 This is Will Geer (qv)s final appearance in the show; he died  before production began on Season 7. The first episode of that  following season, "The Empty Nest," was dedicated to Geers memory,  and would feature a story line dealing directly with the death of  Grandpa Walton in the series. Ironically, Geers last appearance in  this episode marked the first appearance by Ellen Corby (qv) since  her devastating stroke following the episode "The Elopement" about  halfway through Season 5; she lost much of the power of speech and  the use of one side of her body, but would be featured occasionally  even into the production of the movies after the series itself  ended.