Andy Griffith has said in interviews that he progressively lost interest in the series and by the last season was mostly phoning it in. I agree that the show was never the same once Don Knotts left and it went color. I never have interest in those episodes.

I once saw 'bubble & squeak' being prepared on an English cooking show (Two Fat Ladies - seriously, that was the name of the show!). It's seriously loaded with fat - good thing that butler took off or Opie would've turned into Danny Partridge.

Regarding the 'gay' theories:

Helen was meant to be a one- or two-time minor role as Opie's teacher; but eventually became Andy's girlfriend when the chemistry between the two actors became apparent. Since they eventually wed (as a way for Andy to get off the show), I doubt she can be included in the theory.

When Ken Berry took over the town, he too was a widower & immediately provided a love interest played by Arlene Golonka.

Howard Spraig - Gay as a picnic basket.

Aunt Bea - Dyke city (and according to some, recently re-incarnated in the form of Rachel Maddow).

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