Ep.2 - The Genius

A notorious reporter arrives on Walton's Mountain to write a Guidebook for the tate of Virginia. He make a discovery about the Baldwin Sister's father that could have a devastating affect on their honor and reputation in the community. Jim-Bob tries his luck at selling fish to customers.

The family is preparing for the church bazaar. Olivia and Esther are baking sweets.

At college John-Boy is asked to report to Dean Beck’s office.  He sees an un-friendly young teenager sitting uncomfortably in the waiting room.  Lyle Thomason is a brilliant 16 year old sophomore who will most likely graduate within the year. Dean Beck asks if John-Boy will take him home to his family for the weekend. He hopes that it will help the boy to find some balance in his personality and interests but he doesn’t fit in very well.  Lyle’s scientific and logical theories run against the customs of the folks on Walton’s Mountain. He has spent most his childhood away from his family while being studied and tested in Chicago. Despite his photographic memory and superior IQ he has a hard time relating to people on a personal level. He takes a liking to Mary Ellen but his approach only gets him doused with the garden hose.  Confused by her actions John-Boy suggests that she probably likes him.  

Meanwhile Erin is directing a play for the bazaar about Joan of Arc but Jason is reluctant to be part of the cast. The community comes together for the bazaar. They are raising money for a down on their luck family that is expecting their 7th child. John-Boy runs the bean bag throw game and Jason who is not interested in performing in Erin’s play and hides just before the performance.  Lyle is asked if he would consider doing the part. He is uncomfortable about the idea of acting as it is outside of his realm of experience and  feels that he shouldn't have to help save the play at the last moment.  Upset by his selfishness John-Boy lectures him on how if he doesn't learn to embrace kindness he will live a lonely life. Lyle has a change of mind and decides to help and does a commendable performance.

Thanks to their efforts the Walton’s help to raise $48 dollars for the needy family.  Lyle thanks the family for their kindness but when words lack him, he shows his feelings by pouring a glass of water on Mary-Ellen’s head to everyone’s amusement.

• It is explained in this episode that John is away working in Norfolk, but in reality actor Ralph Waite was in a contract dispute with the producers of the show.
• When the character of Dean Beck returns in "The Remembrance" (s8-ep17) and "The Threshold" (s9-ep16) he is played by Ivor Francis who portrays Professor Hoadley in "The Breakdown" (s4-ep6) and "The Burden" (s7-ep16)