The Andy Griffith Show Reunion: Back to Mayberry

The show starts out with Andy (Andy Griffith) and Opie(Ron Howard) walking down the path to the ol' fishin' hole. As I understand it the original site used for this scene while TAGS was in production no longer exists. If this is true the producers managed to find a location almost identical to the original fishin' hole. I must also add that I think it was nice of Ron Howard to participate in this reunion show. Many actors who move on to great success seem to ignore their acting origins. An example would be Michael Douglas and his decision not to take part in the tv reunion movie for THE STREETS OF SAN FRANCISCO. Ron Howard always seems to make time for reunions and interviews involving TAGS and HAPPY DAYS.

Later on Barney (Don Knotts) and Gomer (Jim Nabors) hook up with Andy and Opie at the Old Court House. Not a bad recreation of the original Old Court House used during the shows production. I thought the jail cells could have used a little more attention to detail. I also thought the area in front of Andy's desk seemed a little larger than on the original show. All in all it was still a good recreation.

The actors sat and discussed many of the well known episodes and mentioned things about their private lives that are already pretty well known. Nothing new for real TAGS fans. However, the real treat was in watching the characters interact again on the same set. There were also interviews with other cast members. Most cast members, except Opie who is now approaching 50 years of age, are in their late 60's through mid eighties. Many cast members have already passed on. So, even though nothing new was discussed it was nice to see the actors/characters one more time.

Lastly, I know this may not sit well with some fans, but Andy Griffith seemed to come across a little doddering. Don Knotts, who is two years older than Andy, seemed to be as alert and mentally agile as ever. I don't know exactly what it is but both my wife and I thought Andy seemed to be giving into some of the mental fatigue associated with his age. Still it was good to see him look back on his role as Andy Taylor. I cannot thank him enough for all he has done for television and creating a show that is loved by millions.