The New Doctor

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.

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!

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.

This one of my favorite performances from Don Knotts on the Andy Griffith Show. If you are having a bad day watch this episode it will put you in way better mood.