Man in a Hurry

This episode works because the man in the title can't sit still. He has to be somewhere and nothing can deter him. It's Sunday, and nothing normally would be done. On Sunday, the whole town shuts down and people sit back and enjoy the silence. The guy needs his car repaired and the mechanic who could manage it doesn't work on Sunday. Great kindness and patience are shown to the man and he harumphs and complains over and over. While we don't meet Gomer for the first time, he is much more visible and critical to the plot. Eventually, silence takes a stance. Nice writing and a true philosophical episode.

Richard Emhardt's (Malcolm Tucker) brilliant performance certainly shines. But each scene, and all the actors performances are all some of classic comedy's most memorable.

Favorite scenes- Norman Leavitt's (Wally) clogged fuel line impression, Barney's repeating nap, over to Thelma Lou's, watch a little tv, then his wonderfully offended walk, and facial expression leaving the porch. First time Gomer's "all the best to you and yours". Andys masterful laid back relaxed man playing off the stressed man in a hurry weaved a poignant story in Malcolm Tucker's mind.

There seemed to be some inconsistency as to where Barney was supposed to be. Left for a nap, then Thelma Lou's in a huff then there he is again on the porch near the end. Also, seemed odd a brand new car would get a clogged fuel line. Also enjoy seeing "The Real McCoys" set behind Gomer at the filling station.

We should all be thankful that Jim Nabors changed his Gomer voice after this because it just sounds so wrong. I know it's because we later heard the voice we came to know and love but this first version is quite strange to hear.

Another quintessential episode that hits all the buttons that made the Andy Griffith show memorable.

A busy businessman driving on a Sunday to be in Charlotte for Monday morning meetings breaks down in Mayberry. He is desperate to get his car fixed immediately but runs into small town pacing and finds that difficult. Of course spending time waiting at Andy's home exposes him to small acts that stir memories in him from likely simpler times.

Several classic events: Barney analyzing his plans for the rest of the day, the older sisters tying up the party line telephone talking about their sore feet, the thrill of peeling an apple with the skin in one piece, Opie looking forward to adventure sleeping on an ironing board, and Goober being thrilled just to work on a car like the businessman's.

A fitting ending which I won't spoil, but well worth the wait.

A note of complaint about TV Land which is running a marathon on Memorial Day. They have cut the tag scenes off in every episode. In a few the loss of the tag are a big loss. Especially this one (and Mr. McBeevee). We get they need to sell x minutes of commercials and run a tight schedule but they surely have editors that can cut minutes from these episodes in more strategic moments.

Whenever I have trouble shutting my mind off in order to get get some sleep, I think of the final shot in this episode.

Nothing says "relax" any better, anywhere.

Should have won an award.