The Andy Griffith Show (TV Series) A Date for Gomer (1963) User Reviews

Gomer Grows Up

[jpop59 · 10/10 · 22 October 2014]

The best episodes of the Andy Griffith Show are the ones that highlight the characters and use the storyline to emphasize the interaction between them. We love watching what everyone does in their off time whether it is choir practice, preparing for the town picnic, or in this case going to the annual Mayberry Dance. Most of the comedy in this episode comes from Gomer who is a little naive when it comes to dating. The Mayberry Dance coincides with a surprise visit from Thelma Lou's cousin (sweetly played by Mary Grace Canfield) who is also a "wallflower" type and Thelma Lou does not want to leave her alone while everyone else goes out on the town. The solution is to find her a date, however this late in the game most everyone has plans. Everyone, that is, but Gomer Pyle. At this point it takes a lot of convincing talk, but ultimately the three couples (Andy and Helen, Barney and Thelma Lou, and Mary Grace and Gomer) get together and its time to go to the dance. What happens next is a lesson in humanity and at the same time we see a side of Gomer that further defines one of the best characters to ever come out of Mayberry. This is a very funny well-played episode.

She's Nice

[Hitchcoc · 8/10 · 9 December 2019]

Gomer is asked if he will go to a dance with Thelma Lou's cousin. Barney calls her a dog. There are lots of nasty things presented here. The thing with Gomer, however, is that he is a truly gentle, non-judgmental soul. The evening becomes tense and acerbic. Barney pays a price for his insensitivity.

A classic

[pmicocci-18908 · 9/10 · 1 September 2021]

This is a classic episode, with Barney and Andy on one side, and Thelma Lou and Helen on the other, trying to persuade the socially inept Gomer and Thelma Lou's painfully shy cousin, Mary Grace, to go on a date so the rest of them don't miss out on the big dance they've been looking forward to. Their conversations with either party, where the adjectives "nice, real nice!" are continually proffered as a means of evading descriptions of physical appearance are quite good. The best is the scene is when Mary Grace, coming around to the idea of attending the dance as Gomer's date, says, "Tall, dark, and-" and Thelma Lou and Helen blurt out in unison, "Door prize!"

"You sure know how to plan an evening don't you fella".

[vitoscotti · 10/10 · 9 May 2022]

Some classic scenes throughout. Especially liked Gomer showing his newly purchased wardrobe, "in life we travel many roads", Barney getting punched in the nose by Thelma Lou, Gomer's dancing.

Never really liked Barney calling Mary Grace a dog. Andy & Barney were deceitful coaxing Gomer to come along. Barney acts like a pig being aggressive with Thelma Lou in the car.

First time we see Helen & Thelma Lou's friendship which will be integral in some great double dating future scenes. The more you see Thelma Lou & Barney together I realize how mismatched they are looks wise.

Epilogue only ok One of the series best episodes with many memorable Gomer moments.

I liked this one...

[planktonrules · 8/10 · 21 October 2010]

Barney and Andy are frustrated. Every time they try to be alone with their girlfriends, Gomer keeps showing up and won't take the hint that he's not welcome. But, since they don't want to hurt his feelings, they say nothing and instead come up with a plan. They'll set him up with Thelma Lou's cousin, Mary Grace (Mary Grace Canfield--'Ralph Monroe' from "Green Acres"). They know she isn't very attractive but Gomer isn't exactly Robert Redford, so they arrange for the two to meet. Gomer, however, is obviously out of his element with woman (I'm not going to go there) and suddenly takes off like a bolt of lightning instead of sticking around to take her to the dance. Mary Grace assumes it's because Gomer thinks she's ugly. However, in the end, however, it turns out Gomer was not being a total jerk and there is a strange but logical explanation for his sudden disappearance.

This episode isn't one of the funny ones but has a lot of heart. While I was never a huge Gomer fan, he was good on the show and this one allows him to express himself more as a full-fledged character.

I disagree with Idmb goof

[leroykevin · 6/10 · 22 February 2022]

According The goofs ,Thelma Lou, should have been Arrested for assaulting Barney. I disagree, this was something personal and not official. I think it would have been more trouble than it was worth, anyway.

Silly,but sweet

[ronnybee2112 · 7/10 · 25 May 2021]

This episode is somewhat lame but it's sweetness saves it from being a complete dud. Barney's girl Thelma Lou wants to find a date for her homely and fussy cousin 'Mary Grace',for the upcoming Mayberry dance. Gomer Pyle is selected for the honor of accompanying Mary Grace to the dance.

Gomer leaves and everyone thinks he ditched Mary Grace until he eventually returns with a flower for her to wear to the dance. Rather sweet and classy of Gomer I say.

Overreaction at its best

[mloessel · 6/10 · 28 July 2021]

Gomer is with Andy, Barney, Thelma Lou and Helen at Thema Lou's place meeting his date for the evening and he notices he didn't get a flower for her. He then announces that he needs to leaves and exits. What he doesn't tell the group is why he had to leave. We find out later that he left in search of a flower for his date Mary Grace. Following his exit Thelma Lou thinks the worst and is immediately upset. She believes that what Gomer did was so rude. She does her normal overreacting. She is good at doing that. Then her negative reaction affects the rest of the group and they begrudgingly go to the annual dance. Barney is annoyed by Thelma Lou's behavior and blames her behavior on Andy. A while later Gomer returns with the flower and explains to Mary Grace why he left so suddenly. Mary Grace was pleased with his explanation and they decide to stay and have their own party. When the upset group return to Thelma Lou's house they hear the music and discover Gomer and Mary Grace dancing having a good time. Not much for the group to say except smile and appreciate what they are seeing.

Two things to say....

[bbcds · 6/10 · 30 June 2022]

First, is it ever an issue when the script calls for an ugly woman and actresses try out for the part? I mean, do they have to agree that they themselves really are ugly in order to land the role?

Second, here we go again with Helen instantly becoming furious with Andy for no reason whatsoever and the man sits there and takes it. I mean, Gomer left but that's somehow Andy's fault? Andy should have said, " Helen, you can go get lit on moonshine up in the woods with the Darlings and never come back. I kinda hope they marry you off to Ernest T. That's how hateful you are to me "