Zeb's old friend returns to Walton's Mountain without his wife. The Walton's learn that she died earlier but he will not acknowledge her passing.

John-Boy encounters a sassy but unprincipled girl whose selfish ways cause hard feelings and suspicion toward Danny, Jim Bob's friend.

Reverend Fordwick asks John-Boy to deliver the Sunday sermon, and Miss Hunter asks Olivia to act as the substitute teacher. It proves to be an interesting experience for both as Reverend Fordwick and Miss Hunter plan their wedding and honeymoon

As Mary Ellen nervously awaites word on her acceptance to nursing school, the rest of the Waltons prepares surprise good-bye gifts. Mary Ellen is accepted, but she needs more work in math and science and ends up studying with John-Boy and Miss Nora Taylor, the county nurse.

Olivia gets a job as a dress maker.She does very well & soon she gets full time work.She is pleased with the attention but realizes she wants too be home more than at work .Maude Gormley is put in an old folks home and loses her zest for life

Mary Ellen, aspring nurse, makes a diagnosis about Grandma's illness which almost costs Grandma her life.

Corabeth gives Olivia a permanent that turns out badly. Grandma is up against a new competition for playing the church organ.

Erin's graduation from high school seems to be very painful because Erin has no firm plans for the future or any career.

Strange foorprints & a stringer of catfish lead the Waltons to find 12 year old Josh a runaway in the barn hiding.He attaches himself to John immediately

After Erin says no to the marriage proposal of G.W. Haines, he joins the Army. Erin visits G.W. at Camp Lee Army Base despite her father's reluctance.

Two British children escape the London Blitz to find safety in Walton's Mountain with the Baldwins and the Waltons for Christmas. Meanwhile, Jason contemplates whether he can fight in the impending war, and Olivia has a faith crisis as she can't understand how God could allow war.

A new family, the Brimmer's, move to the Mountain and look for work and a place to live. Some people from the town are suspicious of their German accent and John helps them.

Jim-Bob meets the Baldwin's cousin, a young girl who is in a convent preparing to become a nun. Ben hires a mill hand who turns out to be an alcoholic.

John and Olivia are both tired so Olivia suggests a trip, but the vacation does not help Olivia. Olivia sees a doctor and is told she has TB and must go to a sanitarium.