First time Richard Thomas (John-boy Walton) and Ellen Corby (Grandma Walton) no longer appear in the opening credits. Thomas had not renewed his contract after the previous 5 years contract had expired, Corby was recovering from a stroke that had happened to her during Season 5.
First episode without John-Boy in the cast.
All kinds of lighting equipment is reflected in the windows of Mrs. Bridges' car when she goes to talk to Olivia.
The opening credits images were updated for the first time since Season 3. Noticeably Michael Learned had the "Miss" dropped from her credit and now appears before co-star Ralph Waite, whom had taken second billing for the previous 5 seasons.