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When a TV reboot is solid, it's a nice surprise, but it's not often something we can rely on. Usually, it can be tricky for a new version to capture the same tone of the original, let alone favorite characters or surprising or comforting storylines. That's why I'm so happy that Netflix's Little House on the Prairiereboot is entertaining and worthwhile.
The series finds Laura (Alice Halsey), her older sister Mary (Skywalker Hughes), and their parents Caroline (Crosby Fitzgerald) and Charles (Luke Bracey) moving to Independence, Kansas. It feels different enough from the original series, which aired from 1974 to 1983, so you're not going to ask, "Why was this remake necessary?" At the time of this writing, the series is number five on Flix Patrol. And, after watching, I realized it's more impressive than the first adaptation of Laura Ingalls Wilder's book series.
Netflix's 'Little House on the Prairie' Reboot Is Better Than the Original Series
Most of us have seen at least a few episodes of the original Little House on the Prairie. We all might remember something different. I recall the character of Nellie Olsen (Alison Arngrim) the most. Perhaps that's because while I couldn't relate to living on open land in the 1870s, I had encountered more than a few mean classmates by the time I watched the series.
Ultimately, we all recall the Ingalls family bond, particularly the relationship between sisters Mary and Laura. I think there are two main reasons why the Netflix reboot is superior to the first series: the storylines about land ownership and the two Ingalls daughters. I wrote about Little House on the Prairie's focus on the Osage community, especially when it comes to the area the settlers think they have discovered. Thanks to that storyline, the reboot feels more meaningful, diverse, respectful, and compassionate.
I was most impressed with Laura and Mary in Little House on the Prairie Season 1, Episode 4, "Life Let Us Cherish." As the families in the area come down with a terrifying fever, Laura leans into her courageous nature and tries to help. Alice Halsey gives an impressive performance, and you can tell that Laura is as scared as she is excited to prove that she is as mature and responsible as the adults around her. This is also an important plotline since it proves how helpless Mary feels, along with how burdened she is by her role in the family as the older sister who is always supposed to do the right thing. The adult characters have some engaging moments, particularly Caroline, as she wonders if she made a mistake moving and if she should return to her family back home. But it's really the young characters, including Laura's new friend Good Eagle (Wren Zhawenim Gotts), who are trying to learn who they are while dealing with the surrounding conflict, who are the most intriguing to watch.
The original series followed a more episodic format, with the Ingalls running into various problems and then, time and time again, realizing how lucky they are to be with each other and have each other's love. Like the best Western TV shows, it dealt with interesting themes about land, courage, and family, but it's hard not to find it a bit corny at times.
In contrast, the Netflix adaptation tells more of a cohesive story over eight episodes, with the Ingalls moving to Independence, Kansas in Episode 1 and dealing with a huge change in Episode 8. Other storylines include Caroline's pregnancy, Charles building the new family home, and the family's connection to the Osage, including White Sun (Alyssa Wapanatâhk).
With Little House on the Prairie Season 2 on its way, my only complaint is that we'll likely have to wait a while, of course, Season 1 just came out on July 9th. Otherwise, it's a solid reboot with interesting characters, intense storylines, and some beautiful scenes of that Kansas landscape that seems to go on forever.
