I think The Andy Griffith Show continues its popularity because of its mix of laughs and serious emotional issues. This one has everything, but the laughs are at the expense of the deadheaded Goss and the incredible mismatch of himself and Bee.
Do-gooder and increasingly meddlesome Clara decides that Aunt Bee should test the dating waters with dry cleaner Fred Goss, who is not a bad sort, but absolutely not a good match for Bee's refined character. Aunt Bee had been doing just fine by herself, taking care of her two "boys". But Clara got her thinking that she could be preventing Andy from being free to pursue his search for a suitable mate and mom for Opie. So she reluctantly agrees to "settle" with Mr. Goss.
Opie senses that maybe Aunt Bee doesn't have "that special overwhelming love" that causes people to get married. Andy's final talk with Bee and her beautifully acted sense of relief (as was her prior discomfort at the thought of spending her life with the rather dull Goss) are marvelous. This is a great episode for those who occasionally want a more dramatic Andy Griffith but with some well placed jokes.
Do-gooder and increasingly meddlesome Clara decides that Aunt Bee should test the dating waters with dry cleaner Fred Goss, who is not a bad sort, but absolutely not a good match for Bee's refined character. Aunt Bee had been doing just fine by herself, taking care of her two "boys". But Clara got her thinking that she could be preventing Andy from being free to pursue his search for a suitable mate and mom for Opie. So she reluctantly agrees to "settle" with Mr. Goss.
Opie senses that maybe Aunt Bee doesn't have "that special overwhelming love" that causes people to get married. Andy's final talk with Bee and her beautifully acted sense of relief (as was her prior discomfort at the thought of spending her life with the rather dull Goss) are marvelous. This is a great episode for those who occasionally want a more dramatic Andy Griffith but with some well placed jokes.