The Andy Griffith Show (TV Series) The Guitar Player Returns (1961) User Reviews

Bluegrass

[Hitchcoc · 6/10 · 28 November 2019]

When Jim Lindsey returns to Mayberry after breaking away from the band that put him on the map, he has fallen on hard times. He is adored by the townsfolk but is forced to put everything on his tab. While at Andy's home, a collection agent comes and takes his sports car away. Ellie is holding his markers, as is the guy who runs the hotel. Finally, Andy steps in and saves his bacon again. I really think the reason for this guy is to allow Andy to sing and entertain while this guy blows him away with his playing.

I am not sure why they made this episode...

[planktonrules · 5/10 · 12 October 2010]

The third episode of the series ("The Guitar Player") is a rather weak episode starring James Best as a frustrated musician (Jim Lindsey). In it, Andy breaks many laws in order to force a traveling band to listen to Lindsey's guitar playing--knowing that the ends justified the violations of the band's civil rights! It seemed to be an excuse to have Best on the show and really didn't seem to fit the overall style of the show. So why, then, did they decide to once again have Lindsey return later in the season?! If it was weak to begin with, having him return was even weaker.

The plot apparently finds Lindsey unemployed but still pretending he's with the band. When the truth is discovered by Andy, the Sheriff once again begins arresting folks to force them together so they'll kiss and make up. Considering it's almost like the first episode all over again, I don't think it's much more than a time-passer and a show that is easy to skip. Not bad--just not very good.

It's just amazing

[streetlight2 · 3/10 · 14 May 2020]

Again, an acoustic guitar with no electrical connections produces electric guitar sounds. Guitarists could save a lot of money on equipment with this trick

Wasn't one Jim Lindsey episode enough?

[vitoscotti · 5/10 · 16 October 2022]

The epitome of an average episode. The fake guitar playing with accompanying invisible instruments really drags down the episode. Jim Lindsey (James Best) just isn't funny to have a major role in a sitcom episode. The original Bobby Fleet (Henry Slate) was better than Herbert Ellis here. Jim Lindsey falling on hard times was an interesting angle. We see an early look at Barney's (Don Knotts) "repeating" bit that he really uses well in many future episodes. The highlight of the episode is Andy Griffith singing "Midnight Special". Phil Chambers as Jason the hotel clerk will soon get deservingly replaced. It's never really explained if Bobby Fleet has any musical talent or just taps to the music.