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What’s the Story?

Reviewed by Melissa Camacho

One of television's most iconic -- and cheerful -- comedy series, THE ANDY GRIFFITH SHOW revolves around Andy Taylor (Andy Griffith), the easygoing sheriff of the fictitious town of Mayberry, North Carolina. Mayberry may be small, but with eccentric residents like goofy auto mechanic Gomer Pyle (Jim Nabors) and easily distracted barber Floyd Lawson (Howard McNear), it's certainly not boring. Thanks to Taylor and his cousin -- rather overzealous "by-the-book" Deputy Barney Fife (Don Knotts) -- the tight-knit but rather innocent community is protected from anything and anyone that threatens their simple, happy way of life. Taylor is also raising his son, Opie (Ron Howard), with the help of their Aunt Bee (Frances Bavier), who moved in to help run the household. The strong relationship between father and son provides the basis for many of the show's discussions about "doing the right thing" and accepting the consequences of yout actions.

Is It Any Good?

3

The Andy Griffith Show, which aired from 1960-1968, was part of a TV trend that (somewhat ironically) epitomized traditional family values by featuring a family headed by a widowed parent. The series also provided a welcome, albeit idealized, version of simple, quiet American life during a time when the country was experiencing major civil unrest and was in the midst of the Vietnam War. Granted, the show's humor is dated, the cast is hardly diverse, and the storylines are simplistic (especially when you compare them to today's typical family sitcom). But what makes Andy Griffith stand the test of time is its focus on kindness and the importance of community.

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