The first episode of a show that has managed to be timeless. Somehow, the setting and the characters are universal. We have a good introduction to Andy, Barney, Aunt Bee, and Opie. It's interesting that Opie is such a major force in the first one. It involves the transition from a beloved housekeeper to the familiar Aunt Bee Taylor.
14 Reviews
Great Start to an Iconic TV Series
wdavidreynolds8 July 2019
This is the debut episode of one of the greatest television shows ever made. There is a blueprint here for how to make a great, entertaining TV show that is funny, emotional, and very compelling.
Andy Taylor and his son, Opie, live in the small North Carolina town of Mayberry with their housekeeper, Rose. Rose has decided to get married, and, therefore will leave the Taylor household. Opie resents this development in his young life. After all, Opie already lost his mother, apparently at a very young age. (Did she die giving birth to Opie? We are never told.)
Andy reaches out to his Aunt Bee Taylor, who played a crucial role in Andy's upbringing. Aunt Bee agrees to move to Mayberry to help care for Andy and Opie. The episode revolves around Opie's reluctance to accept Aunt Bee.
The true beauty of the episode -- and the series as a whole -- is not in the resolution of the drama that is created by Opie's refusal to embrace Aunt Bee, or the other dramas created to support the stories. It is in the interaction of the characters as they go about their relatively uneventful, easygoing, small town lives.
There are early flaws in this episode. During Season 1, Griffith played the Andy Taylor character with a much more exaggerated country-bumpkin personality. Barney Fife, as played by Don Knotts, is more of a sideline character. Nevertheless, the foundation is well built here for what would go on to be an incredible television series.
Andy Taylor and his son, Opie, live in the small North Carolina town of Mayberry with their housekeeper, Rose. Rose has decided to get married, and, therefore will leave the Taylor household. Opie resents this development in his young life. After all, Opie already lost his mother, apparently at a very young age. (Did she die giving birth to Opie? We are never told.)
Andy reaches out to his Aunt Bee Taylor, who played a crucial role in Andy's upbringing. Aunt Bee agrees to move to Mayberry to help care for Andy and Opie. The episode revolves around Opie's reluctance to accept Aunt Bee.
The true beauty of the episode -- and the series as a whole -- is not in the resolution of the drama that is created by Opie's refusal to embrace Aunt Bee, or the other dramas created to support the stories. It is in the interaction of the characters as they go about their relatively uneventful, easygoing, small town lives.
There are early flaws in this episode. During Season 1, Griffith played the Andy Taylor character with a much more exaggerated country-bumpkin personality. Barney Fife, as played by Don Knotts, is more of a sideline character. Nevertheless, the foundation is well built here for what would go on to be an incredible television series.
The Perfect Pilot
ldravis4 December 2015
When Andy and Opie's long-time housekeeper, Rose, ties the knot and moves away, Aunt Bea comes to Mayberry to fill the void in their lives. And so begins one of the finest American sit-coms of early television.
We are introduced to Sheriff Andy Taylor (Andy Griffith of "No Time for Sergeants"), Aunt Bea, (Frances Bavier), Deputy Barney Fife (Don Knotts), and 6 year-old Opie Taylor (Ron Howard), all living in a rural, mid-20th century American dream. In subsequent episodes, we will meet Howard, Floyd, Goober and Gomer Pyle, Otis, Helen Crump, Thelma Lou and the bluegrass-playing Darling family.
We are treated to a slice of small-town Mayberry, North Carolina, in this first episode, and the slow-paced comedy and direction (by creator and producer Sheldon Leonard) leaves us aching to return to this innocent time and place. In that television era, sexism, homophobia and racial bias are unacknowledged, but Sheriff Taylor applies the law with an equal hand while he loves and supports his family and community.
Deceptively simple, this pilot manages to capture the promise of the entire 249-episode series. Heartstrings are tugged, but only because the emotions are real, not calculated.
We are introduced to Sheriff Andy Taylor (Andy Griffith of "No Time for Sergeants"), Aunt Bea, (Frances Bavier), Deputy Barney Fife (Don Knotts), and 6 year-old Opie Taylor (Ron Howard), all living in a rural, mid-20th century American dream. In subsequent episodes, we will meet Howard, Floyd, Goober and Gomer Pyle, Otis, Helen Crump, Thelma Lou and the bluegrass-playing Darling family.
We are treated to a slice of small-town Mayberry, North Carolina, in this first episode, and the slow-paced comedy and direction (by creator and producer Sheldon Leonard) leaves us aching to return to this innocent time and place. In that television era, sexism, homophobia and racial bias are unacknowledged, but Sheriff Taylor applies the law with an equal hand while he loves and supports his family and community.
Deceptively simple, this pilot manages to capture the promise of the entire 249-episode series. Heartstrings are tugged, but only because the emotions are real, not calculated.
Funny, heart-warming and perfect....one of the show's very best.
planktonrules11 October 2010
Warning: Spoilers
Other than an early variation of the show that appeared as an episode of "The Danny Thomas Show" ("Make Room for Daddy"), this was the first time America saw the folks of Mayberry. This premiere episode might just be the best first show of any show in TV history, as the cast worked so well together, the writing was terrific and it set the stage for later shows by allowing sentiment and character development to take preeminence over laughs. Too often, TV shows relied on one-liners and wacky situations--here the show allowed itself to be so much more.
The show begins with Andy and Opie saying goodbye to their housekeeper. It seems that since the death of Andy's wife, they have been taken care of by the same sweet lady who has become an integral art of the family. But now that she is about to get married, there is a crisis and Aunt Bee is going to move in with them to fill this void. But for the young and adorable Opie, this won't do--Aunt Bee is just not the same person and no matter how Bea tries, she is a failure at getting Opie to bond with her. As a result, she eventually decides that she's not wanted and packs her bags to leave...leading up to one of the sweetest and most terrific endings in history. Get out the Kleenex for this one! Ron Howard is at his best here and the writing doesn't get any better. This is a terrific show from start to finish--even if the characters aren't 100% solidified (for instance, Barney is Andy's cousin in this show). A wonderful beginning.
The show begins with Andy and Opie saying goodbye to their housekeeper. It seems that since the death of Andy's wife, they have been taken care of by the same sweet lady who has become an integral art of the family. But now that she is about to get married, there is a crisis and Aunt Bee is going to move in with them to fill this void. But for the young and adorable Opie, this won't do--Aunt Bee is just not the same person and no matter how Bea tries, she is a failure at getting Opie to bond with her. As a result, she eventually decides that she's not wanted and packs her bags to leave...leading up to one of the sweetest and most terrific endings in history. Get out the Kleenex for this one! Ron Howard is at his best here and the writing doesn't get any better. This is a terrific show from start to finish--even if the characters aren't 100% solidified (for instance, Barney is Andy's cousin in this show). A wonderful beginning.
Just perfect
alv79020 February 2012
I'm not going to repeat the plot description, but I'll say this is an excellent first episode and introduction to the characters. Andy Griffith is full of human warmth and is funny without seeming to make any effort. He also has great chemistry with the rest of the cast. Don Knotts has a couple of opportunities to shine as Deputy Barney Fife. Ron Howard is adorable as little Opie and he steals the show in this episode.
The father-son relationship between Andy and Opie shines here. Highlights include the moment when Opie tells Andy that he is planning to run away. The ensuing conversation is both hilarious and heart- warming.
The story manages to be funny and touching at the same time. It doesn't need to steal cheap laughs by resorting to off-color humor. The humor is just there, but above all there's a heart to the story: you want to spend time with these characters not just because they are funny, but because you like them. This is the opposite of shows like Family Guy, that desperately try to be funny by resorting to the lowest kind of humor and the most despicable characters they can make.
The father-son relationship between Andy and Opie shines here. Highlights include the moment when Opie tells Andy that he is planning to run away. The ensuing conversation is both hilarious and heart- warming.
The story manages to be funny and touching at the same time. It doesn't need to steal cheap laughs by resorting to off-color humor. The humor is just there, but above all there's a heart to the story: you want to spend time with these characters not just because they are funny, but because you like them. This is the opposite of shows like Family Guy, that desperately try to be funny by resorting to the lowest kind of humor and the most despicable characters they can make.
Sweet episode
kellielulu1 November 2022
Warning: Spoilers
The first episode does a good job of setting the tone . Some things change like much of the comedy going to Barney . He's still funny here but it takes a bit too see him at his comedic best. There is also mention of Andy and Barney being cousins which is quickly dropped.
Opie loves Rose the housekeeper but she is marrying and leaving and Aunt Bee is coming to take her place. Opie is struggling to accept Bee and she is struggling to be what he wants. She can't seem to adapt and neither can he even though she raised Andy . She loses his bird, can't fish, hunt frogs or play baseball. Bee decides it's better if she leaves but Opie has a change of heart. Aunt Bee needs him to teach her all those things! Yes, Aunt Bee does need him she says.
It's a very heartfelt episode and funny enough that it's not too sappy. Andy is easy going and takes things as the come . He does what he can to help Opie accept Aunt Bee without coming on too strong.
Ron Howard as Opie is so natural as a child actor. He's funny , acts like a regular kid and is very quick to say what's on his mind . The writing for him was perfect here .
Opie loves Rose the housekeeper but she is marrying and leaving and Aunt Bee is coming to take her place. Opie is struggling to accept Bee and she is struggling to be what he wants. She can't seem to adapt and neither can he even though she raised Andy . She loses his bird, can't fish, hunt frogs or play baseball. Bee decides it's better if she leaves but Opie has a change of heart. Aunt Bee needs him to teach her all those things! Yes, Aunt Bee does need him she says.
It's a very heartfelt episode and funny enough that it's not too sappy. Andy is easy going and takes things as the come . He does what he can to help Opie accept Aunt Bee without coming on too strong.
Ron Howard as Opie is so natural as a child actor. He's funny , acts like a regular kid and is very quick to say what's on his mind . The writing for him was perfect here .
The new housekeeper
amknowles-885364 April 2017
This first show aired in Oct 1960 I don't remember the original airing for i was only three. But i love watching this show and the whole series Up to the time Don Knotts left the show. For it takes me back to my youth a simpler place and time. It's seems as the show went on Andy lost His simple country charm and humor that was full of wisdom and had that innocence. I read that in the first years of the show Andy Griffith wasn't please with the way he portrayed his character and of course the way he portrayed his character changed to in my opinion to a less warm character And more cynical one which of course I don't think was his intent. I know I will get a lot of flack for saying this. Plus the lost of Don Knotts leads me to watch the series up to the time Don Knotts. Some of the greatest shows also in my opinion Were the interactions between Don Knotts and Jim Neighbors as Gomer Pile. They played great off of each other.
First time to see
TerryS-5092816 March 2021
The Andy Griffith Show premiered in October 1960 when I was ten years old. I just now finished watching the first episode thanks to TVLAND. Some how I missed it back then. Now, 60 years later, I have finally viewed episode 1. It was worth the wait.
Frances Bavier gave a stellar performance.
vitoscotti11 September 2022
The episode sets up one of the greatest sitcoms of all time. So it's highly valuable. But, I personally prefer color episode Opie the pest and bean spiller than Opie the annoying kid brat. 20 of the 26 minutes was Opie being a pain. Aunt Bee (Frances Bavier) gave one her best TAGS performances. Rose (Mary Treen) is very dull next to Aunt Bee. Frank Ferguson's signature TAGS role will be Mr Foley. Don Knotts was very funny even with his character still in infancy. Emma Brand (Cheerio Meredith) always shines. Andy Griffith's forced strong southern accent can be a little too much. His character will take shape in season 2 being Barney's straight man. Far from a top series episode laughs wise. Funniest part was Bee running from her caught fish reeled in. Terrific singing by Andy Griffith at the end.
A Happy Day for Opie
greggaver5 July 2019
As always the first episode is a good one & starts the shows history. Andy needs help with his son Opie & Aunt Bee should fill the bill but Opie wants Rose back. So from the start Opie is alittle pain in the -- about Aunt Bee but Andy wants it to work out. Aunt Bee doesn't seem to be able to do anything fish,play baseball & when she leaves Opies bird cage open & pinky flies away Aunt Bee figures it's time to go. But as she starts to leave Opie changes the way he fells & wants her to stay so he can teach her how to do things. Everyone is happy & even the bird comes back. I wish in away Andy would have stayed closer to Opie in later shows he seemed to have distanced him self from a loving dad. I think this started in the second season just when you think a hug would help it's not there. Maybe I'am just remembering how close my dad was to me I was 12 when this show aired. Well still my favorite espiode!
Opie's skepticism is well-founded...
ronnybee211219 August 2021
Warning: Spoilers
The family housekeeper is quitting,so Andy invites his 'Aunt Bee' to move in and play housekeeper for Andy and Opie.
Opie is (quite wisely) skeptical of this intrusion into their household and their lives.
Aunt Bee eventually proves to be an annoyingly pompous,selfish blowhard that (in my opinion) should have been sent back to wherever she came from asap.
Worse yet,from what I have read,the actress that played 'Aunt Bee' was a total jerk that made what should have been a fun-to-make show into a stressful ordeal for everyone on the cast and crew. Too bad nobody had the nerve to fire the old battle-axe.
Opie was right!
Opie is (quite wisely) skeptical of this intrusion into their household and their lives.
Aunt Bee eventually proves to be an annoyingly pompous,selfish blowhard that (in my opinion) should have been sent back to wherever she came from asap.
Worse yet,from what I have read,the actress that played 'Aunt Bee' was a total jerk that made what should have been a fun-to-make show into a stressful ordeal for everyone on the cast and crew. Too bad nobody had the nerve to fire the old battle-axe.
Opie was right!
A Pilot That Was Perfect
AudioFileZ15 February 2024
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.
A Great Start
dghammer3 February 2022
A great begging to an iconic show.....the beginning of a slice of Americana. A better child actor then Ron Howard never occurred again in television history in my opinion. No issues brought up....beautiful start to the Marxist message for Comrade Andy and indoctrination of young Howard began.
See also
Awards | FAQ | User Ratings | External Reviews | Metacritic Reviews
