The new doctor in town is Dr. Peterson (Father Mulcahy from MASH/William Christopher). Because the guy he is replacing retires after 40 years, he is immediately brought under suspicion. Part of the problem is his age and his inexperience. But Andy, who defended him, will be put to the test.
5 Reviews
Helen the crusader
targa929 June 2020
Warning: Spoilers
This one is about a new (very young) doctor (William Christopher, "Father Mulcahey" of M*A*S*H) comes to town to replace the outgoing doctor, who moved. At first, Andy and Helen try to reassure everyone (skeptical Clara and Floyd, esp.) that, despite being very green, he's qualified and that they should put their health in his hands. But when Opie's tonsils act up and the doctor says they have to come out, Andy has second thoughts of letting the new doctor do it, due to his lack of experience.
A good episode, but I felt Helen's browbeating of Andy to put HIS OWN SON under some new doctor's care, just so she can feel good about supporting the new doctor, crossed a line. Andy should have straightened her out that, no matter what he said, it's his son, not hers, and an operation on your son is not the same thing as simply letting a new doctor do a checkup.
SHORTAGE OF ACTORS
JSGal19 August 2021
William Christopher was in an earlier episode as an IRS agent, and now he is the new doctor in town! However, he is only seen and spoken of in this episode. There must be a shortage of available actors for The Andy Griffith Show, as several have played dual roles. And, I lost count of how many doctors that have come and gone in the small town of Mayberry. Weird!
The Dr. Makes Good
wheeling5001 May 2022
Warning: Spoilers
As usual, everyone is skeptical when a new doctor comes to town. Andy, in particular, seems as if he'd rather have Opie suffer from pain rather than let the Dr. Remove his tonsils. Helen steps in and puts her foot down and is furious with Andy. The story ends well as it always does.
Andy Griffith was only 6½ years older than William Christopher.
vitoscotti6 August 2022
William Christopher with his strained voice is superbly cast as Dr Peterson. As he was also as iRS Agt. Heathcote. The epitome of a laid-back character actor. Rare allying of Floyd (Howard McNear) & Clara (Hope Summers) after funny both cutting each other off going on about their infirmities. Floyd gets in a good jab about Clara's bursitis complaining now running 25 years.
We see Andy genuinely worried about Opie's heath. He usually is under control. Helen is very aggressive in her pointing Andy in the right direction. Best scene is at the Taylor's dinner table. Floyd & Clara throw digs at the Dr and give comical reactions to the Dr's merits being explained by he and the rest. Funniest bit is Dr Petersen awkwardly all thumbs carving a turkey with Floyd's dismay, and comments of shock after the Dr leaves. Also funny when Andy tries to pin Aunt Bee's worry as motivating his concern. A very funny, but touching episode.
We see Andy genuinely worried about Opie's heath. He usually is under control. Helen is very aggressive in her pointing Andy in the right direction. Best scene is at the Taylor's dinner table. Floyd & Clara throw digs at the Dr and give comical reactions to the Dr's merits being explained by he and the rest. Funniest bit is Dr Petersen awkwardly all thumbs carving a turkey with Floyd's dismay, and comments of shock after the Dr leaves. Also funny when Andy tries to pin Aunt Bee's worry as motivating his concern. A very funny, but touching episode.
See also
Awards | FAQ | User Ratings | External Reviews | Metacritic Reviews
