This is an episode that demonstrates what a marvelous TV father Andy Taylor was. I sure wish I could be this wise! Opie hopes to get a nice gift for his father and hopes to use his prodigious shooting skills to win an electric shaver. However, inexplicably, Opie loses again and again despite his skills. Later, when Andy learns what has happened, he visits the traveling carnival where Opie lost his savings and quickly spots a variety of ways the two sharp carnies are cheating. So, understanding how they've manipulated the gun sights, he quickly cleans up--winning game after game. Instead of then arresting them, he convinces them to give Opie a fair chance the next time he returns--after all, he does not want to bail out Opie--just give him a fair shake. And, if they don't, there's the implication that very bad things will likely occur!
Andy plays an incredibly wise father and manages to help his son without Opie even realizing it--so Opie won't expect his father to always be there to fight his battles. This is wise, indeed. And, as for Opie, as usual, he demonstrates that he's a child with great character. A warm and satisfying episode--even if it isn't meant to be a funny one.
Andy plays an incredibly wise father and manages to help his son without Opie even realizing it--so Opie won't expect his father to always be there to fight his battles. This is wise, indeed. And, as for Opie, as usual, he demonstrates that he's a child with great character. A warm and satisfying episode--even if it isn't meant to be a funny one.
