February bled into an exciting early March for Alex. His initial enthusiasm for the role of Dylan was further fueled when he received the full script. He learned that Dylan, a friend of Laura and Albert Ingalls from school, was a talented young painter whose greatest dream was to witness the ocean. Diagnosed with leukemia, Dylan, along with Laura and Albert, embarks on a westward journey to fulfill this final wish. Their adventure begins with hopping onto a train, quickly encountering unexpected challenges. Charles Ingalls eventually catches up to the children, but touched by Dylan's earnest desire, agrees to help them reach the coast. Their journey takes them to San Francisco, where the famous newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst plays a crucial role in getting them to the ocean and ensuring their safe return home.
The five days of filming were a whirlwind of new experiences. Alex found himself working closely with Melissa Gilbert, who played Laura, and Matthew Laborteaux, who portrayed Albert. They were both seasoned child actors and offered him friendly advice and support. He remembered a moment during a break when they were filming near the makeshift train set.
"So, Alex, this is your first time on 'Little House'?" Melissa asked, her eyes bright and welcoming.
"Yeah, it is," Alex replied, feeling a little starstruck talking to someone he'd seen on TV for years. "It's amazing being here."
Matthew, ever the playful one, chimed in with a grin, "Just try not to get too homesick for that ocean you're so desperate to see, Dylan!"
Alex laughed. "Don't worry, I hear the California coast is pretty convincing."
Working with Michael Landon was an incredible learning experience. He was patient, offering clear and insightful direction. Alex recalled the scene where Charles catches up with them after they've hopped the train. Michael's portrayal of the concerned but ultimately understanding father figure was powerful, making the scene feel genuinely emotional.
The filming of the final scene, Dylan's walk to the ocean, was particularly memorable because it wasn't on a typical studio set. Instead, the production had taken them to a picturesque nook in Malibu, California. This small stretch of coastline was known for its versatility and had served as the backdrop for numerous films and television shows.
The actual sound of the crashing waves, the feel of the real sand beneath his feet, and the vastness of the Pacific Ocean stretching out before him added an incredible layer of authenticity to the scene. When Alex, as Dylan, took those slow, deliberate steps towards the water, his weakness contrasting with the immense power of the ocean, the emotion felt incredibly real. And when he raised his hands towards the setting sun, a profound sense of peace washed over him, a feeling amplified by the beauty and reality of the location. He knew, even then, that this episode would be something truly special.
The experience of filming in Malibu was unforgettable, and the significance of the role was underscored when Alex received his paycheck. For portraying Dylan, he was paid $3500. This single role brought in more money than all his previous acting work combined. His first role on "Happy Days" had earned him $500, and his subsequent background parts and local commercials had added a few hundred more.
Aunt Nancy did some quick calculations. In the late 1970s, a modest Texas farming household might earn anywhere between $5000 and $10000 annually. Alex's dad had made a respectable $22000 the previous year, working hard on the land. But here was Alex, in just a couple of months in Los Angeles, having already earned around $6000. It was a significant amount of money, a testament to this unexpected opportunity. As Nancy often reminded him, the world of acting was unpredictable, and not all aspiring actors found such success so early in their careers. Luck definitely played a part, and Alex felt a profound sense of gratitude for the chance he had been given. This wasn't just about pursuing his dream anymore; it was also about contributing to his family in a tangible way.
Of course, Alex knew that the $3500 wasn't all his to keep. There is the 10 percent commission that the Creative Artists Agency (CAA) would take for their role in securing the opportunity. And a portion of remaining money will to Uncle Sam at the end of financial year. Still, even after these deductions, the amount remaining was substantial for a fifteen-year-old, and he felt a profound sense of pride in being able to contribute in this way.
The anticipation for the episode's telecast grew with each passing day in early March. Finally, Aunt Nancy circled the date on their television guide: March 19th, 1979. They made plans for another special viewing night, eager to see the culmination of Alex's hard work and the story of Dylan unfold on screen.
The evening of March 19th arrived, thick with anticipation in Aunt Nancy's apartment. Edward Jones, Nancy's husband and Alex's uncle, had returned just that afternoon from his month-long medical camp in Africa. He joined Nancy and Janet on the couch, eager to see Alex's performance. The familiar opening of "Little House on the Prairie" filled the room, and as Dylan's story unfolded, a hush fell over the small group.
Janet watched with rapt attention, her usual playful demeanor replaced by a quiet absorption in the narrative. By the time the final scene aired, with Dylan reaching the ocean and raising his hands to the sun, tears welled up in her eyes. She quickly wiped them away, but the emotion in the room was palpable.
When the credits rolled, Edward clapped Alex on the back. "That was a powerful performance, Alex. You did a fine job, truly." His words, coming from his steady and thoughtful uncle, carried significant weight.
The next day, the newspapers delivered on their promise of rave reviews for the episode itself, praising the heartfelt storyline and the emotional impact. Alex eagerly scanned the articles, and he was thrilled to see that his own performance received very good reviews. Critics lauded his sensitive portrayal of Dylan, noting the raw emotion and depth he brought to the character. It was the kind of positive feedback that fueled his passion and made all the hard work feel incredibly worthwhile. Adding to the episode's success, Nancy shared excitedly that it had achieved the highest viewership ratings of the entire season.
"The ratings were incredible, Alex! Everyone was watching," Nancy exclaimed, beaming as she held up a copy of the newspaper.
Alex grinned, feeling a surge of pride mixed with a healthy dose of humility. "Yeah, it's pretty wild."
Nancy leaned back on the sofa, her expression thoughtful. "You know, those very good reviews and the fact that so many people tuned in... that's a really good thing, Alex. More people saw you. Casting directors, producers... they all pay attention to that kind of buzz. This could really open some doors for you."
Alex nodded, a spark of excitement igniting within him. "You think so?"
"I know so," Nancy said confidently. "This role was a real showcase for your talent, and now a lot more people have seen it. Keep working hard, keep learning, and I have a feeling we're going to see some interesting offers coming your way."
Alex smiled, a genuine hopeful smile. "I really hope so, Aunt Nancy." He knew that one good role didn't guarantee lasting success in this business, but the positive response to his work as Dylan felt like a significant step forward. He was eager to see what the future held and ready to keep putting in the effort.