I've been a big fan of The Andy Griffith Show since I was a kid and WTTG in DC would air it every night at 7PM. The show is funny, folksy and very human in its portrayal of small town folk. The backdrop was Mayberry, North Carolina but the show could really have taken place in any small town in America. Everyone for the most part exhibited love and respect for each other and the only real criticism I might have is the lack of diversity but hey, it was the 1960s.
Anyway, as I said I've been a big fan and didn't realize until later that the color episodes seemed different somehow. The obvious differences being the loss of Don Knotts who left the show after season 5 and the addition of color filming. I could never really put my finger on it but I came across a blog post several years ago that hit the nail on the head.
In "Barney and the moral economy of Mayberry" from the blog "Interesting Ideas," its pointed out that the central theme after season 5 is "Torture Andy." When I read this, it all made sense: Barney was now gone and could no longer be the lovable antagonist to Andy's patient and affable "rock" that steers the ship of Mayberry. Now, several characters of (let's be honest) lesser talent compete each week to antagonize Andy who now appears to to be much less patient for the town foibles.
I still love the show but more and more find the color episodes not nearly as watchable as the original 5 seasons and at times will just not watch them.
To me, for all intents and purposes, The Andy Griffith Show ended after season 5 and Mayberry RFD began with season 6.
Just my 2 cents ...
No comments:
Post a Comment