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It doesn't require too much remembering to recall one of the classic sitcoms in TV history. Like "I Love Lucy", reruns of "The Andy Griffith Show" can still be seen just about every day throughout the American TV market, as well as in many lands around the world. And now, more than 35 years since its last original episode aired, like Lucy, "The Andy Griffith Show" will go on for more generations to enjoy.

If I were a Korean, Norwegiian or Russian watching and listening to the dubbing in my language, maybe I'd have a difficult time understanding the rural American charm and humor. On second thought, I believe the simplicity and down-to-earth stories are universal and timeless, and can be appreciated by all people everywhere, no matter what the language.

While all the actors created memorable roles, if I had to pick a favorite, it would be Ernest T. Bass. He was a relatively minor character, acted by Howie Morris, who had his TV start as a member of Sid Caesar's sketch comedy ensemble in the 1950s. As portrayed by Morris, Earnest T (everyone called him that) was an untamed, hermit-like backwoodsman with a streak of insane hostility.

There was an underlying shrewness in Ernest T that glowed from his tormented eyes and distorted face. No Shakespearean character could be as deep, except maybe King Lear as insanity was overtaking him. Close second in my list of favorites of the show is Gomer Pyle, as played by Jim Nabors. Gomer, a garage handyman who also served as a part-time deputy, had some of the same crazy attributes as Ernest T.

However, unlike the mean little hermit, Gomer was basically an intelligence-challenged innocent with a heart of gold. In his stumbling ways, we always seemed to have the right answers for the brainier characters. Actor Jim Nabors, by no means lacking in the brains department in real life, parlayed the Gomer Pyle character to great success with his own Marine Corps sit-com.

Of course, the two stars, Andy Griffith (Sheriff Taylor) and Don Knotts (Deputy Barney Fife), carried the major acting loads magnificently during the show's run of original episodes from 1960 through 1971. Both were excellent as individual characters and as the town's law team of the wise sheriff and his foolish deputy. The other main character was Aunt Bee (Frances Bavier), whose on-screen task was to see that everyone had enough to eat and more than enough down-home advice to digest.

Sheriff Taylor's son, Opie (Ronnie Howard), actually grew up during the show's 11 years, starting as a tow-haired boy of five, and had reached the middle of his teen years at the end. He also starred in several major movies, including "The Music Man." He then went on to star as Ritchie Cunningham in another highly successful sitcom, "Happy Days".

Howard must have paid close attention to the technical aspects of his acting assignments, because he then went on to become one of the most respected and successful directors in recent movie history, where he still functions as one of the best in Hollywood. Among his credits are "Apollo 13", "A Beautiful Mind", and "The Da Vinci Code".

I still enjoy watching "The Andy Griffith Show." Its gentle humor and basic goodness make me feel as if I'm visiting quiet old friends in my home town. It takes me back to a time when TV wasn't overloaded with annoying commercials, idiotic quiz and talent shows, while flashing with impossibly-fast images and screaming with ear-splitting sound tracks.

Thanks, Andy, for giving me the opportunity to get away from the noisy, unwatchable mess TV has become, and to return to Mayberry again and again.

Learn more about this author, Ted Sherman.
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