Over the weekend, while making a creamy scallop soup for the family, I watched several episodes of “The Andy Griffith Show,” which aired as part of a tribute to actor Don Knotts, who died this past February 25th.
Here are my chattering thoughts: First, while this long-running program never did enough to foster the Civil Rights Movement (which raged in the streets of the South as Andy and Opie went fishin’ and rocked on the porch), I’d still argue this television series was the greatest of all time. What do you think?
“All in the Family” was perhaps more truthful and historic. “Seinfeld” made us laugh. The saga offered in “The Sopranos” is epic, but to most of us, alien. All the while, do-gooder Sheriff Taylor and the delicate, goofy Barney Fife aligned themselves deeply with our nation’s best intentions. I have a Southern side of my family, so the program’s small-town locals still feel like good friends to me. My skinny granddad from Texas loved Barney Fife ferociously. I remember curling up on the couch with him as a nine-year-old in the summer of 1964 with a big bowl of popcorn we’d share as we watched. There are times I wish I could go back to that moment, that place, feeling transported by that whistling theme song. My grandfather died the next year.
There are numerous quirky, kitschy religious connections to “The Andy Griffith Show” I thought I’d review here quickly. There are complete Christian lesson plans geared to various “Andy” episodes and a book by Joey Fann called “The Way Back to Mayberry: Lessons from a Simpler Time.” Beliefnet ran this article about how “Andy” episodes were getting linked to legitimate Bible school study plans. Here’s a more academic analysis of the program’s assets and failings. And here’s a sweet Don Knotts memorial page, as well as a link to a recording I actually own of Andy Griffith singing really old-time, down-home Christian hymns. A great gift for most Christians older than 70, or any avid Andy lover.
posted March 7, 2006 at 4:27 pm
I love the Andy Grittith shows. They make me happy every time I watch them because they remind me of the good things in life, the simple things like sitting a porch in the evening or just loving your family and friends, no matter how strange they are. And I love the song. Each time I watch it’s like breathing fresh air after a rain storm. Ahhhh.>
posted March 8, 2006 at 12:55 am
I too love the Andy Griffith Show and it certainly does take one to a different time, when we knew how to slow down and appreciate the simple things in life. Don Knotts will always live on in this show. Also, I always get hungry when Aunt Bea is cooking!! Sue>
posted March 8, 2006 at 1:45 am
I watched the marathon as well, and enjoyed it immensely. I would love to live in such a simple time.>
posted March 8, 2006 at 4:54 pm
Don Knotts was one wonderful human being,who gave us all so many hours of joy. He will be dearly missed by us all here on Earth,but I know he is probably up there talking and joking with God now in Heaven,where he and his laughter will live forever more. God Bless Andy,Opie,Gomer,Aunt Bee,all of them, for bringing so much love and laughter into our lives here for the last 40 years.We loved you all. Thanks to you all for making life here a lot easier and much better for us all. See you in Heaven,Barney!:)>
posted March 8, 2006 at 7:07 pm
I love the Andy Griffith shows. We all watch them often. One of my daughters and her boss have an Andy trivia session. Don Knotts was a great one and so was all the others on the show. Growing up in a little community was a lot like Mayberry we all knew everyone. Now that community has changed so much it is no longer as it once was. I just wish times were simpler than they are. I miss those times.>
posted March 8, 2006 at 7:44 pm
I love to watch reruns of the “Andy Griffith Show”. It always makes me laught and wish that I, too, had grown up in simpilar times. I remember Don Knotts more so from watching the show “Three’s Company”. As a quirky landlord, he made me laugh every time that I watched that show. I know that we are all lucky for having been able to watch Don Knotts on t.v. and laughed along with him. They say that God only takes the best and maybe he needed some one to make him laugh. Don Knotts will certainly do that. Amy>
posted March 8, 2006 at 8:12 pm
As I was flipping through the channels and found the marathon of the Andy Griffith shows I immediately stopped and watched as many as i could all day and night. It was nice to relax and watch something so funny and so wholesome. How nice it is also to have my grandchildren sit with me and laugh right along. Comedy done right is ALWAYS FUNNY. Thank you to the great cast for a family show that you are grateful to be able to sit without embarassment with your children and grandchildren. What a rarity these days. It was such a peaceful weekend. I can’t wait for the next one! Susan>
posted March 9, 2006 at 2:24 am
I WAS FORTUNATE ENOUGH TO WATCH TO SEE DON KNOTTS, ANDY GRIFFIN,OPIE, AUNT BEA WHEN IT FIRST AIRED AND YES THOSE WERE THE MORE SIMPLER DAYS. WE WALKED SLOWER AND TOOK TIME TO SMELL THE ROSES, AND WATCH THE BIRDS AND ADMIRE IN AWE ALL THAT GOD HAD CREATED FOR US TO ENJOY.>
posted March 9, 2006 at 2:59 pm
Yes, the Andy Griffith show was the best of all time as far as I am concerned. I grew up in the 40s and 50s which was a great time as far as I am concerned. Andy,Barney,Aunt Bee and Opie were great characters of a time long gone when things were much simpler and a lot better in a lot of ways but not all.They were really “laid back” people when you think about it. Don Knotts was a great actor.>
posted March 9, 2006 at 3:52 pm
I watched the marathon also. It takes me back to simpler times too. When I was a little girl, it came on every day at lunch time when my daddy would come home for lunch. I would meet him at the door and stand on his shoes while he walked. I would be holding onto his legs and thought my daddy was the greatest (which he was. he is in heaven now). Each day at that time, the whistling from the Andy Griffith Show would be on and when I hear the whistling now, I remember me and my daddy watching during his lunch hour. Memories!
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posted March 12, 2006 at 12:48 am
I remember Don Knotts way back when he was on the Steve Allen Show back in the 50′s. There was a triumverate of Tom Poston, Louis Nye and Don Knotts- – - When one would ask Don(as his whole body was shaking) Are you nervous?? He would straighten out and state a resounding” NO” as his eyes widened!!! A great actor and comedian who will live on in our hearts!>