"Mayberry R.F.D." Driver Education (TV Episode 1969) Poster

(TV Series)

(1969)

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7/10
Goober, the Teacher
JordanThomasHall22 October 2019
The parent's association voices their concern to Howard, chairman of the school board, and Sam as head of the town council about the number of minor traffic accidents and violations occurring among the teenagers in Mayberry. Speaking on the association's behalf, Mrs. Corcoran (Helen Page Camp) recommends a driver's education course to be taught at the high school. Principal Mr. Adams (familiar character actor Willis Bouchey) is fully on board. Howard and Sam give their approval. They all realize finding the right instructor is key, and Sam suggests Goober for his knowledge of cars, driving skills, and his personality. Goober is flattered and agrees to a schedule that doesn't interfere with his service station. He compiles his curriculum and shows fine ability as an instructor. In backing out of a tight spot in the parking lot, he backs into Mr. Adams' beloved car, badly damaging it. Goober informs Mr. Adams who reacts badly to his driving instructor causing the damage. Emmett makes Goober feel he will be fired from the faculty, and that he should resign instead. The accident makes waves among the parents who hold a meeting to discuss Goober and the future of the program.

A fine Goober episode that gives depth to his character. It is light on laughs, however.
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7/10
Goober a teacher?
vitoscotti26 October 2023
No real big laughs but had some moments. If you can get by how nonsensical of having a non credentialed teacher Goober (George Lindsey) right off the street with no training or background. There were some amusing moments. Howard Sprague (Jack Dodson) debate team bit was funny. Emmett Clark (Paul Hartman) was the realist having no faith in Goober's teaching abilities. The writers true funny man Goober is now becoming more and more a serious citizen of Mayberry. Again no mention of Andy Taylor (Andy Griffith) or his family. Aunt Bee (Francis Bavier) seems to be only appearing sporadically.

The real treat of the episode was seeing Willis Bouchey as stern high school principal Mr Adams. Who throws a pretty good hissy fit when Goober backs into his oddly parked car. He played various characters in "The Andy Griffith Show" classic episodes.
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4/10
Teacher Goober
zsenorsock18 February 2015
Warning: Spoilers
Another episode unfortunately light on comedy has Goober take the part time job as driving instructor at Mayberry High School. Goober of course is very proud of being a teacher and is dedicated to his students but may lose his job and have his ego crushed after he backs his tow truck into the principal's car in what can only be described as a contrived and predictable scene.

This Goober is far removed from the one who used to entertain his cousin Gomer with his Cary Grant impressions. He's more real but less funny. Lindsey handles the pathos well without going overboard. However the ending is far too predictable.

One improvement the show did make as it moved into the end of the decade is Mayberry is more integrated than ever with at least 3 people of color in this episode.
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