When TV viewers were introduced to Mayberry in 1960, they were instantly immersed into this idyllic small town. A place to tune out the troubles of the world and easily transport yourself among the "real" characters that became friends. And I've seen real-life friendships made between strangers discussing "The Andy Griffith Show". Most of the country lives "in the country"- rural settings that make the show all the more relatable. Other fans live in bustling cities where their TV connection to Mayberry is the link to escape to that quieter place. I've lived in both... and returned to the rural setting, lucky enough to share similarities to Mayberry.
Fans widely agree that "The Andy Griffith Show" began a steady decline when Don Knotts left the show following the fifth season. But, the ratings never dropped, and it ended it's run as the number one rated TV show on air (a feat only shared with "I Love Lucy" and "Seinfeld"). The characters were less interesting; the plots weaker. But, the viewers kept tuning in. They had long become residents themselves of Mayberry. It was home.
"Mayberry R.F.D." (Rural Farm Delivery) allowed these "citizens" of Mayberry a little longer in their beloved, fictitious escape. The sequel was essentially a continuation of "The Andy Griffith Show". The sitcom follows life in Mayberry after Andy (Andy Griffith), Helen (Aneta Corsaut), and Opie (Ron Howard) depart the spotlight for a new life. Widower farmer and town council president Sam Jones (Ken Berry, "F Troop", "Mama's Family") raises his young son Mike (Buddy Foster) as he grows through life lessons. The father and son are cared for by their housekeeper Aunt Bee (Frances Bavier, and later Alice, played by Alice Ghostley). Sam also balances his love life with his girlfriend Millie (Arlene Golonka). As the series progresses, plots increasingly revolve around Goober (George Lindsey), who now owns Wally's Filling Station, county clerk Howard Sprague (Jack Dodson), and handyman Emmett Clark (Paul Hartman) who still runs his fix-it shop. The series ran for three successful seasons (1968-71) before falling victim to CBS's "rural purge".
"Mayberry R.F.D." had some good episodes, but generally carried on the steady decline. A few episodes stand out for its comedy, namely Don Knott's sole appearance in the very first episode. The tone in the series is much softer than "The Andy Griffith Show". The stories are often light and not very developed, and the laughs few and far between. It's just a sweet little visit with old friends. "Mayberry R.F.D." merely allows us to mingle in the most idyllic town ever created for a little longer, and for that we're appreciative.
