Ep 25. The Darlings Are Coming

The Darlings Are Coming is the 25th episode of the third season of The Andy Griffith Show. In this episode, the famous bluegrass band, The Darlings, are coming to Mayberry to play a concert, and the town is buzzing with excitement.

The Darlings, a family of hillbilly musicians, are led by Briscoe Darling, Jr., a talented banjo player who also happens to be a moonshiner. Despite his criminal activities, the people of Mayberry seem to love Briscoe and his family, and they eagerly anticipate their arrival.

When Andy learns that the Darlings' car has broken down on their way to Mayberry, he sets out to help them. Along the way, he discovers that Briscoe has once again been making moonshine, but instead of arresting him, Andy decides to help him out.

As the town prepares for the concert, tensions rise between the Darlings and Miss Crump, the schoolteacher who is offended by their unfashionable appearance and their music. Meanwhile, Briscoe's daughter Charlene becomes infatuated with Opie, much to the chagrin of her protective father.

The concert itself is a rousing success, with the Darlings' lively, energetic music winning over even the most skeptical audience members. As the night wears on, however, it becomes clear that Briscoe is becoming increasingly drunk, and Andy realizes that he must intervene before things get out of hand.

In the end, Andy manages to both help the Darlings and uphold the law, with the family departing Mayberry with a newfound respect for both the town and the sheriff himself. The episode ends on a touching note, with the Darlings serenading Opie and Aunt Bee with a heartfelt rendition of "Salty Dog Blues."