Ep 16. Man in a Hurry

The Andy Griffith Show season 3 episode 16 titled "Man in a Hurry" is centered around a wealthy business tycoon named Malcolm Merriweather, played by character actor Bernard Fox. Merriweather is passing through Mayberry, North Carolina, on his way to an important business meeting in Charlotte, but his car breaks down. Sheriff Andy Taylor and his deputy Barney Fife come to Merriweather's aid and let him stay in the sheriff's office for the night.

Merriweather is a man on a mission and is frustrated by the slow pace of life in Mayberry. He's constantly checking his watch and barking orders at anyone who crosses his path. Meanwhile, the folks of Mayberry, including Aunt Bee, Opie, and the rest of the town, are taken by the man's manners, expertise and wealth, but he doesn't impress Andy.

As they spend more time with Merriweather, Andy tries to get him to slow down and appreciate the simple pleasures of life in Mayberry. Merriweather, on the other hand, is focused on getting his car fixed and getting back on the road. He even calls in a helicopter to come pick him up and take him to his meeting in Charlotte.

As the night goes on, however, Merriweather begins to loosen up and enjoy himself. He plays checkers with Barney and even helps the local choir with their music. Merriweather even has a heart-to-heart with Aunt Bee, who shares a pie recipe with him.

As morning arrives, Merriweather's car is finally fixed, but, to everyone's surprise, he decides to stay in Mayberry a little longer to see the sights. Andy and the others are happy to have made a friend out of the man in a hurry.

The episode is a charming reminder to slow down and appreciate the simple things in life. It's a timeless message that can be appreciated even today. "Man in a Hurry" is a crowd favorite of The Andy Griffith Show fans with its humorous portrayal of a man enamored with his clock, contrasting it with the easygoing townfolk of Mayberry, N.C. Bernard Fox's portrayal of Malcom Merriweather fittingly carries the episode, with his growing charm and humor won over the town and even the kind-hearted Aunt Bee was impressed with him. As with most episodes of The Andy Griffith Show, the "Man in a Hurry" is laced with easy-going humor and life lessons that will make you reflect and smile. It is an episode that has stood the test of time as one of the most iconic and adored episodes of the entire series.