Lars Hanson

[Madame X]

I know Lars had a stroke in "There's No Place Like Home" in season 5. I can't remember when he died. Did they only mention it after the fact? I don't really remember his death being included in an episode.

[Edster2973]

Originally Posted by Madame X

I know Lars had a stroke in "There's No Place Like Home" in season 5. I can't remember when he died. Did they only mention it after the fact? I don't really remember his death being included in an episode.

It was not mentioned after the fact, but in a closing narration by Laura at the end of the episode itself:

Laura: (overvoice) "Four months later, Mr. Hanson passed away quietly in his sleep. He died happy, the doc said, because he knew the town he loved would live on--and so would the name and memory of Mr. Hanson.

It was done in anticipation of the character's death, much like Laura's grandfathers' deaths were. Ironically, the actor, Karl Swenson, died a short time after filming his last episode on the show.


Ed

[Madame X]

Originally Posted by Edster2973

It was not mentioned after the fact, but in a closing narration by Laura at the end of the episode itself:

Laura: (overvoice) "Four months later, Mr. Hanson passed away quietly in his sleep. He died happy, the doc said, because he knew the town he loved would live on--and so would the name and memory of Mr. Hanson.

It was done in anticipation of the character's death, much like Laura's grandfathers' deaths were. Ironically, the actor, Karl Swenson, died a short time after filming his last episode on the show.


Ed

Thanks, Ed. That was the only explanation I remembered. I thought I might of missed something (although I don't see how, as I've seen every episode numerous times).

[Edster2973]

Originally Posted by Madame X

Thanks, Ed. That was the only explanation I remembered. I thought I might of missed something (although I don't see how, as I've seen every episode numerous times).

As have I, although it's been over 20 years since I've seen a lot of them. I've been catching up on the episodes with the DVD releases but from what I understand, the episodes are edited somewhat. Still, each episode is over 45 minutes in length and it's better than nothing. But I think it's safe to say that they didn't expand on Mr. Hanson's passing other than through the voiceover. It sort of served as a P.S. of sorts so that the audience wouldn't be left hanging as to what happened to him. If they had expanded on it, there would've been no reason to do the voiceover.

If I may rant a bit, while watching these eps on DVD, some are hitting me harder now than whan I first saw them. "May We Make Them Proud" is one in particular. I can't get over how graphic Alice's demise was. Such a waste of a good character and actress.

What's more, I've learned that she was killed off so that the audience could get used to Merlin Olsen being a single man to prepare the audience for his new show Father Murphy. Anyone sense the irony in this? Not to be cruel to Merlin Olsen, but he was hardly a huge acting talent and in most of his episodes, his dearly departed on-screen wife, Hersha Parady, carried him immensely. She was the spark in that relationship, and she's the one who's snuffed out to make room for the lightweight actor for his new show. How stupid is that? I'm just glad that Hersha Parady seems to harbor no ill will about her exit and talks highly of the show even to this present day.

At least she continues to make us proud...

Ed

[Madame X]

Originally Posted by Edster2973

What's more, I've learned that she was killed off so that the audience could get used to Merlin Olsen being a single man to prepare the audience for his new show Father Murphy. Anyone sense the irony in this? Not to be cruel to Merlin Olsen, but he was hardly a huge acting talent and in most of his episodes, his dearly departed on-screen wife, Hersha Parady, carried him immensely. She was the spark in that relationship, and she's the one who's snuffed out to make room for the lightweight actor for his new show. How stupid is that? I'm just glad that Hersha Parady seems to harbor no ill will about her exit and talks highly of the show even to this present day.

At least she continues to make us proud...

Ed

I agree. She was one of the best things about the show. Merlin was just ok, and never really did anything on TV that was memorable. Hersha Parady was used as a pawn to further someone else's career. She is a class person to continue to speak positively about the series.

The way they made her die was horrible, unecessary, too graphic and totally out of character for the show. A lot of children and adults were disturbed by it and still talk about it 27 years later.

[catlover79]

Hersha was a delight at the Little House reunion...she has a wicked sense of humor and was so generous and sweet while signing autographs.

Here's a link to a fan's pictures of the reunion: http://www.zunshine.com/littlehouse/tombstonepics.html

Hersha is also a native Clevelander - another reason why she's so cool!!

[Edster2973]

Originally Posted by Madame X

Merlin was just ok, and never really did anything on TV that was memorable.

His reaction to his wife's death was really poor as well. That scene with Charles where he finally realizes she wouldn't want him wasting his life away by mourning her forever was a complete farce. Michael Landon carried him through that scene entirely, and even he couldn't salvage it completely. I think Merlin Olsen's career in sports is what propelled his popularity, and like I said, I have nothing against the guy, but his onscreen wife could act circles around him.

This just compounds the loss of Hersha Parady/Alice all the more...


Ed