Ep 26. Opie's Piano Lesson

Opie's Piano Lesson

In the final episode of the classic television series The Andy Griffith Show, Opie (played by Ron Howard) takes up a new hobby: playing the piano. When he expresses an interest in learning how to play, Andy (Andy Griffith) sets him up with a piano teacher, Miss Helen (Ellen Corby). However, learning the piano turns out to be harder than Opie anticipated, and he quickly becomes discouraged.

Meanwhile, Aunt Bee (Frances Bavier) is feeling down about the fact that Andy is overworked and doesn't have enough time to spend with her. She confides in her friend Clara (Hope Summers), who suggests that she take up a new hobby to occupy her time. Aunt Bee decides to take singing lessons, and enlists the help of Miss Helen as her teacher.

As Opie struggles with his piano lessons, Aunt Bee is struggling just as much with her singing. The two of them commiserate with each other, and eventually decide to team up and perform together at the upcoming Mayberry talent show. However, their practice sessions prove to be more frustrating than productive, and they begin to doubt themselves.

Meanwhile, Andy is dealt a blow when he learns that his longtime girlfriend Helen (Aneta Corsaut) has accepted a job offer in another state. He is torn between his love for her and his loyalty to Mayberry, and must decide whether to let her go or try to convince her to stay.

As the talent show approaches, Opie and Aunt Bee are still struggling with their act. However, with a little help from Miss Helen and Andy, they begin to make progress. On the night of the talent show, they take the stage and perform a heartfelt rendition of "Bicycle Built for Two." Though it's not a flawless performance, the audience loves it and the two of them feel proud of their efforts.

In the end, Andy is faced with the decision of whether to stay in Mayberry or follow Helen to her new job. He ultimately chooses to stay, and the final scene shows him walking hand-in-hand with Aunt Bee down the main street of Mayberry, while Opie follows behind playing a joyful tune on his newly mastered piano. The series ends with a message from Griffith himself, thanking viewers for watching and bidding farewell to the beloved characters of Mayberry.