This Is the Saddest Episode of ‘The Andy Griffith Show’ Ever

Dont Knotts from Andy Griffith Show image — Everett Collection

Do you remember what may have been the saddest episode of The Andy Griffith Show to ever air on television? Over the years, fans have complained about this particular episode, calling it pointless and traumatic. And yet, it’s one of my favorites.

Originally airing as the 13th episode of the show’s sixth season, the episode is called “The Return of Barney Fife.” I know, I know. The title alone would lead one to believe that with Don Knotts returning as a guest star, it would be one of the most hilarious episodes of the season. But that simply is not the case.

This episode would also mark actress Betty Lynn‘s final appearance on the show as Barney’s longtime girlfriend, Thelma Lou. That, in and of itself, might lend a bit of a clue as to why this episode is just so darn sad.

The plot of this episode revolves around Mayberry Union High School’s 20th anniversary for the class of 1948. In that class are Andy, Barney and Thelma Lou. Because of the reunion, Barney has returned from his big-city job in Raleigh, North Carolina. At first, the episode seems like it’s going to be just like old times, but then Barney finds out that Thelma Lou has said that she’s going to be at the reunion as well.

THE ANDY GRIFFITH SHOW, from left, Don Knotts, Betty Lynn, 1960-68 (ca. 1962 photo)

Everett Collection

During the episode, we learn that after Barney left Mayberry, Thelma Lou didn’t have a reason to stick around, so she left, too. When Andy and Barney discover that Thelma Lou is coming back for the reunion, they realize that Barney may, at long last, be ready to settle down. He’s looking at the reunion as an opportunity to rekindle their lost love.

Unfortunately, once Thelma Lou arrives, Barney discovers that she grew tired of waiting for him and discovered love elsewhere. Yep, she got married. And Barney’s face when he learns the news … well, he is absolutely devastated.

We’re supposed to feel sad for him. But let’s think about Barney for a minute. As much as fans of the show love the character (and I count myself among them), he really was something of a jerk to Thelma Lou throughout the show’s black-and-white seasons. For all those years, Barney strung poor Thelma Lou along. And let’s not forget that there were other women: the woman on the other end of the phone, Juanita, and then there were the “fun girls.” And when Barney gets his new job and heads to Raleigh, it doesn’t seem like Thelma Lou was ever even part of his future plans.

So yes, the episode is incredibly sad for Barney. But the episode also delivers swift justice to a character who, for years, had been more than just a little bit self-obsessed. Personally, I’m glad the show’s writing team chose to give Thelma Lou the happy ending that she deserved, even if it did come at the expense of Deputy Bernard P. Fife.

ANDY GRIFFITH SHOW, Don Knotts, Betty Lynn, in the Season 5 episode, 'Barney's Physical,' September 28, 1964.

Everett Collection

Now, of course, years later, in 1986’s reunion movie Return to Mayberry, at long last, Barney and Thelma Lou did finally tie the knot. So, I guess Barney did win in the end, but it was quite a wait.

I should mention that the sixth season was the first one to be filmed in color. I don’t love the color seasons the same way I do the first five seasons, and I know many other fans share my preference. But let’s be clear, something happened to Mayberry when the show transitioned to color and, truthfully, it wasn’t for the better.

The lesson learned from watching “The Return of Barney Fife” is an important one: Time is fleeting, and you should never take people for granted, especially when they show you that you are important to them. Barney’s mistakes with Thelma Lou over the course of the show’s run were numerous, and there had to be some sort of comeuppance. This episode had some incredible acting from Don Knotts, Andy Griffith, and Betty Lynn, and it truly was the saddest episode of the entire show’s run.

So, even though there are those hardcore fans of The Andy Griffith Show that wish it never happened, I’m glad this episode exists. It’s an important one with a message that we would all do well to remember: Hold on tight to the people who are most important and never, ever give them a reason to question their value. Otherwise, anyone could end up just as sad and alone as Barney Fife.