Ep 18. Andy and the Marriage Counselor

Andy Griffith Show season 1 episode 18, titled "Andy and the Marriage Counselor," is a classic American sitcom that first aired on January 30, 1961. The episode revolves around Andy's involvement in the marital troubles of a couple in Mayberry, and the hilarious misunderstandings that ensue as a result.

The episode begins with Andy and Barney visiting the local diner for lunch. While there, they overhear a couple arguing at the next table and decide to intervene. The couple is Harry and Mabel Simmons, and they have been married for 15 years. Harry wants a divorce, but Mabel is determined to save their marriage. Andy agrees to help them, despite Barney's protestations that it's not their job.

Andy suggests that Harry and Mabel see a marriage counselor, and recommends that they go to a woman named Ellie Walker. Ellie is a beautiful and intelligent young woman who has just moved to Mayberry, and Andy is immediately smitten with her. Ellie agrees to see the Simmons, but insists that Andy come along as well. This sets up a series of amusing misunderstandings as the Simmons and Ellie try to work out their differences with Andy's help.

Throughout the episode, Andy tries to help the couple by giving them advice and mediating their arguments. However, his efforts are often misplaced, and he frequently misunderstands what each person is saying. For example, when Mabel says that her husband is "cold," Andy assumes she means he's physically cold and suggests that he wear warmer clothes. Similarly, when Harry says that he's "lost interest" in their marriage, Andy thinks he means he's lost his car keys.

As the session goes on, Ellie starts to flirt with Andy, much to the chagrin of Barney. The two of them go on a date to the local swimming hole, which turns out to be a disaster. Ellie is not impressed with Andy's attempts at swimming, and he accidentally pushes her into the water.

Meanwhile, back at the counseling session, Harry and Mabel have made some progress, but things start to fall apart when Harry accuses Mabel of being too controlling. This leads to a huge argument, and Andy tries to calm them down by singing a song. However, his singing only makes things worse, and they storm out of the session.

As the episode ends, Andy is left feeling defeated and unsure of what to do next. But Ellie comes to his rescue, reassuring him that he did his best and that sometimes there are no easy solutions to marital problems. The episode ends with Andy and Ellie sharing a sweet moment together, hinting at a potential romance in future episodes.

Overall, "Andy and the Marriage Counselor" is a charming and lighthearted episode of The Andy Griffith Show. While the show may be dated by today's standards, its gentle humor and wholesome values still resonate with viewers today. Andy's attempts to help the troubled couple are endearing, and the chemistry between him and Ellie adds an extra layer of sweetness to the episode. While the ultimate outcome of the Simmons' marriage is left open-ended, the episode leaves viewers feeling hopeful that with time and patience, all will be well in Mayberry.