ANDY
When TV audiences first met Andy Taylor, he was somewhat of a smart aleck who delighted in foiling city slickers and the common-sensically challenged citizens of Mayberry. The widowed father of young Opie became subtler over the years, wiser and more introspective. Of course, he continued to throw out great barbs and zingers, but he was less hick than sage and provided a stable anchor for the wacky and colorful members of his community. A contented bachelor, Andy dates from time to time, and ultimately hooks up permanently with schoolteacher Helen Crump.