The Road to Avonlea: Season 6

Season 6 of "Avonlea" as we always knew it by in the US is not quite as excellent as its pervious seasons, but is still worth the purchase none the less. The season begins with one of the best episodes of the series, "The Return of Gus Pike." This episode finally resovles the story arc between Gus Pike, Captain Crane, Abe Pike, and Gus's Mother. In this episode we finally find out why exactly Gus ended up a orphan without a family, and what really happened to his mother Eliza. Janet-Laine Green does a amazing job of portraying Gus's mother and even somewhat resembles him.

The other episodes in this season are kind all over the place. Focusing on many of the different characters. Sara appears in only one episode, and it is basically the big goodbye for Sarah Polley who had, had her fill of the series. In this episode Sara must decide rather she is going to follow her own dreams or those of her Aunt Hetty or Nanny Louisa. The episode also brings back Arthur Pettibone who returns. Definately one of my favorite episodes of the series.

In this season the character of Cecily is replaced by actress Molly Atkinson. Atkinson brings new life and depth to the character that the previous actress was not able to. I'm not saying the prior actress was bad or anything, but Atkinson brings Cecily more in to adulthood. The third episode in the season is called "Christmas in June," and is probably one of the best stand alone stories of the series.

Also during this season, the character of Rachel Lynde suffers two seperate strokes. She must leave her beloved Avonlea and Green Gables and that leaves Hetty King to raise Davey and Dora Keith. It almost seems at this point that the writers were just trying to find something for the very talented Jackie Burroughs to do.

There are several good episodes and several ones that a individual could probably do without. We see less of Sara (again only in one episode), Felicity, and Gus(also only in one), but more of Felix, Hetty, Davey, Dora, Izzy, and Green Gables alum Miss Stacey. Definately a enjoyable season at the very least!

Season-six weakens in episode consistency compared to earlier seasons. Out of 13-espisodes, 8 are pleasant, 2 break believability without the real Cecily, 2 are good, and 1 is excellent. The pleasant stories of Avonlea do continue. The episode, "A Fox Tale", where Felix and Izzy start a business, is excellent with bantering between Felicity and "that annoying boy" Nat Lester.

Sarah appears in one episode.

A different actress plays Cecily, appearing and starring in two episodes. The original actress, in spite of the small part, created a likeable and memorable Cecily with a distinct personality; that she could not be replaced without notice. The two emotional Cecily episodes depend on the audience remembering and liking the original Cecily, but then switch someone else as Cecily. Who's idea was that? If they were unable to sign the original actress for another season after flowers and gifts, they would have done better to leave Cecily out entirely.

This season has less scenic outdoor photography that was so appealing.

The touted "Behind-the-scenes" is only a "preview" of this DVD that you have already bought, and the producer saying it is a nice season.

The writers of my favorite episodes of the early seasons, Heather Conkie, Suzette Couture, and Hart Hanson are missing this season.

These disappointments should be forgiven, in light of this wonderful series. It really is a great series.

You should start with the first season; as seasons 1-5 are best. Charming children and adults get into fun predicaments. If you liked "Little House on the Prairie" or "Anne of Green Gables"; you will like this. The realistic, likeable, characters are people that I would like to know. Avonlea is a place that I would like to visit, with beautiful countryside, farm, horses, period costumes and sets, women in pretty dresses, charm, some humor, interesting activities, and a lively pace.

Mr. Sullivan spared no expense creating fun escapades.

In the Sixth Season of RTA, we do not get to see much of familiar characters Sarah Stanley and Gus Pike, but the series manages to move along with the other supporting cast. Gus Pike's past is finally revealed in this season, and Sarah Stanley is all grown-up and making her own decisions regarding her future which also takes her away from Avonlea. Felicity King tries medical school, makes a success of her first year, but a personal tragedy drives her away from medicine.

There is a lot of focus on Davey Keith this season, a plot line I did not personally care for. Despite sympathizing with his plight as an orphan, I would rather have seen more focus on some of the other beloved characters such as Janet, Alec, and Hetty. I wonder if the focus on the younger characters was an attempt at trying to get a couple of more seasons in the series by following these characters as they grew up. Sadly, the appeal of the first batch of youngsters in the earlier seasons of RTA (focusing on Sarah Stanley, Felicity King, Felix King, and Gus Pike) could not be replicated with Dora, Davey, and Izzy.

The Return of Gus Pike - Felicity King struggles as the only female student in medical school, then spots her old love, Gus Pike in Halifax. The pair meet a strange woman who appears to recognize Gus' ruby ring and the name Ezekiel Crane. This prompts Gus to take the woman, Eliza back to Avonlea, in a bid to discover the truth about his past. A very poignant episode.

Lonely Hearts - Avonlea has its first annual bachelor auction with hilarious results.

Christmas in June - back at the sanatorium, Cecily gets into trouble after befriending a rascal named Louie. Note: There is a casting change - the actress that played Cecily in past seasons of RTA, i.e. Harmony Cramp is replaced by Molly Atkinson who gives a more assertive interpretation of Cecily which is apt considering all that her character has been through after her bout with TB.

Fools and Kings - with Felicity away at medical school and Daniel away on a trip, Janet finds herself at a loss as to what to do and decides to work at home for ACME company; Alex plans to induct Felix into the Knights of P.E.I.; Hetty and the Daughters of the Dominion take on their rivals, the Knights of P.E.I.

Comings and Goings - Sarah Stanley returns to Avonlea after six months, accompanied by nanny Louisa. Both Hetty and Louisa bicker (as usual) over Sarah's future, but Sarah has her own plans. Will they stop long enough to listen?

The Trouble with Davey - Rachel Lynde has her hands full caring for twins Davey and Dora, and when she suffers a stroke, Hetty King steps in to help. Rachel's son takes her back to live with him, and Hetty is left to care for the twins, finding Davey a handful.

Great Expectations - Davey Keith gets into trouble (as usual), and Hetty tries to teach him the value of school by using reverse psychology (sending him to work at the cannery). The plan backfires when Jasper Dale sympathizes with Davey's plight and acts as his mentor. It's funny how Jasper always seems to be inventing things ahead of his time but never receives the recognition or fame for it (in this episode he invents the vacuum cleaner, and Hetty gets to experience its `merits' firsthand, lol).

A Fox Tale - Felix and Izzy go into business together, starting a fox farm. Their friendship is threatened when Felix decides to take someone else as his partner because of financial constraints.

The More Things Change - Clive Pettibone and Muriel Stacey finally tie the knot.

Home is Where the Heart Is - Rachel Lynde suffers a severe stroke, and Hetty nurses her back to health. Rachel loses her ability to speak, but true to her indomitable spirit, refuses to give up.

What a Tangled Web We Weave - the White Sands hosts a grand society wedding but turns out that both the bride and groom may not come from such exalted backgrounds after all; Felix fails his English exam and may not graduate. His self-esteem takes a battering, causing him to consider leaving Avonlea.

A Time to Every Purpose - Felicity misses the registration deadline for second-year medical school and is stuck in Avonlea. Dr. Snow employs her as his assistant but she finds his approach to medicine rather old-fashioned. Felicity's childhood friend Colleen is expecting but when the delivery goes terribly awry, Felicity has doubts about her future in medicine.

Homecoming - Cecily returns home after her bout in the sanatorium but chafes under the strict supervision of her parents and family, yearning for freedom and to be treated as normal. The townsfolk's prejudice does not help either. The telephone exchange comes to Avonlea and Felicity receives some tragic news.

Final verdict - still a fun season, but missing the magic of the earlier seasons.