Watching this show and just a reminder to myself what a great show this was.People actually being nice to each other and putting others ahead of themselves.What a great show this was and too bad TV has gone the shock value/political correctness route since the early 70's.

You're right, it was a heart-warming family show in the truest sense. One thing I wish is that the producers would have let Jody and Buffy act and look a little older by the 5th season as they were both actually older than the characters they were playing. Example, Anissa's hair should have been worn in another style than the pigtails.

I really liked the episode "A Waltz from Vienna" with Cissy featured.

There was something kind of depressing about FA. Maybe because the parents of the children were killed in an accident. But everyone seemed withdrawn much of the time, except Cissy. It was a very sterile environment, not a thing out of place thanks to Hazel, I mean, Mr. French. The girl carrying around a doll for years was kind of a danger signal too. But probably overall a more real life portrayal of non traditional families than something like the Brady Bunch.

One depressing aspect is the lack of long-term, committed relationships for Bill, although one could argue he enjoys a lot of freedom as a single man who doesn't become engaged. And when French decides to propose to Lady Marchwood (Ida Lupino), he learns she's already set to marry another man.

Several episodes deal with subjects like old age (grandfather's visit and also a couple of eps with very elderly oriental guests), mysterious pasts (visit to Terre Haute and also French's past), theft and vandalism (worksite for Bill, Jody accused of breaking a window he didn't), the list goes on. Buffy and Mrs. Beasley are both shown to suffer broken limbs...!