Dark and Troubled Past: "Widow" McAndrews has arrived at Walnut Grove from California, fresh with enthusiasm and eager to start a new business. Only her closest friends, including the Carters, are aware that she is concealing some very dark demons: She is a recovering alcoholic who had recently divorced her abusive husband and was scandalized in her hometown, but decided that a fresh start was in order. Mrs. Oleson eavesdrops on one of these conversations between McAndrews and her brother on the telephone... and it isn't long before the details become Oleson's latest column. Upon learning about the column, she goes on a drunken rampage, destroying everything in sight; it is implied that McAndrews takes her own life shortly thereafter.
Get Out!: After learning that Mr. Reed kept his daughter in the dark about her recently deceased mother's state and kept his wife from coming for a visit until it was too late, Sarah loses her patience with her father and John promptly tells him to leave.
Gossip Evolution: Mrs. Oleson takes advantage of Sarah's father, Elliott Reed, taking over the newspaper to become a writer, putting her typical spin on the eavesdropped conversation (see Dark And Troubled Past) for her latest "story." Needless to say, the woman quickly relapses and her reputation is ruined. This time, however, Mr. Reed is wise to Mrs. Oleson and — when she goes to submit her latest column (sure to be full of gossip) — rejects her outright and slams the door in her face!
Heel Realization: Elliott seems to have this upon seeing how his actions alienated his daughter and grandsons. They make amends when he's leaving Walnut Grove and he expresses remorse for what he caused Mrs. McAndrews.
Royal Brat: Mr. Reed, who bribes Willie Oleson into getting a carriage and horse and then demands (and gets) a telephone wired into his hotel room.
Uncontrollable Rage: McAndrews, shortly after seeing in print her past being exposed. Naturally, she blames Sarah Carter, unaware that Mrs. Oleson had actually written the scandalous article.
What Happened to the Mouse?: The last we hear of Linda McAndrews was that she departed to another town and Reverend Alden was off to convince her to come back. It's never shown whether he succeeded.
