When Harriet Oleson's cousin, Sterling Murdock, comes to town, he brings his newspaper business with him. Everyone is initially excited about this, but trouble ensues when Murdock gives gossipmonger Harriet her own column – and allows her the freedom to write whatever she wants.

Michael Landon's daughter, Leslie, has an uncredited role in this episode. She is sitting behind and to the left of Doc Baker in the final scene in the church. She has several speaking roles throughout the series, but this time, she's an extra.

While their fathers secretly trail them, young Albert Ingalls and Andy Garvey set off to prove their mettle as men by accepting a challenge to live by their wits during a week-long, overland walk from Walnut Grove to Sleepy Eye and back.