Little House On The Prairie Episode 5 Recap: Was Charles Able To Free John?

With each passing episode, “Little House on the Prairie” is growing on the viewers, characters are getting more endearing and relatable even with all the narrative clichés, and a strong sense of nostalgia of simpler times is slowly taking over. But at the same time, underneath rainbows and butterflies, darker undertones creep up to remind us that prejudice is the perennial truth of humanity. Previously, Laura showed great bravery after Ingalls and Mitchell’s family fell ill in the intermittent fever outbreak, and the delirium caused by the sickness caused major bouts of delirium in the minds of the afflicted. Jemma refused to share her stock of quinine with Dr. Tann, who was eventually able to treat the sick with Lacey’s stock. Caleb rescued Laura, who was able to form a good rapport with White Sun. Later on, Caroline connected with White Sun, and agreed to tutor Good Eagle along with her own daughters.

Spoilers Ahead

The fifth episode begins with an unexpected death scare. Charles and Scott have been digging a well near Ingalls family residence, and Charles is adhering to the cautionary practice of sending a burning candle inside the well before entering to detect lower oxygen levels or existence of poisonous gases. One fine morning, an overenthusiastic Scott enters the well without following the due procedure, and nearly gets himself killed in the process. Fortunately, Charles jumps into action right after seeing Scott’s situation, and holding his breath, enters the well to tie up an unconscious Scott. Pulling him outside, Charles saves Scott’s life. A costly lesson for Scott, who is all praises for Charles and lets the entire town know about his heroic rescue.

Using his artistic talent, Charles has provided the blueprint to Eli’s proposed church and is going to lend a hand with all the townsfolk to build it. As it turns out, Pet and Patty didn’t go frolicking after all, they have been stolen along with several horses around the town. Mitchell returns to town and thanks Charles for taking care of his family during the fever outbreak. Charles credits Laura for tending to Mitchell’s wife and daughter. All of a sudden, two town buffoons – who were ridiculing Charles on the day of his arrival, bring in the horse thief, and it turns out they have framed John Edwards for the crime without any substantial proof. Lacey calls out the accusers for framing John to cover up their gambling debts, Charles also knows John is being falsely accused, and it doesn’t help that a distraught John remains completely mum. The situation escalates as Lacey demands John’s freedom and nearly engages in a standoff with two of the accusers, but Eli handles the situation. Eli had recently proposed the idea of bringing in marshals to establish authoritative measures in the town, and he decides to hold John captive in the town hotel until the marshal arrives. Lacey rushes off to speak with Little Puma, hoping he would know who the horse thieves are as she desperately wants to clear John’s name; Mitchell and Charles decide to accompany her. 

Dr. Tann attends to an injured John in the hotel, and learns he has remained silent despite being innocent as lately he has been reflecting on his past life and a sense of purposelessness has engulfed his mind. John regrets choosing war over his family, a decision which ruined his life as severe PTSD of the war days still haunts him He also hasn’t gotten over the deaths of his wife and daughters who passed away in cholera. Dr. Tann tries to comfort John by requesting him not to let his present go to waste by letting the tragedy of his life define his journey. 

In the meantime, Caroline takes the girls to the Women’s Club gathering at Jemma’s place, and is literally training them to be at their best behaviour and show proper etiquette to be regarded as a lady. Mary, who has always felt comfortable in such traditional expectations, fits right in with Jemma’s twin daughters, Romanzy and Edith. However, Laura, whose adventurous soul finds no joy in gossiping, feels left out in their conversation and Mary doesn’t even support her little sister while staying busy seeking approval from the insufferably spiteful twins. She learns Caleb is an orphan, and the twins are insensible enough to make fun at his expense. The twins eventually lose interest in Mary when Laura’s accounts of interaction with Osages pique their curiosity, and they rudely dismiss Mary who tries to divert their attention from her sister. Seeing Caleb passing by, Mary decides to meet with him. 

Emily, who was invited to the Women’s Club meeting by Caroline, arrives at Jemma’s place, only to be denied entry as Jemma mentions the strange protocol of only married women being allowed in the club. Caroline mingles with high society and finds adulation for Charles’ involvement with building the church – which makes her act like elder daughter as well as she tries to fit in. When Jemma asks whom she is recently tutoring alongside her daughters, Caroline refrains from mentioning her connection with White Sun and Good Eagle  because mingling with Native Americans will be frowned upon by everyone. However, when she learns Jemma has made the lame excuse of a made up protocol to stop Emily from being a part of the club,  Caroline becomes disillusioned. She sees Jemma for who she really is, a racist slime who wants to control the decisions of the townsfolk and wants to preserve the status quo. The irony doesn’t escape Caroline that the same Jemma is trying to gather numbers to legitimize voting rights of women, whereas she actively discriminates against women on the basis of their complexion, familial background and status. Caroline musters up courage to call out Jemma’s crudeness, and walks out of the meeting with her head held high. 

Charles and co. meet with Little Puma, and Mitchell is able to convince him to help them track the horse thieves by reminding him he has to make amends for his past actions of invading Ingalls’ home. Little Puma takes them to the horse thieves, and the band manages to corner them without breaking a sweat. However, Charles decides not to bring the thieves to the authorities and just let them go. Lacey warns him by mentioning he has made a mistake, and Little Puma disapproves of his non-violent ways. 

While speaking with Caleb, Mary can’t help but ask him about his past of growing up as an orphan, which rubs off Caleb in the wrong way. Right at that time, Laura brings Jemma’s twins to tease Mary, only to realize how pathetic and narrow-minded they are as they belittle Mary and Caleb. Utterly humiliated, Mary is in tears, and Caleb leaves the scene in shame. 

Caroline arrives to take her daughter away from Jemma’s place, and spends a few moments with Emily, letting her know that she stood up for her against Jemma. Charles and co. bring all the horses, including Pet and Patty, which convinces Eli to order John to be released. Reuniting with John, Charles requests him to join dinner and bring Lacey along with him. As the episode nears its end, John is revealed to have found his place in the Ingalls family once again as he joins them in merrymaking. Caroline conveys her acceptance by joining with him in a song John used to sing for his daughters, and needless to say her latest experiences have made her realize that she needs to prioritize the right people in her life. Guilty for hurting her sister, Laura tries to make amends with Mary, but realizes she is in no mood for forgiveness. Hopefully, Mary is able to sort things out with Caleb, and the interaction with the twins turns out to be a wake up call for her.