This is another one of those change of LHOTP feel...
Other then a short appearance at the beginning of the first episode of Season 8, we have already seen the last of Mary and Adam (oh, and a special Christmas episode). Jonathan and Andy are making their last appearance in this episode as well. He never goes away just never appears on the show again. Actually, I believe he left to go start "Father Murphy." And we see the edition of two to the Ingalls' Family household.
I have mixed feelings on this one. I really like Albert, so I'm okay with them taking him in. He and Charles just seemed to click. But this seems to be just a bit too much. Charles falls for these two orphaned children and keep seem to give them over to strangers. He risks his life and Albert's by pulling the wagon on the tracks, having faith the train would stop in time. As the first part of this episode ends, he makes a promise to the kids that he will find them a home.
At the same time, I can see why Charles takes them in. Two little kids like that really do need a good family and people who will love them. That's all Charles really wants for them. And I can't blame him much after what Albert tells him about the orphanage. It's a good episode, but James and Cassandra didn't change the show for the better!