Ep 23. TV or Not TV

Andy and Barney are surprised when a television salesman shows up in Mayberry trying to sell his wares. The small town of Mayberry doesn't have any television signals or broadcasters, so the salesman's pitch is met with confusion. Nevertheless, the salesman sets up a television set and antenna in the courthouse to demonstrate the quality of his product.

Soon enough, the whole town is gathered in the courthouse to watch the television. They enjoy watching old movies and cartoons as well as a wrestling match. However, when Barney leaves the courthouse, he sees one of the wrestlers on the street and becomes convinced that he's a dangerous criminal.

Barney's paranoia starts to spread throughout the town. He becomes convinced that the wrestler is on the loose and that there is a crime wave in Mayberry. The situation escalates until the whole town is on edge with everyone locking their doors and windows.

Andy begins to suspect that the salesman may have brought the wrestler to town as a publicity stunt. He investigates the situation and discovers that the wrestler is actually a harmless man who was just passing through Mayberry. Andy confronts the salesman, who admits that he brought the wrestler to town to drum up business for his television set.

In the end, the town learns the truth and their paranoia dissipates. Andy and Barney learn a valuable lesson about the power of television and the importance of critical thinking. They also recognize the inherent goodness of their small town and the importance of keeping their community safe.

The episode touches on themes of fear, paranoia, and entertainment. It portrays the tension that can arise when a small community is presented with cultural change and new technology. At the same time, it highlights the value of tradition and the power of community to keep individuals safe and happy. The episode is an excellent example of the balanced storytelling, humor, and warmth that made The Andy Griffith Show such a beloved series.