Well, a lot of those influences drive plot and lead to character development. Now, take away these elements and you have a rather boring form of non entertainment. Perhaps another "Leave it to Beaver" or "Father Knows Best" but at a time when television was looking to branch out a bit from the perfect family sitcoms of the 1950s. The elements may not be much of an edge, but they added some edge by comparison.The other part is a primary focus of the show -- the kind simplicity of small town life.
- Since Andy could never cheat on a spouse, having him a widower allows for the introduction of romantic tension. Adding romantic tension leads to the typical male female stereotypes (unreasonable, hysterical women/poor suffering clueless men) that is the opposite of stereotypical PC leftist ideology. It also allows for romantic comedy with Barney. Add wives and you lose 30 percent of the entertainment value and story ideas.
- Andy's "as needed" gun policy just pointed out how little a gun was actually needed. And, as i recall, when it was needed it was because of some city slicker bandit. [edit: and Andy actually was ready and willing to use deadly force if required, and showed a level of respect and gun safety that would be at home in an NRA handbook]
- The anti-gender stuff (male buffoons from the sticks) cited is more of a reflection of the class structure that exists and existed in small towns where those from the other side of the tracks, or, in this case, living in shacks in the woods are regarded as backwards even by small town standards. Indeed its a reflection that the conservative but civilized townspeople (who might be made fun of by a NY elite) can themselves poke fun at their less affluent neighbors. I even seem to recall episodes where a female "hick" was hot for andy and played the buffoon. It may have been a class message, but a fairly conservative one where you can poke innocent fun at others you regard [gently in this case] as beneath you. I mean, none of the good townspeople were ever actually interested in crossing those class lines and returning the affections -- just wasn't done.
- Town drunk? Alcoholics (at least "good drunks") were generally seen as "funny" at the time and remained so into the 1970s. Ever watch a Dean Martin Roast? In fact, alcohol is the conservative's drug of choice. A liberal message would have likely shown the dark side of alcoholism.
- Town Miser? Another stock character that is timeless.
- Dinner timing (diner meals at 10:00 pm) and cocktails? Probably just a disconnect between east coast/west coast writers and the specific environment they were portraying. Inaccurate, but I don't see the solical message. Diners did exist and small town people did drink, though not typically at a cocktail hour.
- Domestic disputes and child abandonment? Also a part of life, small town or not, and I don't recall them being either glorified or allowed to pass without a morally acceptable conclusion. There were no unhappy endings in Mayberry.
- "killing a bird (by accident, no less) is about the greatest crime imaginable." Actually a lesson in the fact that actions have consquences, and you have to take responsibility for your actions. Also, that you must let go of those you love when it's time for them to go out and grow on their own.
Pretty weak and poorly developed arguments, really. Factually inaccurate in many areas as well. Now, if you want to talk communism, talk Gilligan's Island
Charon
