THE WALTONS

Over nine seasons, rural Virginia homesteaders John and Olivia Walton (Ralph Waite and Michael Learned) seemed uniquely able to withstand adversity as they raised their seven kids. “Always pay your debts, son,” John told his namesake child. “Don’t take unfair advantage of any man. Don’t let any man take unfair advantage of you. Find yourself a good woman, and don’t forget that you’re my son.” John grew from a stoic paternal figure to a laid-back grandfather, while Olivia eventually became a schoolteacher.