This is the second episode to feature The Darling Family and the first to feature that rock throwin' mountain man Ernest T. Bass. It seems that Ernest T. is in love with Charlene Darling who just recently tied the knot with ex-soldier Dud Wash. He wants to "court her and charm her and woo her" but doesn't acknowledge the legality of a marriage officiated by the Justice of the Peace (Andy). So, Briscoe and the rest of the Darlings ask Andy to visit their homestead in the mountains to help convince Ernest T. that he needs to give up and quit making a "pestilence" of himself. Not an easy task when your dealing with (as Barney says) a "nut".
There are several memorable, funny scenes in this episode. Andy and Barney trying to sleep on chairs in the Darling living room while the entire family snores in unison. And then their failed attempt to correct the situation by rolling all the men over on their sides. This leads into the scene where Ernest T. throws a rock in the window and then attempts to "serenade" Charlene using a metal gas can for a drum to back up his poetry (or rap I suppose).
Earlier in the episode we get to hear the Darlings (actually "The Dillards") perform "Dooley", an enjoyable bluegrass tune that includes Andy on guitar and Briscoe on the jug. As in the first Darling episode, the "boys" play it dumb with their silence and blank facial expressions when they're not singing.
Kudos as usual to Denver Pyle and Maggie Peterson (Briscoe and Charlene) whose performances are always spot-on and enjoyable to watch. Also, kudos to Howard Morris whose irrepressible energy gives Ernest T. Bass that manic quality that defines his character.
Another classic episode from the ever reliable writing team of Jim Fritzell and Everett Greenbaum, and directed by the always creative Bob Sweeney.
There are several memorable, funny scenes in this episode. Andy and Barney trying to sleep on chairs in the Darling living room while the entire family snores in unison. And then their failed attempt to correct the situation by rolling all the men over on their sides. This leads into the scene where Ernest T. throws a rock in the window and then attempts to "serenade" Charlene using a metal gas can for a drum to back up his poetry (or rap I suppose).
Earlier in the episode we get to hear the Darlings (actually "The Dillards") perform "Dooley", an enjoyable bluegrass tune that includes Andy on guitar and Briscoe on the jug. As in the first Darling episode, the "boys" play it dumb with their silence and blank facial expressions when they're not singing.
Kudos as usual to Denver Pyle and Maggie Peterson (Briscoe and Charlene) whose performances are always spot-on and enjoyable to watch. Also, kudos to Howard Morris whose irrepressible energy gives Ernest T. Bass that manic quality that defines his character.
Another classic episode from the ever reliable writing team of Jim Fritzell and Everett Greenbaum, and directed by the always creative Bob Sweeney.
