Review of Return to Mayberry (1986) by Ken S — 09 Nov 2012

"Return to Mayberry" is the 1986 Reunion special for the classic sitcom "The Andy Griffith Show". In it Andy has returned home to Mayberry after a long absence in order to be there for the birth of his grandson, Opie's firstborn! He and Helen have decided to move back for good, and he has even put in the paperwork to run for Sheriff again, though he decides against when he finds his former deputy and good friend Barney Fife is running.

..but Barney may lose the election to his main opponent due to his erratic behavior and belief that there is a monster in the lake (which is actually a really lame publicity stunt by a young business man hoping to drum up interest in Mayberry for his new hotel).

Overall the plot is rather lame...but that isn't what is fun about "Return to Mayberry", what is fun about this TV movie is that you get to see the old gang from the classic show reunited and looking old.

Despite the material not being up to the standards of the black and white seasons, Don Knotts makes the most of his performance, making everyone remember why they loved Barney, and why they missed him during the color episodes.

I enjoy this for it's nostalgia factor, being that it does nothing but bring back fun characters (and a lot of them, from Ernest T. Bass and the Darlings to Howard Sprague and the Pyles). It's kind weak if your looking for plot, but if you just love "The Andy Griffith Show", then you'll enjoy this reunion special.