The Andy Griffith Show (TV Series) Howard's Main Event (1967) User Reviews

Fisticuffs

[Hitchcoc · 7/10 · 7 January 2020]

I always had a crush on Arlene Golonka. She is the cutie that shows up in Mayberry, working at the bakery. Howard begins to see her, but former boyfriend Alan Melvin shows up and begins to threaten our mustache toting clerk. It's a plot that they've done before and, while cute, it doesn't present anything new. I have to say that Howard keeps running with some really attractive women.

Howard Fits In Better As His Character Develops

[AudioFileZ · 6/10 · 27 January 2024]

It's a bit hard to get excited over a Howard Sprague centric episode one might say. But, Howard is our likable milquetoast everyman. A kind soul that lands on the decided side of being very nerdy. Like nerds we all know though some are ones we like. And so it is a good setup for our nerd getting bullied. Let me back up a few though. Howard is immediately smitten with new bakery employee Millie. Millie radiates sweetness with a good dose of being naturally beautiful. We can understand our quickly aging bachelor's interest. Things go swimmingly well for Howard in spite of his obvious awkwardness. That is until an ex love interest arrives seeking to rekindle something between himself and Millie. The always serviceable Allan Melvin as Clyde Plaunt is the ex. Though Millie isn't interested Clyde isn't going quietly into the night. Actually he plays the bully card thinking he can intimidate Howard. After initially pulling the intimidation thing off Howard gets the right pep talk from Andy and is ready for confrontation with Clyde. Howard, though not bluffing, pulls off his own intimidation and it works without a punch thrown. Who doesn't like to see any bully put in his/her place? The only thing is it may give one a bit of false confidence that presenting that same intimidation to all those out of line is wise. Howard gets a balancing gut check. Though a bit light on laughs I think we get another lesson this time not so much by Andy. I must say my growing like for the Howard Sprague character inches forward though.

Borrows from other episodes

[vitoscotti · 10/10 · 24 August 2022]

A terrific episode even though most scenes are very similar to other TAGS episodes. Howard (Jack Dodson) plays the milquetoast to the hilt. Another stellar appearance by Allan Melvin as Clyde Plaunt. Ironic he's in town working on a sewer line. Episode is loaded with funny classic scenes. Shame pretty Millie (Arlene Galonka) was only in 2 episodes. Andy plays dumb not being in tune to the friction between Howard and Clyde. Even right before his eyes in the diner. In a really funny ending Andy turns a blind eye to Howard being sucker punched. One of season 8's best episodes.