On your advice, we just agreed to watch it separate rooms with no discussions at supper. No more calling Mrs. Oleson the meanest person that ever lived, in jest, that is OVER (we both are guilty of this one). We are going to enjoy it even if it strips the all joy out of life.
The actress who played Nellie said she used to get hate mail from fans of the show, who apparently couldn't distinguish her from her character. (She said IRL she was friends with the younger Melissa, and some of the cast attested to how nice she was offscreen--both from a special feature on one of the DVDs) Man, we aren't that far gone. It actually is the best part of our day, spending time making fun of Landon's hair.