Day 127, May 7: Andy and Barney

My All-Time Top 10

Andy Griffith Episodes

It's my favorite television show, so I must have some favorite episodes. Season 3 was the best. And I agree with those who said the show went downhill when it changed from B&W to color.

1. Mr. McBeevee, Season 3: It's not possible to make a more touching father-son story than this one, where Andy's faith in Opie is severely tested. Heartwarming is an understatement.

2. Convicts at Large, Season 3: As touching as No. 1, this is hilarious. Barney and Floyd are held hostage by three tough women. Barney becomes "Al" and Floyd is, well, Floyd.

3. Barney and the Governor, Season 3: A lot of actors play good drunks, but Barney ranks right up there. The scene where Andy takes him home to sober him up is one of the best ever.

4. Opie the Birdman, Season 4: Another touching father-son episode where Opie accidentally kills a bird. A great final scene.

5. Barney's First Car, Season 3: Boy he is showing off, but the car is the sourest lemon you'll ever see.

6. Andy Saves Barney's Morale, Season 1: One of the better ones where Andy's loyalty and friendship help cover up for Barney's innocence, but ineptness.

7. Citizen's Arrest, Season 4: Sometimes you really pitty Barney and what he gets himself into. This one gets him in trouble again, but he always gets out of it.

8. Opie and the Bully, Season 2: Andy must teach Opie how to stand up for himself, without intruding too much. Delicate balance you don't see in real-life too often anymore.

9. Man in Hurry, Season 3: When a bigtime city guy's car breaks down in Mayberry, he can't wait to get out of the hick town. He eventually realizes something different about himself.

10. Aunt Bee's Pickles, Season 2: Ranks higher on others' lists, I still pick it in my Top 10 as the fellas show their loyalty to Aunt Bee by eating her horrible pickles.