these are a few of my favorite things...

Man in a Hurry-#77 This is a perfect episode. Malcolm Tucker, in a way, takes the place of a narrator. His visit draws every nuance out of each character. No episode is more hilarious AND more touching. Next time you watch it notice the great writing. Then watch it for sheer enjoyment. Do you ever recall an episode where Barney is so 'underplayed?' When Tucker explodes in anger Barn replies in the softest of tones..."I wonder what causes that?" We learn alot in just a few moments when no less than 4 offers are made to join them for supper....offerings made in the kindest and most respectable way.(Don Corleone would even have been proud!) We even get the full gamut from Gomer, from the hilarious 'E means it's empty...' to the gentle '...ah, it was a way to remember...'
"You people live in a different world!"
Amen to that.

Rafe Hollister Sings-#83 I'd forgotten how wonderful this episode was. Besides being flat out funny - next time you watch it notice:
....near the beginning when Rafe is singing ...Endearing Young Charms, as the camera slowly moves in and he gives a hint of a nod as he finishes...
....the way deflated Barney twists and turns to avoid eye contact with Andy....
....as Mrs. Hollister is walking towards the stage. The way she's grasping her purse and that prideful glisten in her eyes...
and the icing on the cake....we get Andy and Opie's duet at the end!

The Pickle Story-#43 As much as this is such a riot to watch, wouldn't you know my favorite moment is with Andy and Clara, when she says "Whenever I get lonely and discouraged....." I let loose. Somehow that just hits me. Don't we all have at least one thing in life that brings great consolation?

Dogs,Dogs,Dogs-#93 Beyond the 'selfish giraffe' gem and 'don't give him my Mr. Cookie Bar!' plea by Barney, I think Otis is the real standout in this episode. The opening shot of him downing Andy's 'mixed' drink is hilarious, and his hilarious banter with Barney are real standouts.

Opie The Birdman-#101 Up until one of the most memorable closing shots ever(second to Man in a Hurry), there are some scenes that I find almost unbearable to watch. Opie crying, and the scene with Andy in his room. But although Opie becomes a mother in this episode, I can't think of any other moment when he truly becomes a fine young man.

Mr. McBeevee-#66 Faith. What a great word. We know the little fella is telling the truth. A beautiful show. "I DO believe in my boy."

The Christmas Story-#11 Being the only Christmas show of the entire series makes it even more great. Ben Weaver as Scrooge, Sam Muggins as Bob Cratchit, and Miss Ellie as....well, a singing Angel(there I said it), makes this a warm feast with a cup overflowing with eggnog. The viewer is Tiny Tim....doesn't this episode cure all your pain and lift you spirits? And....isn't it nice that the Hubocker brothers are together this time of year...up at the State Prison? Ha!

Convicts-at-Large-#74 Barney light on his feet. Oblivious Floyd at his best."Weee'rrrrre hoooommmmme!."

High Noon in Mayberry-#80 I love the drama of this episode. It makes the comedy 100 times funnier. Leo Gordon is perfectly casted as Luke Comstock - what a face!

Andy On Trial-#61 Barney on the witness stand is one of the greatest scenes in the history of television. It sums up Andy Taylor to a t.

Aunt Bee's Brief Encounter-#38 Edgar Buchanan is perfect as the gold-bricking 'handyman.' But the scene I'm the most fond of is Francis Bavier's soliloquy after she learns Mr. Wheeler has left suddenly. "He just left?....I guess that's how it is with these drifters....they miss so much." Beautiful. Plus, the expression on Andy's face and his gentle hand on her shoulder.