Monday marked the 50th anniversary of the first episode of the popular television program "The Andy Griffith Show," which defined a generation and taught life lessons that people still accredit today. The best thing about this anniversary party is that no one has forgotten the memory of the show or it's true essence. In fact, people are still coming to the screen and the town like never before to show appreciation to Mayberry's meaning.
Clearly, "The Andy Griffith Show" has stood the test of time. It is still a staple on cable television's TV Land and a hallmark on many southern local television channels in the afternoon. I personally can recall finishing dinner up and watching the show at 5:30 every day on my hometown's local CBS affiliate, WDBJ7. It's been a fan favorite and everyone in the region loves it still today. The show transmitted into homes over 249 episodes in an eight-year period. Reruns of the show still rate No. 1 on TV Land's ratings.
Aside from the bubbly personality of Andy's (Andy Griffith) fellow partner in law abidance, Deputy Barney Fife (Don Knotts) and the often snippy, yet fun-drunk Aunt Bea (Frances Bavier), the foundations of Mayberry still are as popular today as it was when that way of life was so common. However, Southern paradise on the scene wasn't so perfect as it was depicted.
Mayberry didn't focus on the real problems of the day: racial strife, a testing war, and the rise of a social revolution. Instead, each day commenced with a bountiful breakfast with everyone all bright-eyed and bushy-tailed and ended with a hug, a rocking-chair, and a bluegrass tune that got your feet stompin'.
Instead of feared dictators and terrorists, the only thing people had to contend with was a rock-chunking Ernest T. Bass and a town drunk named Otis who would self-incarcerate himself whenever he was too drunk to be a man. On the flip side, the fun would come when the Darlings would come down from the mountains for some pickin' and grinnin', but not before the "Fun Girls" would come and try to steal Barney and Andy from whoever they were courting that week.
Perhaps what makes the show so special now is its appeal to life as most of us know it. Mayberry was, on screen, a paradise where time stood still. Everyone knew each other and there were no distractions that took people away from enjoying the moment. It was so inviting. Watching the show almost makes you feel like you are living the life and interacting with the characters.
Every Aunt Bea of the day had that best friend with the better-than-you mentality. Every child could feel for Opie when Andy would get one of his infamous mean streaks. It was real people and real situations that everyone could relate too. Not just people who drink sweet tea.
I can remember one of my favorite episodes entitled "Man In a Hurry." The plot revolves around a well to do businessman from Charlotte whose car broke down in the rural setting. He was so eager to get home, back to the rush of the city, but stayed just long enough for the slow pace to get the best of him. The charm of Mayberry made him want to stick around a bit longer.
While there is no real Mayberry, the town of Mount Airy, N.C., which is very real, has labeled itself as the Eden depicted on the tube. They host festivals each year and have many storefronts dedicated to the show. The Andy Griffith Museum is also there. It's a place where superfans can come and where superfans reside.
The thing to remember about "The Andy Griffith Show," is that it's not just a show. It's a lesson in life. It teaches the basic principles of honesty, while showing what's right and what's wrong. It teaches to apologize and sometimes believe the unobvious. It teaches the basics of community and neighborly actions. The show captures the hearts of millions, while at the same time giving the watcher a few chuckles along the way. Most importantly, it teaches the sweetness and simplicity in life.
The next time you're in a hurry or life's getting a little too much for you, sit down and find an episode of "The Andy Griffith Show." Those 30 minutes of paradise will truly allow you to relax and enjoy life. You'll return to a time where everything is different. It's a magical time in a magical place. You'll wish you grew up in Mayberry. I know I sure do.
