forcasting of 'Little House On The Prairie' impending death (which wouldn't have been an unreasonable assumption after season 7) seems somewhat premature.Arguably the most far fetched storylines are the opening two part 'The Reincarnation Of Nellie' and the last episode of the season the two part 'He Was Only Twelve'. The first story involving the adoption of Nancy by the Oleson's because they miss Nellie (after her departure) is really cringe inducing stuff. To have to pick a girl who is as close to Nellie appearance wise and also in temperament as possible is just plain stupid. The second story 'He Was Only Twelve' if anything is even worse where 'Little House.....' decides to suspend reality altogether to bring back James (the Ingalls adopted son) after he had suffered a severe gunshot wound. Michael Landon had seriously lost the plot with this story as it was really better suited to his next big project 'Highway To Heaven'.Elsewhere though there are many examples of 'Little House......' doing what it does best - telling warmhearted stories that everyone can relate to. 'Dark Sage', 'For The Love Of Nancy', 'Wave Of The Future', 'A Wiser Heart' and 'Second Chance' relate to the recurring themes of prejudices, romances and a touch of business endeavour which are most sensitively portrayed and incredibly effectively written which can stand alongside any 'Little House....' stories from any 'Little House....' season.The Olesons also appear in what was becoming their regular comedic roles in the humorous 'The Legend Of Black Jake' which is rather silly, for sure, but at the same time incredibly entertaining.However, when 'Little House.....' increases the drama stakes to epic proportions as in 'Days Of Sunshine, Days Of Shadow' the show really suffers. It's one thing having Almanzo suffer a paralysing stroke while Laura gives birth and then suffer the agonising discovery that their house had been destroyed by a tornado but when things manage to be resolved so quickly by the story's end that's when 'Little House.....' begins to lose its integrity.There are extras such as interviews with Dabbs Greer (Reverand Alden) and Dean Butler (Almanzo) which as usual are enlightening and also a documentary tour of the real Walnut Grove and a documentary about the true severity of the winters in that part of the world at that time which should keep fans happy. Also the picture and visual quality isn't bad especially when compared with some of the earlier seasons.Overall 'Little House On The Prairie' season 8 is a real mixed bag where more often than not the stories are pretty entertaining. Some rank with the best the series has to offer, others are a little more mediocre while a number over reach themselves somewhat in their desire to entertain when the drama stakes are placed a little too high.Sometimes i think it's unfortunate the fans couldn't have seen the original children as they grow into adults instead of farming them off to all points on the map. The continual adoption of young childen, a number of whom almost act like clones of their predecessors, is both disappointing and unrealistic. Also it's disappointing how one dimensional the original children who remain (like Laura) become.Season 8 is probably worth 4 stars for overall entertainment value (particuarly in comparison with the standard dramas of the time) yet there were enough poor plot devices to be found here to ensure that 'Little House On The Prairie's integrity (which had been so meticulously engineered in the first 4 seasons) continued to gradually erode away.

What an amazing price. I didn't think it would arrive so soon. Only a few days. You'll have to turn the volume up to about 40 but for that price who cares!

I am a rarity - a fella that likes 'Little House'.I am familiar with all the episodes up to this stage and there is no questions that the production values, beautiful music and great acting have created a real legacy, hence the endurance of the series todate.We are now at a stage where the writers are running short of ideas, so we have plots and scenarios from the early episodes played out here with different characters - it is not always the case, but too often this 'recycling' crops up.The show so desparately misses Alison Arngrim at this stage.I still adore the series and whilst I have given the other series a full 5* rating, I have docked a star for 'repitition'.Still great nevertheless!

For a bit of nostalgia - feel good factor - then you can't beat the Little House on the Prairie!I have had all the Little House DVD's from Amazon. I'm halfway through series 8 and still got series 9 to look forward to.These DVDs are a real trip down memory lane - watched them first time around on TV when I was a teenager.The characters in Little House are well-acted and believeable. It's always sunny in Walnut Grove (apart from the terrible Christmas Snowstorm (series1 and disc3 series8.Good things usually happen - but when the bad stuff comes then there is someone to sort it out - this is usually Charles Ingalls (the late Michael Landon) who laughs alot, plays his fiddle and has a deep, often religious/moral,insight.Each episode is 45mins - just long enough to watch when you need a boost!

The seller gave me two dates for arrival and it arrived late. I am happy with my purchase.

I grew up watching Little house and had forgotten how good they were. I now have all the Little house on the prairie dvd's and would not sell them for anything. This is a real nostalgic look back at 70's tv and has some very good heart warming stories. My wife and I have had many hours of self indulgent tv fun watching these. These are somewhat educational too when you realise these are based on true stories from the pen of Laura Ingalls Wilder.

Much sought after series, good to be able to get.

Season eight is most enjoyable, it is back to the type of stories in season one and two, wholesome, fun and a great feel good factor, which is what I orginally loved about Little House when I was a girl and now my 11 year hold also loves. A great DVD to buy.