Millie has received a letter from Rex Alexander (Robert Sampson), an acquaintance from her time modeling in New York. The famed sculptor had been intrigued by Mayberry's "rural tranquility" as a place "to get away from it all" and has decided to visit. He wants to rent a small space to use as a studio. Millie throws a tea party to introduce everyone to Rex and they all enjoy meeting. Rex becomes immersed in the simple Mayberry way of life and announces that he wants to create a sculpture for the town as a gift. The town is abuzz of intrigue as Rex spends day and night working in secrecy. The citizens feel blessed and gather for a unveiling ceremony. "The Struggle" is revealed as a plain modern art piece consisting of oddly-flowing lines and shapes. The crowd looks on in awkward silence and the real struggle becomes pretending to like it. Aunt Bee, Myrtle, Howard, Emmett, Sam, and Millie can't figure out it's meaning and they decide to discreetly try to have Rex explain it. They are unsuccessful and after examining it individually conclude that it isn't for Mayberry, but face a dilemma of not hurting Rex's feelings. Aunt Bee and Sam come up with an idea.
When I see an episode rated so low, it becomes intriguing as to why. In my opinion, it is not reflective of the script, which holds interest more than most, but the feelings it invokes. Rex quickly becomes a very likable character and the viewer naturally is happy for him. When the artwork is unveiled you can feel the awkwardness through the screen. You feel bad for Rex and viewing the episode is now a bit uncomfortable. There's some themes that could have been explored to give the episode more depth and heart. However, I find the plot relatable. I live in a small town very much like Mayberry. A few years ago a local organization operated by people not in tune with it's citizens interests commissioned an art piece in town. The modern art monstrosity is out of place to our cultural heritage and it's meaning still unknown. It was created in secrecy, installed in secrecy, and is likewise despised in secrecy. So, this is not such an outlandish concept to happen to a small town, and reworking the character development and exploring some themes would have made this a better episode.
When I see an episode rated so low, it becomes intriguing as to why. In my opinion, it is not reflective of the script, which holds interest more than most, but the feelings it invokes. Rex quickly becomes a very likable character and the viewer naturally is happy for him. When the artwork is unveiled you can feel the awkwardness through the screen. You feel bad for Rex and viewing the episode is now a bit uncomfortable. There's some themes that could have been explored to give the episode more depth and heart. However, I find the plot relatable. I live in a small town very much like Mayberry. A few years ago a local organization operated by people not in tune with it's citizens interests commissioned an art piece in town. The modern art monstrosity is out of place to our cultural heritage and it's meaning still unknown. It was created in secrecy, installed in secrecy, and is likewise despised in secrecy. So, this is not such an outlandish concept to happen to a small town, and reworking the character development and exploring some themes would have made this a better episode.