The Waltons (TV Series) The Furlough (1980) User Reviews

No chemistry

[Timothynorris · 6/10 · 1 October 2020]

The "new " John Boy was an act of desperation for the show. He is not convincing or that good of an actor. His chemistry with the other actors is nonexistent.

His voice is flat as are his emotions. I love the show, but this episode feels contrived and forced. More Cora Beth is not a good thing.

I enjoy the reruns, however, watching now just to complete the run.

A Well-Intentioned Fail

[annykins-26542 · 6/10 · 19 November 2023]

Replacing Richard Thomas as John-Boy isn't like changing Doctor Who. Aside from having a terrible singing voice, this new actor is too tall and too lackluster. The shoes he needed to fill were simply to big. The script was a good attempt at explaining PTSD and traumatic amnesia, with the secondary sub-plot poking fun a bureaucratic red tape. Never understood why Daddy Walton never whipped together any bunkbeds in that lumber mill of his, especially after Aunt Rose moved in with her grandchildren. If the sleeping arrangements were so tight, they did still have the old carnival tent. Sometimes they underestimate the memory of their audience...

New John boy

[allenjerry50 · 7/10 · 21 February 2024]

I've seen this episode a few times and I think the people who criticize it are very unfair... first I don't compare actors but i think Robert Wightman does a good job as the older John Boy who had PTSD. Ok so I'll compare... Richard Thomas would have a a total breakdown! Cried through the whole episode. Robert tho comes across after hearing his John Sr's story of WW1 and the loss of his brother Ben interesting but had to solve the problem on his own.. yes sometimes the series isn't what it started out to be but all things in life change... As for Ike Godsie this part of the story is just comedy relief.. and who better to do it with..