The Andy Griffith Show (TV Series) Andy Saves Gomer (1964) User Reviews

Pretty funny, but it's a plot I've seen a few times in other shows and cartoons.

[planktonrules · 7/10 · 24 October 2010]

This is an awfully familiar plot--not for "The Andy Griffith Show" but I have seen it in other shows as well as in a few cartoons. While it is handled deftly, as usual, by the series due to good writing and acting.

In this show, Gomer might have died in a small accidental fire. Andy springs to his aid and Gomer (being an idiot) overreacts. Of course he wants to do something nice for Andy, but instead of just doing this, he wants to become like a slave for him. In the process, again and again, it ends up making Andy's life miserable--mostly since Gomer is a total screw-up and makes a mess of things. So, in the end, Andy comes up with a way to cancel that debt and once again make them just good friends.

The plot was one that could easily be predicted--especially the ending. But, it is pleasant and enjoyable. Certainly not a must-see but worth a look.

Old Plot Works Pretty Well

[Hitchcoc · 7/10 · 10 December 2019]

When Andy walks in on a sleeping Gomer Pyle sitting in front of a burning trash barrel, Gomer believes that Andy saved his life (actually, he may have). Gomer feels the need to pay him back in every excessive way possible, driving the Taylor family nuts. If someone acted that way it would give me the creeps.

A bit over done. But, works.

[vitoscotti · 8/10 · 18 May 2022]

Script is flimsy. But, the Gomer character is so unique it clicks well. Andy getting imposed on will be a recurrent theme even more after Don Knotts leaves. Mostly Gomer being annoying than funny. Aunt Bee sifting flour was very funny. Good to see Howard McNear back, though looking like he'd been through a lot with his illness. Peek-a-boo blouse in Barney's letter seemed a bit racy. Epilogue was more of a continuation of Gomer being annoying.

Best is the Opening Scene

[[e-mail] · 7/10 · 9 January 2021]

Such promise! The opening scene where Andy relates Barney's letter from his vacation in Raleigh with cousin Virgil is a highlight of the series. After this, though, it turns into a very familiar tale of the indebtedness of one person to another whom he feels has "saved his life". Andy's final resolution to the problem also seems contrived, implausible, if not impossible, to me. Then again, Gomer is not the brightest bulb in the drawer. The surprise at the very end (where usually nothing happens) let's me elevate my star rating to "7". All the dedicated talents in this series, including writers, make this episode worth watching.