The Andy Griffith Show

INDULGENT MUSINGS:
And we're back! Hope you all had a wonderful holiday season and new year celebration. I'm starting off 2018 with a spec for The Andy Griffith Show. A show that was set in the 60's, evoking nostalgia for the 30's, yet still holds up today. In one word, The Andy Griffith Show is...

Wholesome.

This word isn't meant to scare you away. Being wholesome doesn't instantly negate a show's ability to be good or even relevant. As a comedy writer, I've written on shows aimed at a breadth of different demographics and each one presents its own set of challenges and limitations. What I appreciate about The Andy Griffith Show is that every single joke and moment resonates with a 6-year-old as much as a 100-year-old. And they accomplished this by playing the voice of the show innocently and truthfully. It was a show that allowed its viewers an escape. I see that as a noble effort.

EPISODE SUMMARY:
Barney arrests a traveling conman who challenges his concepts of right and wrong.

HONESTY CORNER:
Yeah, I'm not crazy about this one, guys. I think I was a little rusty coming back from traveling over the holidays. I don't think my plot sustained the whole script so there's a lot of vamping.

Opie won't shut up about his algebra homework. Why'd I write him that way? And isn't he too young to have algebra homework? And what's up with the jail policies in Mayberry? Do I understand how small town police justice works? Did I put too many dumb jokes in here? I dunno. As always, I'm proud that I got this done this week but I look forward to whatever next week holds.

SPECIAL THANKS TO:
My dear friend, Corbin Craft, for lookin' over this puppy yesterday and giving his two cents before I posted.

But now I ask you, dear readers: Do you agree with my own criticisms? Or am I being too hard on myself and am actually a brilliant 60's television writer? Let me know in the comments!