Here, in the pilot episode, of The Andy Griffith Show viewers were an open book. The fact that the show was based on Southern homespun humor was not surprising, in fact it was just building on Andy Griffith's success in the movie "No Time For. Sergeants". The phrasing and vernacular of Andy Griffith's "What Is Was Was Football" is lifted almost intact for the Sheriff Taylor character...with just a little polishing. In other words, there was some proven winning comedy here. And that is what is wonderfully leveraged. Andy gets some more veteran help from Francis Bavier as housekeeping kinfolk "Aunt Bee". Bavier is perfect for the role providing a kind of home anchor for Andy as the central character. But, surprise! Precocious Ron Howard. As Opie. Steals his early scenes to great affect. This initial episode, for me at least, will always be a high watermark for Opie. The juxtaposition of his smart quips at his age is pure gold. And then there was Barney Fife. Don Knots as Barney Fife was the perfect yin to Andy's yang. Knots proves on arrival he can.make any scene he is featured in. The character of Barney Fife is as good as Kramer on Seinfeld years later. The show, sadly, weakens with Barney"s absence we will see in time.
This episode makes me want to watch whatever episodes are to come. That's a perfect pilot. Oh yeah, I like this version of Andy best. He's almost the most "country" he'll ever be in the series. Not unlike his central character on his "Big Orange" spiel he's almost overly congenial. It suits him well.
This episode makes me want to watch whatever episodes are to come. That's a perfect pilot. Oh yeah, I like this version of Andy best. He's almost the most "country" he'll ever be in the series. Not unlike his central character on his "Big Orange" spiel he's almost overly congenial. It suits him well.