"The Farmer" is a story about a homesick American farmer stuck amidst the tragic reality of war during the Allied invasion of France. Noah (excellently played by Dennis Weaver) is subconsciously so upset in the setting that he cannot think or act on all 8 cylinders. When an extended French family is ordered off their fertile farm land for their own safety, Noah cannot resist his farmer's instincts. He reminds me of an 88 year old man I once knew who was in the hospital in ill health who disappeared one day only to be found watering the flowerbeds in front of the main entrance. Self righteous hospital staff insisted he must be senile and not knowledgeable of his actions. But when asked the elderly man replied, "the flowers were dying and all they needed was a little water to survive."
Andy White wrote a fine screenplay. It's heartwarming to see White Rook empathizing with Noah excepting Kirby & the Sarge, who just do not understand him. There is excellent character development and some conflict generated within the squad. In addition, the viewing audience is treated to what working a small farm is really like.
Granted the opening artillery sequence is a repeat from a previous episode, it was well worth repeating given it makes the 4th of July pale by comparison and makes me feel I missed out on firing the big cannons in my lifetime. Combat scenes are painfully realistic and well directed by John Peyser.
The ending sequence is very touching and makes us appreciate what the American spirit is all about. Excellent episode !