The Waltons (TV Series) The Whirlwind (1981) User Reviews

First of a two part episode

[kellielulu · 6/10 · 14 May 2023]

I don't dislike this one as much as much as most seem to but I certainly understand the low rating. This is a two partner and it shows the struggles on the younger Walton's but the writing has shifted. The lack of Grandpa Walton's joy of being alive, Grandma Walton's love mixed with her sharp tounge ,little of John and less of Olivia is strongly felt and not for the better. The kids are having their own struggles which makes sense but it does feel more soapy and not in a good way.

I don't mind Jonsey I like him for Mary Ellen but for some reason they threw a wrench in it for drama because the usual adjustments and discoveries about each other wasn't enough? It has to do with Curt but that's covered more in the next episode.

What did make sense ? Jason buying and reopening the Dew Drop Inn but not the family being against it.

Beginning of 2-parter they shouldn't have made

[FlushingCaps · 4/10 · 23 January 2014]

This review cannot be written without spoiling some of the elements for new viewers. For anyone planning to watch this episode soon, I am purposely leaving out some key elements.

The Whirlwind begins with Jim-Bob hitching a ride with a friendly young man named Jonesy. Jonesy's brakes fail presently and after careening down the mountain road, the car overturns. In true Hollywood fashion, the two are essentially unharmed. We later hear that as Mary Ellen tried to revive the stranger, Jonesy felt like he fell in love with her at first sight.

We veteran viewers know that almost every romance on film or TV involves one or both people hating or greatly disliking the other when they first meet. The Waltons certainly exploited that plot device on numerous occasions, including this episode.

Meanwhile, Jason is hurt that the family was quite negative about his exciting news that he purchased the Dew Drop Inn, which had been shut down some time ago. He works hard at trying to fix it up for a scheduled re-opening.

Late in the episode comes the visitor who leads us to the important plot in the story, one that is the principal plot in the next episode. This is where I need to spoil it for anyone who hasn't seen it. Since the show is over 30 years old, I figure most people reading this remember elements of it.

A young woman arrives from Florida, with a picture Mary Ellen identifies as Curt. But the picture was taken recently, of a man living in Florida. It would be easy to dismiss her claim that it is Curt except for the fact that she tells about how he once wrote a letter addressed to Mary Ellen, but didn't mail it. If it isn't Curt, how on earth would the woman have known anything about the Waltons? I didn't like the family's attitude toward Jason's big plans. It seemed like Mary Ellen changed her mind about Jonesy way too quickly. But the big negative was the entire plot about Curt possibly being alive. This smacks too much of a soap opera instead of The Waltons.

Wheels definitely coming right off at this point... straight into soap

[bgaiv · 3/10 · 17 August 2023]

I distinctly remember the following episode from this two parter from back in the day even though I was eleven. I suppose because of a certain character's... wound during the war.

I don't recall this episode at all, and don't like it at all.

First, it's just the first half of a soapy two parter.

It doesn't help that the two main characters/actors featured are my least favorite in the show.

Still, I don't buy any of the family and community being so hostile and dismissive of Jason's attempt to reopen the bar.

But the bigger problem by far is the soap elements. This woman showing up on the mountain, knowing who Mary Ellen is, seeking help with Curt. It's ridiculous.

Cults are dangerous.

[snitzell · 3/10 · 6 July 2022]

If Jonesy had a brain he'd have RAN when the shrews told Jason he should have held a meeting with them. It's always been a mystery if they were brother/sister or confused. At least Curt saw what a nightmare living with the clan would be and got out of Dodge.