Aaron's Way

Aaron's Way is an American family drama series television series that aired on NBC from March 9 to May 25, 1988. The series stars Merlin Olsen as Aaron Miller, the husband and father of an Amish family that moves to California. The series follows the attempts of family members to adapt to Californian culture while retaining their personal values. Also appearing on the series were Samantha Mathis and Belinda Montgomery.

Aaron's Way
GenreFamily drama
Written byJeff Baron
Steven Baum
Christopher Beaumont
William Blinn
Rena Down
Bob Gaydos
Neil Levy
Directed byR.W. Goodwin
Noel Nosseck
Robert Scheerer
StarringMerlin Olsen
Belinda Montgomery
Samantha Mathis
Erin Chase
Scott Curtis
Kathleen York
Jessica Walter
Christopher Gartin
Country of originUSA
Original languageEnglish
No. of seasons1
No. of episodes14
Production
Executive producersWilliam Blinn
Jerry Thorpe
ProducersJames H. Brown
R.W. Goodwin
Bonnie Raskin
EditorsAndrew Cohen
M. Edward Salier
Running time60 minutes (approx)
Production companiesBonnie Raskin Productions
Blinn/Thorpe Productions
Lorimar-Telepictures
Release
Original networkNBC
Original releaseMarch 9 (1988-03-09) 
May 25, 1988 (1988-05-25)

Synopsis

Aaron Miller's eldest son, Noah, has left the Amish community for the world, but Aaron kept in touch using a post office box. Aaron then learns that Noah died in a surfing accident, and goes to California for the funeral. While there, he learns that Noah had been living with a woman, Susanna Lo Verde, who owns an orchard and is pregnant by Noah.

Aaron returns to Pennsylvania to consider what to do. His wife is surprised that he kept in touch with Noah, and then a relative of Susanna arrives by motorcycle. He relates Susanna's difficulties, and Aaron expresses his opinion to his wife that they needed to go help Susanna.

To Susanna's surprise, the family arrives, and begins helping out while trying to cope with the unfamiliar society and technology. The three Miller children are enrolled in the public school system.

Subsequent episodes of this short-lived series deal with the continuing clash (and sometimes complementary meeting) between the Millers and their worldly hosts and neighbours. Aaron's stubborn insistence on the values of integrity and justice bend a few dishonest people their way.

Criticism

The show was described by one scholar as "a pretentious variation on the Beverly Hillbillies;" while former Amish viewers are reported to have called it “disgusting.” [1]

Cast

Episodes

No.TitleDirected byWritten byOriginal air date
1
2
"The Harvest: Parts 1 & 2"Noel NosseckStory by: Rena Down
Teleplay by: William Blinn & Rena Down
March 9, 1988 (1988-03-09)
3"New Growth"TBATBAMarch 16, 1988 (1988-03-16)
4"A Plain Path"TBATBAMarch 23, 1988 (1988-03-23)
5"The Healing Power"TBATBAMarch 30, 1988 (1988-03-30)
6"Patches of Lights"TBATBAApril 6, 1988 (1988-04-06)
7"High Note"TBATBAApril 13, 1988 (1988-04-13)
8"The Men Will Cheer and the Boys Will Shout"TBATBAApril 20, 1988 (1988-04-20)
9"Man and Boy at the Crossing"TBATBAApril 27, 1988 (1988-04-27)
10"Teachers"TBATBAMay 4, 1988 (1988-05-04)
11"Strong Foundations"TBATBAMay 11, 1988 (1988-05-11)
12"Invisible People"TBATBAMay 15, 1988 (1988-05-15)
13"Solid Ground"TBATBAMay 18, 1988 (1988-05-18)
14"New Patterns"TBATBAMay 25, 1988 (1988-05-25)

References

  1. Davis, Adam Brooke. "The Amish in Missouri"
This article is issued from Wikipedia. The text is licensed under Creative Commons - Attribution - Sharealike. Additional terms may apply for the media files.