Some do not understand the meaning of this episode.
The actress who plays Alice Garvey wanted to leave the show, despite Michael Landon's disapproval. She insisted, so he made sure she wouldn't be able to "return" somehow. He was quite disappointed as I think he felt a bit of betrayal for her wanting to leave something still going strong.
Needless to say, Melissa S. Anderson also wanted to leave the show, so I think Landon handled their decisions to exit, quite well, by writing such a serious and heartfelt (for that time especially) episode.
When I heard him discussing this show in an interview from back then, it sounded as though he may not have fully trusted himself not to be swayed into bringing them back if/when they changed their minds. He really knew what worked in a show, including characters and content, and was not happy when that was compromised- all for what he believed to be for selfish reasons. Any drastic character changes in a hit show, must have been worrisome- I empathize with his dilemna and decision.
Most all of us LHOTP fans still love all the episodes equally- (Maybe some moreso than the other). ;)
Review of May We Make Them Proud: Part I
