A new doctor (played by George Nader) shows up in town and Ellie Walker (aka. Elinor Donahue) helps him get acquainted with Mayberry. Her friendliness is miss read by Barney and Aunt Bee. Andy buys into their suspiciousness and Andy asks Barney to get to know the new doctor. Andy's insecurities take over as he has a conversation with Ms Ellie and she makes it clear that her and Andy are a couple and they will go to the annual picnic. Of course that conversation doesn't set with Taylor as his insecurities stay intact. Barney and Aunt Bea feels he should be so bold as to ask Ellie to marry him. This is not necessary but Aunt Bea has old school thinking and believes a marriage proposal will secure Andy's relationship with Ellie. And Aunt Bea is firm in her beliefs no matter if she's a bit premature. Elinor Donahue (aka Ms Ellie) had one season with the Andy Griffith Show and the chemistry between Elinor and Andy didn't develop and mature as it would when Ms Helen Crump ( aka Aneta Corsaut) shows up in the 3rd season. Ms Crump was closer to Taylor's age and they had the necessary chemistry. As for Ms Ellie her beauty and charm were not enough to sustain her character and Donahue would later admit that one season was enough. She left the Show with no exit episode. Future episodes had Sheriff Taylor hooking up with women closer to his age.
6 Reviews
Has some funny Barney scenes.
vitoscotti6 October 2022
Quite a lot from this episode will be done funnier in future episodes. S6 E2 "Andy's Rival" will be a classic 10* episode with a similar theme. Frank Smith (Charles Aidman) will give a stellar TAGS performance. Barney's duck walk will be redone in the top episode S3 E27 "Barney's First Car". Best scenes here are Barney's doctor visit, and him spying on Ellie (Elinor Donahue) and Dr Benson (George Nader). This episode always stirred up conversation when watching as a kid with George Nader's history. The Barney character seems to be taking shape not only just being an imbecile but now an aggressive imbecile. Definitely a lack of chemistry between Andy Griffith and the lovely Elinor Donahue which was unfortunate as she was very good. Andy finally kisses her on screen and it's on the forehead. Very good epilogue with Andy making a fool of himself again.
Overreaction City
Hitchcoc27 November 2019
Barney's jumping to conclusions reaches a new high here. When a handsome young doctor comes to Mayberry, he spends a lot of time with Ellie. Of course, Barney jumps to the conclusion that he is about to steal her from Andy. Of course, Sheriff Taylor decides this is true and goes off half cocked. There are times when he doesn't seem all that great a catch.
Legendary Barney Fife
kingjesse-475784 May 2019
Barney at his Best
MichaelMartinDeSapio18 June 2020
Very funny Season 1 episode in which Andy fears that his girlfriend Ellie Walker has eyes for the young new doctor in town. The scene with Barney in the doc's office shows the deputy at his passive-aggressive best as he tries, in an underhanded way, to warn the doctor to keep away from Ellie. Later, Barney has a classic scene of comic bumbling as he tries to spy on Ellie and the doctor in the drugstore. The first season had a few instances where Andy's character and the various situations seemed still in-development, but that is certainly not the case here. Great episode!
So Believable but Opie Gets the Best Lines
scottschada@yahoo.com6 September 2023
Warning: Spoilers
This is so engaging--and relatable. I always enjoy Barney's reversal during his investigative physical examination when he finds out that he might be in failing health. Aunt Bee's wisdom seems well placed and realistic too. Only sitcom contrivance arises when Barney skulks behind the drug counter to mishear a conversation between Ellie and the doctor. But the real treat is Opie's remarks in a conversation between himself, Aunt Bee, and Andy, regarding Andy's apparent reluctance to get serious and Opie's wish to have a mom with a soda fountain: "Come on Pa, be a sport--get married". He also offers "I know--You're afraid" You really need to watch the episode .
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