The RFD characters have infiltrated the show. They are the focus, using the regulars as window dressing. Here, we meet Mike, who is being bullied. Opie becomes his protector. The saccharine is rising. I never cared for the next incarnation of the show but to each his own. Andy is heading for the door.
5 Reviews
Good, moral episode.
scott-edwards117 January 2011
Though the later seasons of the Andy Griffith Show (made in color) lost a lot of the old look and feel of the black and white episodes, and sorely missed Deputy Barney Fife, the writers didn't miss a beat with fun and morally entertaining shows. This episode from 1968 tells a story regarding bullies that's been present since I was in school in the 1960s. The writers of the Andy Griffith Show found a way to keep the show and its characters fresh for 8 years, and they are to be commended for that. There are only a few other half-hour series from the 50s and 60s that really hit the nail on the head with such superb writing (Leave It To Beaver, Superman, and The Dick Van Dyke Show come to mind). What a great time to grow up. Times have sure changed, and these programs are sorely missed. When I was a kid I couldn't wait to get home from school to watch these great programs. That was nearly 50 years ago!
A child actor facing unemployment
jarrodmcdonald-126 March 2020
Warning: Spoilers
This episode is tough to watch if you're a fan of Opie Taylor. Basically we have young Ron Howard on screen watching Buddy Foster start to replace him as the innocent kid on the show. Ron's scenes feel awkward, like he's realizing that he is now out of place here in the main story. It's not his fault, it's the producers and writers that created this awkward transitional phase, with the parent show leading into the successor program.
The writers should have brought closure to the Taylor household before introducing Sam and his son.
Frances Bavier, who obviously wanted to stay on the program and keep her job as Aunt Bee, seems to be trying hard to develop a rapport with Buddy Foster, the boy who plays young Mike. She knows most of her storyline and scenes from now on will require working with Mike on the spinoff. But it's a little too obvious to me, because Aunt Bee never gave that much attention to any of Opie's other friends.
A better more accurate title for this episode would have been 'Mike the New Opie.' Or 'Opie Who?'
The writers should have brought closure to the Taylor household before introducing Sam and his son.
Frances Bavier, who obviously wanted to stay on the program and keep her job as Aunt Bee, seems to be trying hard to develop a rapport with Buddy Foster, the boy who plays young Mike. She knows most of her storyline and scenes from now on will require working with Mike on the spinoff. But it's a little too obvious to me, because Aunt Bee never gave that much attention to any of Opie's other friends.
A better more accurate title for this episode would have been 'Mike the New Opie.' Or 'Opie Who?'
Play that funky music.
vitoscotti9 September 2022
Not many high points. But, a few. The anti-bullyng message was a positive. Though Sam (Ken Berry) handled it weakly. Sam Jones is much better in small doses (like here) with how boring, and stale the character Is. Odd, that Mike (Buddy Foster) is actually Heather's age (11). Both 3 years younger than Opie (Ron Howard (14). A cute story of growing up and adapting. No laughs except the dancing of Opie & Heather totally lacking any rhythm. Better than "Sam for City Council". But, thats not saying much. Curious Opie & Mike attend high school and grade school in the same building. Or Opie's grade is what is ever convenient for each episode.
"Bully /Bodyguard"
SombeeKillah29 March 2012
Warning: Spoilers
I just wanted to say that this episode brought back many memories for me because at one point in my life I also befriended a little kid just like Opie did in school who was being bullied. They didn't mess with him anymore because otherwise they would have had to mess with me and they didn't care for that. I was sort of a Good/Bad Boy Bully myself but in a good way though so I had plenty of respect in my school years.
And just like in this episode, the kid became "attached " to me and became basically my "shadow"! I in turn became like his Big Brother since he had no father figure at all in his life. It was until I had gotten a new girlfriend, that he felt "abandoned" by me and got the hint that I wanted of course to spend any free-time with my girl. Later when I did have extra time and I felt guilty what I had done to him, he was way too busy with his own little girlfriend now! Ha-ha.So in the end it all worked out. We later all would go out on double dates to like miniature golf or movies. :)
And just like in this episode, the kid became "attached " to me and became basically my "shadow"! I in turn became like his Big Brother since he had no father figure at all in his life. It was until I had gotten a new girlfriend, that he felt "abandoned" by me and got the hint that I wanted of course to spend any free-time with my girl. Later when I did have extra time and I felt guilty what I had done to him, he was way too busy with his own little girlfriend now! Ha-ha.So in the end it all worked out. We later all would go out on double dates to like miniature golf or movies. :)
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