Episode: 157 | Aired: October 05, 1981
After Nellie and Percival move to New York, the Olesons decide to adopt a young girl who is the spitting image of a young Nellie.
Episode: 158 | Aired: October 12, 1981
The Olesons new adopted daughter, Nancy, is a bratty, mean girl who makes Nellie look like an angel. The schoolchildren of Walnut Grove decide to teach her a lesson
Episode: 159 | Aired: October 09, 1981
James does everything to emulate Albert. While trying to shave, he accidentally breaks Albert's razor. After stealing a new one, he runs away after the truth is discovered.
Episode: 160 | Aired: October 26, 1981
Dr. Caleb Ledoux is the new doctor in Walnut Grove. With the exception of the Ingalls family, the residents of Walnut Grove are not welcoming because Caleb is black. Even Doc Baker is unable to get past his prejudice. It is only after Dr. Ledoux saves a young pregnant woman's life and her newborn that the residents of the town accept the talented doctor.
Episode: 161 | Aired: November 02, 1981
Laura's expedition to a literature seminar is marred by a rude professor who treats her badly.
Episode: 162 | Aired: November 09, 1981
A maturing circus performer is making a great impact on the children of Walnut Grove, with negative results.
Episode: 163 | Aired: November 16, 1981
After Nels is taken hostage by a couple of thugs, he becomes outraged when he discovers Mrs. Oleson won't pay the demanded ransom.
Episode: 164 | Aired: November 23, 1981
Charles ventures to Chicago to help Mr. Edwards uncover the truth about the death of his son.
Episode: 165 | Aired: November 30, 1981
The children of Walnut Grove are merciless when it comes to teasing the new overweight boy.
Episode: 166 | Aired: December 07, 1981
Mrs. Oleson decides to make some adjustments to the restaurant, making the customers very unhappy. Charles and Nels partner to open a competitive restaurant across the street. The success of the place forces Mrs. Oleson to close the doors to her restaurant.
Episode: 167 | Aired: December 21, 1981
The Ingalls family and other Walnut Grove residents are snowed in for Christmas. They all share great memories.
Episode: 168 | Aired: January 04, 1982
James develops a new friendship with Gideon, a boy who stutters. But when James is caught mocking Gideon, their friendship is in jeopardy.
Episode: 169 | Aired: January 18, 1982
Laura turns to Willie to help her deal with teaching and managing Almanzos orchard in his absence.
Episode: 170 | Aired: January 25, 1982
Charles is enraged to discover someone has stolen his table designs and is reproducing them. Though he hoped to have the tables become his legacy, he figures out that his true legacy is his family.
Episode: 171 | Aired: February 01, 1982
The Ingalls familys custody of James and Cassandra is in jeopardy when a relative comes to town wanting to take the children.
Episode: 172 | Aired: February 08, 1982
Hester-Sue's former husband has come back to ask her for another chance, claiming to have abandoned drinking and gambling.
Episode: 173 | Aired: March 01, 1982
Mr. Edwards ventures back to Walnut Grove after his marriage is destroyed by his alcoholism. He almost destroys another relationship after his drunken stupor causes an accident that almost kills Albert.
Episode: 174 | Aired: March 08, 1982
Caroline receives a plea for help from a friend who is pregnant and living at a gold prospector's camp where there is an outbreak of influenza.
Episode: 175 | Aired: May 03, 1982
During a trip to Sleepy Eye, James is shot in the middle of a bank robbery.
Episode: 176 | Aired: May 10, 1982
Realizing that James may never recover from a gunshot wound, Charles brings his son to a homemade altar in the woods to pray that God will deliver a miracle.
Episode: 608 | Aired: February 15, 1982
After Almanzo recovers from a critical sickness, he is stricken by a stroke.
Episode: 609 | Aired: February 22, 1982
Despite the birth of baby Rose, Almanzo is morose about his disabilities.