Wonderful topic ....
There are so many powerfully intense and emotional scenes in "Home to Judgment" - which is, of course,
everyone's favorite episode, including Messrs. Culp and Cosby. (O.K. O.K. - so there may be a few of us "War Lord" lovers out there, who rank "Home to Judgment" a few paces behind the General and Catherine (but just a few ... )
I've mentioned before that I was delighted that "Home to Judgment" was placed as the last episode in the DVD sets ... in its rightful place. It was the story that completed "I SPY" with Kelly and Scotty renewed - in mind and body and spirit - walking off into the sunset together - the way of all true heroes!!
You have all mentioned amazing moments in "Home to Judgment" - from the wonderful, exquisite script of Robert Culp's ... as when Uncle Harry quietly says "Kelly...???", when Kelly reveals himself to his Aunt and Uncle after so many years, when Kelly talks about being contaminated and contaminating everything they touch while feverish in the barn, when Kelly breaks into that heart-wrenching half-sob when he talks about his mother dying and never returning to the farm (THAT's the scene that always does me in!!). Culp's creation of Aunty Alta and Uncle Harry as the perfect, noble, strong and nurturing relatives is beautifully written. Who wouldn't want to be part of their family and spend time in their world?? Who wouldn't become a better person for just having known them.
Will Geer and Una Merkel seem so ideally suited to their roles, that I can't imagine Walter Brennan and Beulah Bondi for a moment, which were Culp's original choices for the parts. It was truly serendipitous that Mr. Geer and Ms. Merkel became the Uncle Harry and Aunty Alta we hold dear to our hearts. And for Will Geer, perhaps it was this role that opened up Grandpa Walton for him!!
I also found Bob's commentaries on the DVDs and Marc and Linda's section in their book on "Home to Judgment" to be downright fascinating, especially all the personal, auto-biographical touches that Bob included - the rifle, the photos, the family history .....
I'll stop here - and go with a "Picture is Worth A Thousand Words" for the rest of this posting!!
"We were supposed to keep it away, man - but we brought it with us - we brought it right into the house ..."
"KELLY ... ???"
Sweet Aunty Alta
Kelly Revealed ....
"You're Burning Up ..."
Caring Nurturing Aunty Alta and Uncle Harry
Kelly talking about his Mom dying and never returning to the farm ... and that heart-wrenching half sob!
And the strength of Uncle Harry listening .....
and his reassurance that "We'll get through this, son!"
A totally superb episode - in every aspect - the writing, acting, directing, plus Earle Hagen's truly amazing score - perfection!!!
As always,
Tatia
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