The Waltons: Season 06 (1977)

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Although it was clearly established during season five that the events of The Waltons were taking place in 1937 and 1938, we've jumped ahead to 1940 as the series launches its sixth season. With Richard Thomas having left the program (save for a trio of guest appearances), it is explained that young aspiring journalist John-Boy Walton has gone off to seek fame and fortune in New York City. Also absent this season is John Ritter as Reverend Matthew Fordwick (Ritter) was now starring in his own sitcom, Three's Company. Thus, Fordwick is written off as having joined the army, whereupon he is replaced in the pulpit by Rev. Hank Buchanan (Peter Fox). Likewise conspicuous by her absence is Grandma Walton, due the fact that actress Ellen Corby had suffered a stroke the previous season. Happily, Grandma will return to the series for Season Five's final episode. Unhappily, that same episode will prove to be the last for Grandpa Walton; actor Will Geer died in April of 1978, not long after shooting wrapped. In other developments, eldest Walton daughter Mary Ellen (Judy Norton-Taylor), now married to Dr. Curt Willard (Tom Bower), gives birth to a son named John Curtis; Mary Ellen's brother Jason (Jon Walmsley) launches a career as a professional pianist; and younger sister Erin (Mary Beth McDonough) falls in love with a soldier named G.W. Haines, who, alas, is killed in a training accident. Also, Mary Ellen and Curt are separated when he signs up with the army; another Walton daughter, Elizabeth (Kami Cotler), is crippled in a fall, possibly permanently; and just as the Waltons are on the verge of paying off their mortgage, they opt to give the money to a truly needy family. ~ Rovi