On a more affectionate note, Laura misnames Almanzo's nickname "Manny" for "Manly", a name she'd use for him for the rest of their years.
Affectionate Nickname: Because Laura now calls him Manly, Almanzo in turn calls Laura "Beth" (Elizabeth is her middle name).
Back to School: The trope sharing its name with this episode is merely coincidental, but a major part of the episode centers on a new school year and, with Alice Garvey stepping down – the introduction of a new school teacher.
Cat Fight: OK, this is it. You knew Laura and Nellie would eventually push each other to a point where the fists fly … and finally, when their tricks against each other escalate to the brink, they have at it. Boy, do they ever, and the end result is a memorable mud bath … and critically considered one of Season 6's highlights and one of the most memorable scenes of the entire series.
Covered in Mud: Laura and Nellie after their fight, especially Nellie, whose state immediatly provokes laughter from Charles, Caroline and Jonathan when she shows up at the restaurant.
Family Business: The Olesons expand their business holdings by opening a new hotel and restaurant. Nellie, who just recently graduated from Walnut Grove School, is pushed (solely by Harriet) into service as its manager.
Hot Teacher: What Albert was hoping for when he learns that Alice is leaving her teaching post and is being replaced by someone new. He's disappointed when Eliza Jane Wilder is not the hottie he had dreamed about.
Yes, Laura, believe Nellie's word that the test you're about to do has nothing about History. You know, she's only your sworn enemy whom you just sabotaged a few days ago, nothing to get suspicious about.
Go ahead, Charles, take Nellie's word when she claims that she saw Laura and that new guy Almanzo kissing. He takes the bait, assaults Almanzo and makes a fool of himself in front of Laura.
Love at First Sight: Laura falls in love with Almanzo the first time she gets her eyes on him.
My Friends... and Zoidberg: The beginning of the episode depicts Nellie's graduation from Walnut Grove School. She begins her commencement address, "Fellow classmates, friends...and others"
Papa Wolf: After the Cat Fight, Almanzo takes Laura to his house to take a bath and clean up. She wears his robe while drying off … just when Charles walks in, looking for his "Half-Pint" (Nellie had told him she saw him and Laura kissing in retaliation for Laura attacking her in the mud), and then sees Almanzo comforting her. Almanzo – who had zero intention of taking advantage of the situation – finds no amount of explaining can get Charles to back off, as he painfully finds out. However, once he regains his senses, Charles profusely apologizes to Almanzo and admits he should have listened to Caroline's earlier warning not to act in haste.
Schoolmarm: Eliza Jane Wilder becomes the new schoolteacher.
