KyDXIn said:
At 2 PM Eastern today, July 4th, ME Tv is airing 2 Andy Griffith-related shows on their channel. The episode of "Gomer Pyle" where Opie runs away to join the Marines will air at 2, and the episode of "Make Room for Daddy" where Griffith first appears will air at 2:30.
http://www.metvnetwork.com/griffithnational.php
P.S. Actually there will also be a "Hawaii 5-0" and a "Mod Squad" with Griffith as a guest.
Actually, his
Gomer Pyle appearance amounts to little more than a last-scene cameo. (Obviously, ME-TV had to scrape around to find enough Griffith-related material in their holdings to fill a tribute.) Nonetheless, it is a good choice as it rather compactly illustrates the Sheriff Taylor character. Sgt. Carter is convinced that Opie's father will administer a harsh punishment (both verbal and physical), so much so that he tries to intervene when Andy arrives, then is astounded as he calmly and simply asks the boy if he's ready to go home, and walks off without a single raised hand (or voice).
BTW, if you've never heard it, you owe it to yourself to seek out Griffith's 1953 comedy routine "What It Was, Was Football," the recording that first started bringing him national attention. It's one of the funniest comic monologues you will ever hear.