Ep 1. Opie's Girlfriend
- TV-NR
- September 12, 1966
- 25 min
-
6.6 (189)
Opie's Girlfriend is the first episode of the seventh season of the popular American television series, The Andy Griffith Show. The show centers around Sheriff Andy Taylor and his small-town community in Mayberry, North Carolina, as they navigate their daily lives and the sometimes comedic situations that arise.
In this episode, Opie (Ron Howard), Andy's young son, finds himself taken with a new girl in town, Karen Burgess (Ronda Jeter). Opie and Karen quickly become inseparable, spending all their time together and going on picnics and walks. However, when Karen's parents forbid her from seeing Opie due to his lower social standing, the young couple is left heartbroken.
The rest of the episode sees Andy trying to help his son navigate his first heartbreak, while also dealing with the everyday issues of being a small-town sheriff. Aunt Bee (Frances Bavier) tries to lift Opie's spirits by baking him his favorite pies and making him his favorite meals. Meanwhile, Barney Fife (Don Knotts), Andy's bumbling deputy, is up to his usual antics, trying to impress Karen's parents by showing off his nonexistent painting skills.
As the episode progresses, Karen's parents begin to see the error of their ways and encourage their daughter to follow her heart. Andy, too, realizes that sometimes love knows no boundaries and that he needs to let his son make his own decisions. In the end, Karen and Opie are able to spend time together again and even plan a surprise picnic for their families.
Opie's Girlfriend is a heartwarming episode that explores the themes of young love, acceptance, and the importance of family. It showcases the tight-knit community that Andy and his family are a part of, where everyone looks out for each other and helps each other in times of need. The performances of all the cast members are excellent, particularly that of Ron Howard as the lovestruck Opie.
Overall, Opie's Girlfriend is a charming addition to The Andy Griffith Show's extensive catalog, and a must-watch for fans of the series.
