Harley Foster and his son Jodie are introduced to the series. Harley roams the countryside doing odd jobs. Jodie has had no formal education. Verdie Grant takes a strong liking to Harley and eventually persuades him to stay on Walton's Mountain.

The 11 members of the Walton family are together for Christmas This would be the last time that all of the Waltons would be together

Jason gets a lesson in prejudice when he and Josh Verdie's son audition for a recital. Aimee Godsey and Elizabeth experience Spring Fever.

With Jason's help, Verdie searches her roots for the history of her family. Elizabeth corresponds with a soldier who thinks she is 18 years old and looks like Erin.

John-Boy comes back home and helps with reopening the old Guthrie Mine. John and some other men work in the mine. Without warning, the fault gives way to its weaknesses and traps the men under tons of dirt and rock.

John is thrown to jail after he tries to defend a black neighbour, who is accused to murdering a white man.

John is given 24 hours to talk his black neighbour, who was accused of murder, into turning himself in.