The scene is instantly recognized by millions of television viewers. A man and a boy, fishing poles in hand, make their way down the road. A familiar theme song is whistling in the background.
Thus begins The Andy Griffith Show, a television classic that debuted 60 years ago this month. A ratings hit during its initial run, the program continues to attract audiences who enjoy the folksy comedy and well-written scripts.
That’s only part of the story. People come to Mayberry six decades later because they also treasure the inhabitants of this fictional place. While laughing along with the antics of these flawed but charming characters, some remember and yearn for the close-knit nature of small town America. Younger viewers, raised in the harsh realities of our modern existence, can glimpse the simplicity of quiet summer evenings on yesteryear’s front porches.
The program teaches valuable lessons about love, morality, and trust. These qualities are more elusive in the 21st century, as we are bombarded with media images focusing on division, anger, and unrest.
At center stage of the show is Sheriff Andy Taylor, who watches over the small North Carolina community. In addition to enforcing laws and arresting criminals, the sheriff also guards the citizenry from everyday travails.
Andy is kind to all, including Otis, the town drunk; Floyd, the gossiping barber, and Gomer Pyle, the naive gas station attendant. He even remains compassionate to Barney Fife, the clumsy deputy who is full of bluster and riddled with insecurity. Andy accepts Barney’s frailties and he bolsters his partner whenever setbacks arise.
As he guides the townsfolk, widower Andy also raises his youngster, Opie, with the help of the beloved Aunt Bea. The warm relationship shared by family members, especially between father and son, is the heart of the show. While Andy is far from perfect, several memorable episodes capture his loving and generous spirit. The plots bring laughter and tears, and lessons about thoughtfulness.
“The Pickle Story” is hilarious. Despite good intentions, Aunt Bea makes some of the worst “kerosene cucumbers” in the history of canning. Andy and Barney concoct a secret scheme to make them quickly disappear while sparing her feelings. Because the boys seem to love the pickles so much, Bea makes another batch — twice as big as the original!
Andy’s selfless devotion to Aunt Bea is captured brilliantly in “The Bed Jacket.” As Bea’s birthday approaches, she drops hints about a lacy jacket sitting in a nearby store window. By the time Andy realizes what Bea really wants, Mayor Stoner has already procured the outfit for his wife.
Knowing the mayor covets Andy’s favorite fishing pole, the sheriff trades it to Stoner for the jacket. The reward is worth the sacrifice. Andy beams as a jubilant Aunt Bea unwraps her prized gift.
Several memorable programs chronicle how Andy teaches values to his son. The most poignant example is “Opie the Birdman.” In this touching episode, Opie accidentally kills a mother bird while playing carelessly with his slingshot. After being reprimanded by his father, Opie makes restitution. He decides to care for the three babies since it is his fault their mother will never return.
The birds thrive under the loving care of a boy who also lost his mother. Soon it’s time for them to leave the confines of captivity and human protection. Just like any parent, Opie has trouble letting go, but knows it must be done. After successfully setting them free, Opie says, “The cage sure looks awful empty, don’t it, Pa?” Andy replies: “Yes, son, it does. But don’t the trees seem nice and full?”
The episode speaks volumes about timeless truths: the cost of disobedience, the importance of accepting responsibility for our actions, the fruits of parental guidance, and the free will of each individual.
Because many modern television shows are as empty as Opie’s birdcage, some people prefer the reruns from Mayberry. It’s true that Andy Taylor flew away from the airwaves long ago. But whenever his smiling face reappears on television, don’t our screens seem nice and full?
Kendall Wingrove is a freelance writer from Okemos, Mich.
