The Andy Griffith Show (TV Series) The Education of Ernest T. Bass (1964) User Reviews

He'll Never Go Away

[Hitchcoc · 8/10 · 12 December 2019]

Ernest T. Bass is back, throwing his rocks through the courthouse windows. He needs an education or will lose his newly found girlfriend. And he has a couple days to get one. Andy is directed to get this down or the town will be in danger. Helen allows the guy to joint her fifth grade class where nothing goes right. It takes tweaking the system to get it to work. On a whole different subject, Helen certainly isn't very pleasant. As a matter of fact, she has little sense of humor.

I Hope It Works

[[e-mail] · 8/10 · 15 November 2023]

This story is from another time, as are all Andy Griffith Shows. To me, that makes them all the more valuable. This episode raises the issue of the sanctity of a diploma, whether it be eighth grade or high school. Many shows of the period, as I recall, deal with the importance of this certificate This episode of The Andy Griffith Show attacks it head on, and deals with it in a very satisfactory way. Poor Ernest T Bass needs to show his paramour that he is "educated" and Andy and Helen conspire (Helen unwillingly) to accommodate him Ernest T ends up with a " Certificate of Learning". (I liked that Helen's professionalism would not permit anything more) which should allow him to satisfy his love.

I previously skipped over all Ernest T Bass episodes, but have decided this one has a lot to offer.

Ernest T. loves his "mother figure"

[misstoes · 10/10 · 1 June 2019]

Howard Morris returns as Ernest T. Bass, this time seeking an education as demanded by his beloved "Romena" who is surprisingly unsatisfied with his commanding knowledge of common signage. Helen Crump makes room in Opie's fifth grade class for Ernest T. who contributes much to diagramming sentences. Ms. Crump momentarily abandons her progressive educational viewpoint resorting to corporal punishment with a ruler. This sets up the best-ever Ernest T. Bass moment and facial expression ever, making this one of the season's best. Barney explains Ernest T's reaction by citing "ol' Sigmund Frood" with surprising accuracy. Truly memorable turn by Howard Morris before he directs the next two shows.

Writers hit home runs with ETB episodes

[vitoscotti · 10/10 · 27 May 2022]

I'm a big fan of all the Ernest T Bass (Howard Morris) episodes. Also, when he's the radio voice, and the tv repairman. One of the greatest sitcom characters of all time. Accomplished with only a handful of episodes

Andy puts Helen (Aneta Corsaut) in quite a predicament putting wild-man ETB in her class. Some of the series best scenes with ETB as a imbecile student.

Love Barney's "Let me take him behind the barn for 5 minutes". Andy's hilarious response "He'd kill ya". With even Helen echoing the same response.

Epilogue redid the beginning antsy Barney meal clock tied in to his cheapness that worked well.

The fatal charm of Helen Crump claims another victim

[misstoes · 10/10 · 1 June 2019]

Howard Morris returns for the best Ernest T. Bass episode, this time in search of an education to satisfy the ever-growing list of courting requirements imposed by his beloved Romina (presumably Romona of the "My Fair Ernest T." episode). Helen Crump agrees to place Ernest T. into her fifth grade class. Her attempts to keep order fail as the new student tries to enlighten his classmates on the nature of "poss-tums" during a sentence diagramming lesson, causing little Sharon to giggle. Helen, normally dedicated to progressive education quickly resorts to corporal punishment, providing Howard Morris with a closeup worthy of rewinds and old lady Crump with her second round of unwanted romantic attention in the season. Barney deftly diagnoses the hillbilly's maternal hangup, citing "ol' Sigmund Frood" as he explains to Andy why yet another male is now entranced by his lock-jawed sweetheart. Brilliant.

Ms Crump I love you ...

[mloessel · 4/10 · 30 October 2020]

Mr Crump is a nice looking lady and has the misfortune of having Ernest T Bass in the classroom. He needs some education or at least a paper that says he's learned enough to move forword in life. He's courting a lady and she's made it very clear that he needs an education. Sheriff Taylor takes him under his wings and serves as his mentor. Crump does her best to offer support but Taylor does most of the work. And Fife keeps wining about it being a waste of time. He can be such an arrogant cuss. Bass gets his certificate of learning and everyone feels good. One of the better episodes showcasing Bass and his outrageous behavior (throwing rocks at windows).