User Reviews

Always a pleasure to see a Paul Hartman in the lead episode. High schooler Ernie is played by 27-year old Elliot Street. Vince Barnett as Elmo who had some classic parts in the TAGS color episodes shows up here again as Elmo. Jason Wingreen as the teacher has been in some stellar "Twilight Zone" episodes.

A strong script by Bob Mosher in a season that definitely had some clunkers in the mix. Quite a few of the regular cast was missing. Makes me believe there was definitely a count limit on episode actors. It's evident when multiple one and done actors are needed.

Emmett's efficiency is a fun theme because it appears he only bangs and shakes items that need fixing.

In tossing a football with Sam at Goober's service station, Emmett falls into the grease pit. He reluctantly goes to the doctor to find he has a broken arm. Emmett's arm is placed in a cast for 5-6 weeks. He realizes he will have to close his fix-it shop for the duration and worries about the consciences for the citizens. He decides to bring in someone and places an ad for employment in the newspaper. A scientifically-minded high schooler, Ernie (Elliott Street) answers the ad and is reluctantly hired by Emmett. Ernie skillfully fixes a variety of items so well that he is making a name for himself among the citizens of Mayberry. Thrones of people begin taking their broken devices to the shop for Ernie to fix, excited it won't be done by Emmett's lacking repair skills. Many are modern convinces Emmett isn't familiar with. Emmett realizes the situation and begins feeling lackluster and no longer needed. He decides to make a serious announcement and wrestles with reality.