Ep 12. The Darling Baby

In The Andy Griffith Show season 5 episode 12, entitled "The Darling Baby," viewers are treated to another installment featuring the flamboyant and musical Darling family. The episode opens with the family returning to Mayberry after a tour on the road. They're all dressed up, with the father and his three boys in matching outfits and playing guitars. Charlene, the lone daughter, struts down the aisle of the bus, looking every bit the rock star.

Once the Darlings arrive in town, Andy is alerted that they're back and informs Opie, who's been assigned to take care of the Darling's baby girl, Tennessee. Opie is excited to have the responsibility but is quickly thwarted by the strong-willed Darlings, who don't want anyone else caring for their child. Being somewhat naïve, the Darlings don't understand why Andy has to look out for the little one, thinking it's just a ploy to get them to stay in town longer.

As the episode progresses, viewers witness a variety of humorous mishaps from the Darling family, who are continually causing mayhem and scaring the townsfolk due to their unkempt appearance, loud music, and go-for-broke attitudes. They even bring their prized pig, Rafe, into the bank with them while they conduct business.

The crux of the episode centers around Andy's attempts to persuade the Darlings to let him watch Tennessee without losing face. He tries to be firm and establish boundaries, but the family is always one step ahead, whether it's leaving the baby at the jail with Barney or sneaking into Andy's house late at night to get her back. Eventually, Andy takes a more psychological approach, enlisting the help of Charlene and her maternal instincts. He tricks her into thinking that the baby is sick and needs some medicine left for her at the jail. When they arrive, Andy gives Tennessee to Charlene and takes off, having successfully convinced the family that they need to let him watch her.

In the end, the Darlings leave Mayberry, but not before delivering a rousing performance of "Salty Dog" on the courthouse steps, much to the delight of the locals. It's another fun and lively episode that highlights the unique charm of The Andy Griffith Show and the memorable characters that made it such a beloved series.

Overall, "The Darling Baby" is a delightful and entertaining installment that showcases the comedic talents of the cast and their ability to create memorable and endearing characters. The musical stylings of the Darlings only add to the charm and serve to underscore the show's enduring appeal. Fans of The Andy Griffith Show will undoubtedly enjoy this episode and relish the chance to see the beloved characters in action once again.