Ken Andersonwww.mayberryreflections.com
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Listening to Allan's Podcast on remembering Barney Fife really got me
thinking about the special relationship that there was between Andy and
Barney. Barney and Andy were very fortunate that they were able to maintain
a close relationship throughout their entire lives. Their friendship began
at a very early age and lasted throughout their lives. But I think it was
more than a friendship. I think there was a very special, distinct, and
genuine love between Andy and Barney; a brotherly love that was never really
talked about because back in the 60's it just was not done. But I truly
believe that Andy loved Barney like a little brother and he demonstrated
that love many times throughout the TAGS episodes. Andy was Barney's
protector and I believe Andy realized this and he took this role very
seriously. Barney never achieved much fame or recognition in his life. His
school days were probably not happy ones for him as he learned the pains of
young love and rejection. His attempts at journalism failed after one issue
of the school newspaper. He was not athletic nor very academic. When his
school days ended, his military service was limited to working in a
library while most of his friends in the service probably spent time
overseas. Andy took it upon himself to give Barney a job as his deputy
although it was highly likely that he was well aware of Barney's
limitations. It probably didn't take Andy too long to realize that Barney
was going to need a lot of help and support if he were to succeed as a
deputy. From the very beginning Andy looked after Barney's well being. He
protected Barney from those who were out to hurt him, he covered up mistakes
when Barney made them and in every instance without Barney ever realizing
it. He built Barney back up when others laughed at him and he encouraged
him to not get discouraged when things went bad. He even supported Barney
when he realized Barney may have been wrong. Andy would do anything to
protect Barney from being hurt either physically or emotionally. We so
often think about the town of Mayberry and all the humor and foolishness
that goes on there so it is easy to overlook many of the subtleties that are
interwoven throughout each episode. I got to thinking about all this too
because this weekend an old high school classmate is coming to visit me for
the first time since 1964. We have seen each other a few times over the
years but this will be the first time that we will be spending any time
together since graduation night. I am looking forward to the day. I have
lost touch with almost everyone of my friends from my childhood and I would
give anything to have been able to have a relationship with a friend such as
that between Andy and Barney that would have lasted my entire life.
