The Ingalls have moved across the country to start a new life in Midwestern America during the late 19th century. But the “free” land they were promised isn’t free at all, and that’s not the only hardship coming their way on the often harsh, unforgiving prairies.
Streaming on: Netflix
Episodes viewed: 8 of 8
The wholesome reputation of Little House On The Prairie precedes itself. A mainstay in American culture, the novels published by Laura Ingalls Wilder have sold more than 73 million copies worldwide. The ’70s TV adaptation that followed continues to draw in surprisingly large viewing numbers, over five decades since it first debuted.
It’s easy to see why another adaptation appealed. But rather than remake the old series outright, Netflix has instead chosen to reimagine the source material, in a bid to modernise this classic tale without losing the essence of what made it so popular. The result is a charming yet somewhat flat adaptation that often plays it safe, trying its darnedest to appeal to everyone at once.
Between the sweeping prairie shots and some old-school episodic charm, this is a decent enough start to the Ingalls’ saga…
At least admirable attempts are made to expand the story, exploring the impact that white settlers like the Ingalls had on local Osage families. Other characters of colour, including the book’s Black doctor, George Tann (Jocko Sims), are also included after being omitted in NBC’s version, but there’s a reluctance to really reckon with what minorities would be facing at this point in history. Just because it’s a family show doesn’t mean that Little House On The Prairie should hold back as much as it does on that front, especially when characters like White Sun (Peter Pan And Wendy star Alyssa Wapanatâhk) are often more interesting than the Ingalls themselves.
The exception is 11-year-old Alice Halsey (Lessons In Chemistry), whose take on Laura, a beloved staple of fiction, brings much-needed spark to the family and show alike. Skywalker Hughes, meanwhile, most recently seen in Andrew Stanton’s In The Blink Of An Eye, shares relatable chemistry with her as Laura’s sister Mary. Only Crosby Fitzgerald disappoints as mother Caroline, her stilted performance contrasting with the energy everyone else brings. Still, there’s plenty to enjoy overall. Between the sweeping prairie shots and some old-school episodic charm, this is a decent enough start to the Ingalls’ saga, given how much pressure there is on this show to succeed.
For such a risky venture, Little House On The Prairie plays it a little too safe. Let’s hope the show takes things further in Netflix’s already-confirmed second season.
