The Andy Griffith Show Episode 82: Class Reunion

Originally Aired on Feb 4, 1963.   Average User Rating: 8.4 out of 10  (743 entries).

Andy and Barney decide to organize their twentieth high school reunion, and all the excitement centers on the return of Andy's old flame Sharon Despain. It looks like the torch may be relit when Sharon shows up and she and Andy pick up right where they left off, in the garden outside. Both wonder what ever happened when it finally occurs to them both that what separated them in high school is what seperates them now. Sharon wants the bright lights and big city, and Andy is happy to stay where he is.

Please share your comments about this episode, or read the newest user comments below:

comment about 'Class Reunion' posted 1/25/2007 7:11:09 PM PST:

"Who is the actress who played Andy's high school girlfriend, Sharon Despain?" - Judy from Knottsville, Ky.

comment about 'Class Reunion' posted 12/28/2006 4:19:42 PM PST:

"At the end when Andy and Barney sing the song, Barney looks like he really is sad, about his friends growing older. Andy sypathizes but Barney doesn't look happy at all. I wonder if he was really sad or just good acting. It is the best part of the episode." - John from California

comment about 'Class Reunion' posted 8/18/2006 5:18:26 PM PST:

"I just saw this episode tonite again and Ive always sworn that Sharon was really THelma Lou later on..............They could be sisters. I think Betty Lynn had a different stage name and its REALLY her." - steve acree from Fla

comment about 'Class Reunion' posted 4/10/2006 9:59:54 AM PST:

"Is Peggy McCay (Sharon DeSpain) some how related to Betty Lynn (Thelma Lou)?" - Melissa from flordia

comment about 'Class Reunion' posted 3/11/2006 6:03:23 PM PST:

"I agree with the sentiments of the posters below. Excellent show. (One complaint: I find it somewhat hard to believe that Andy and Sharon cannot remember the details of the fight that separated them in high school--until it surfaces again.)" - John Robertson from Cambridge, Ontario, Canada

comment about 'Class Reunion' posted 1/27/2006 3:48:22 PM PST:

"this is one if not the most favorite episode . theway they all look forward to seeing old friends from school real pictures of andy in the year book . at the dance when barney doesnt want to ruin the marriage of is old class sweetheart then calls him bartender and doesent remember him from social studies !1A tweekie'great the feeling how every body got older this episode still puts a lump in my throat have seen it 348.ooo times" - b jackson from lake city mi

comment about 'Class Reunion' posted 8/30/2005 9:19:56 AM PST:

"There's never been a bad episode of TAGS, but all things considered, this is not one of my favorites. Peggy McCay (Sharon Despain) plays Caroline Brady on Days of our Lives. Or, at least she did. I'm not sure if she's still on, I haven't watched DOOL in many years. I just want to add that, although I live in VA now, I'm originally from Mt. Airy, NC, & Mayberry Days are awesome. If you haven't attended, you should make plans to go ASAP." - Betsy from VA

comment about 'Class Reunion' posted 7/15/2005 4:36:21 PM PST:

"Saw this one last night, and I was taken by the very sharp writing. The first scene, especially, is very cleverly written. Great episode!" - Brian from Raleigh, NC

comment about 'Class Reunion' posted 7/14/2005 7:21:34 PM PST:

"Peggy McCay (Sharon) and Betty Lynn (Thelma Lou) must be the same person! They look and sound identical! Until I checked the credits, I just always knew it was the same person." - Ron Skinner from Chicago

comment about 'Class Reunion' posted 5/21/2005 9:16:53 PM PST:

"The Mayberry Bears. Got that from the episode where Andy's uncle, and his wife and kids come to visit." - Jeremy from Pensacola

comment about 'Class Reunion' posted 5/1/2005 12:32:20 PM PST:

"I too have always thought that the Sharon character HAD to be played by Betty Lynn (Thelma Lou). How can we find this out? It has had me wondering for years...could this be her sister? That's how much alike they look... because certainly, it would be an odd choice for the producers to cast a current and popular cast member in another role, unless there was a "back story" as they say- and Betty Lynn went on because of an emergency or something?" - SandyH from Houston

comment about 'Class Reunion' posted 2/16/2005 1:41:38 PM PST:

"I just remember Volleyball Maitenance Crew and Spanish Club.... Andy: You were in the Spanish Club?? Barney: Si. Bernard Milton Fife, Bernard Oliver Fife, Bernard P. Fife (Phyfe)." - Kenneth S. Reedy, FLMI,PCS from Greensboro, NC

comment about 'Class Reunion' posted 2/13/2005 5:20:38 AM PST:

"does anyone know the four activities listed below barney's yearbook picture?" - runner from minnesota

comment about 'Class Reunion' posted 11/16/2004 4:02:10 AM PST:

"Demon Deac - if you think that WDBJ is bad about cutting too much of Andy, come back down to Greensboro and catch WFMY. They are atrocious. They not only cut the first 30 seconds of every show, but they don't even show the credits because they want to go straight to News 2 (with the sickening Sandra Hughes). I've sent them countless e-mails about this and they never respond. " - Kenneth S Reedy, FLMI from Greensboro, NC

comment about 'Class Reunion' posted 11/11/2004 3:14:35 PM PST:

" A bittersweet episode, which is the way that life often unfolds. Andy speaking to his high school sweetheart for the first time, since graduation night. The two of them realizing that memories are truly priceless, yet you can't reverse the hands of time. " - r.p. from virginia

comment about 'Class Reunion' posted 10/14/2004 9:51:46 AM PST:

"Just curious and have always wondered about this beautiful line, but who is credited with it? Surely it was something Barney found in Bartlett's. As if Varney would be looking in Bartlett's. A great episode. Thx -Chris " - Chris from Ft Lauderdale

comment about 'Class Reunion' posted 10/11/2004 3:31:28 PM PST:

"I was skeptical of those who talked about episodes being cut; it's true! In the TV Land version of this episode that recently aired, they cut part of the opening scene with Barney and Andy. In the uncut version, they talk about how slim Barney used to be. Barney shares that at 17 he could reach into a milk bottle and take out an egg. He then remarks that "Jack Egbert was no prize." This exchange was not in the TV Land version. Now I want to get the uncut set!" - Rusty from North Carolina

comment about 'Class Reunion' posted 9/26/2004 4:30:36 AM PST:

"I, also, would love to know the nick name of the Mayberry H.S. sports teams. Thanks for the help!" - Gramps from Alabama

comment about 'Class Reunion' posted 8/20/2004 4:29:30 PM PST:

"To Lynn V, regarding Barney's girlfriend: I think her name was Ramona Wiley (later Mrs. Harry Bectoris). That was always odd to me, because Ernest T. Bass also had a thing for a Ramona (or Romena), whom he met and danced with at Mrs. Wiley's. I always wondered if that Ramona was supposed to be Mrs. Wiley's daughter. " - J-Kay from Louisville, KY

comment about 'Class Reunion' posted 8/4/2004 9:47:28 AM PST:

"nate bracy nate bracy NATE BRACY love that set of lines" - zaggy from dutton mi

comment about 'Class Reunion' posted 7/18/2004 9:55:16 PM PST:

"As a huge fan of TAGS for 20 years, I only recently saw this episode. Odd it doesn't get shown more often. In my opinion, the best episode of them all. Low key and subtle, with fine performances." - John Stuart from Hancock, MI

comment about 'Class Reunion' posted 5/7/2004 5:25:05 PM PST:

"I watched this episode today and on my local CBS affiliate, and they left the ending off, i.e., "do the tears on your pillow, etc... That is low-budget. " - Demon Deac from Roanoke, Va

comment about 'Class Reunion' posted 4/19/2004 5:46:34 PM PST:

" I think Andy was lucky that gal wanted to remain a city girl.She looked old enough to be his mother.Peggy McMillan rules!" - Topcat from canada

comment about 'Class Reunion' posted 2/22/2004 10:40:29 AM PST:

"I just can't believe that this wonderful episode of TAGS is not rated in the top ten!!" - Mike Davidson from Bradford, West Yorkshire, England

comment about 'Class Reunion' posted 2/19/2004 5:39:21 PM PST:

"TV Land showed this episode the other night. It's a masterpiece, and I decided that for me, the last scene of this show is the pinnacle of the entire Andy Griffith Show experience. Tears well up in my eyes the moment the background music starts after they sing the school song, and the remaining dialogue hits me with a tidal wave of emotion. I get the feeling that those last few lines meant as much to Andy Griffith and Don Knotts, as they did to the sheriff and his loyal friend. Television's finest moment." - Nick from

comment about 'Class Reunion' posted 2/5/2004 11:07:04 AM PST:

"My husband and I have been trying to remember the name of Barney's high school sweetheart - who doesn't remember him. What is her name! I grew up with this show and I don't care if I've seen an episode 100 times I still LOVE it! Sure wish TV could go back to these good old days! Thanks, please don't ever let this show die! Lynn" - lynn V from Michigan

comment about 'Class Reunion' posted 11/24/2003 11:21:48 AM PST:

"For Michael, from Around...here's how the final lines went: Barney (a little sadly): "It's kinda sad seeing all the kids you grew up with, old now." Andy: "Do the tears on YOUR pillow bespeak the pain in YOUR heart?" ...Barney (with head down): "Yeah.." Andy (pauses, then says pensively): ".....me too!"" - J from Ut

comment about 'Class Reunion' posted 9/25/2003 6:17:34 PM PST:

"Ed Brown said it all - one of the greatest TV achievements of all time. " - Nick from

comment about 'Class Reunion' posted 8/25/2003 3:05:55 AM PST:

"You're correct that Sharon DeSpain and Thelma Lou looked exactly alike. But in reality, "Thelma Lou" was played by "Betty Lynn" and "Sharon DeSpain" was played by "Peggy McCay" Not only did they look the same, but the sound of their voice was also the same !! Remarkable, but the credits show them as two different people." - Peyton Boggia from Morrisville

comment about 'Class Reunion' posted 4/6/2003 12:18:21 PM PST:

"Sharon DeSpain has to be the charachter Thelma Lou..............." - Louis Gonzales from Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

comment about 'Class Reunion' posted 3/13/2003 5:24:25 AM PST:

"Chris N.'s review pretty much says it all. This episode, although certainly not the funniest, is for anyone who has ever wished they could go back and relive their school days, relationships and good times gone-bye. It is quite emotional and moving. It makes you think about what might have been......." - Mike Davidson from Bradford, West Yorkshire, England

comment about 'Class Reunion' posted 2/18/2003 10:09:01 AM PST:

"I saw this episode just last night. It is a great episode. I kept thinking that the character of Sharon DeSpain looked very much like Thelma Lou. Any reason why?" - Gene Sugg from Northwest Ohio

comment about 'Class Reunion' posted 1/16/2003 6:32:26 PM PST:

"DOES ANYONE KNOW THE NICKNAME OF THE MAYBERRY HIGH SPORTS TEAMS. WILDCATS, MUSKRATS, TITANS, RAIDERS FOR EXAMPLE. I DONT KNOW. DROP ME A LINE IF YOU KNOW. THANKS" - michael stanley from wise va.

comment about 'Class Reunion' posted 12/6/2002 8:35:11 AM PST:

"One of my faves..." - jeff from nyc

comment about 'Class Reunion' posted 7/9/2002 7:23:22 PM PST:

"yes..they did say "milton" was barney's middle name when they scanned the yearbook but later , always referred to his middle initial as "p". i don't recall ever hearing what the p stood for. i have always assumed this was an evolutionary change in the character development...much like the referral to barney as andy's cousin in the first episode , but definitely not related to one another as the show developed. i love this episode, as well as the later class reunion episode when barney returns to town. " - dana from north carolina

comment about 'Class Reunion' posted 5/14/2002 10:38:32 PM PST:

"Also, WHY did they change his name???" - Mark from YHWH

comment about 'Class Reunion' posted 5/14/2002 10:35:27 PM PST:

"Did anyone notice that when they were looking at the high school yearbook the name by Barney's picture says Bernard "Milton" Fife or something like that...his middle name started with an "M" anyway.But on some other show(or shows,I don't know which particular ones) he refers to himself or someone refers to him(or both)as Bernard P. Fife! Now what's his name Barney "P" or Barney "M"??? " - mark from GOD

comment about 'Class Reunion' posted 10/16/2001 6:01:10 PM PST:

"This episode has a friend of mine and I on opposite sides of a dispute. Who played Sharon DeSpain? My friend says Peggy McCay as do most, if not all, of the websites. "The Official Andy Griffith Show Scrapbook" says Barbara Perry. Come on TAGS experts, which is correct? By the way, I thought it was a great episode, very moving. One of the few not played for laughs." - Jeff Reeb from Memphis, Tennessee

comment about 'Class Reunion' posted 9/18/2001 7:04:33 PM PST:

"dear god this episode was amazing.......... i still keep replaying the scene at the end when Andy and Barney sing the Mayberry Union High song over and over agagin.. and that line, it's like "The pillows on my tillow speak for the pain in my heart," from that note Barney got and the line at the end: "Do the tears on your pillow speak for the pain you have, Ange?" "Yeah, Barn, yeah..." or something like that. powerful stuff." - Michael from Around

comment about 'Class Reunion' posted 9/7/2001 2:56:14 PM PST:

"This is a beautiful and amazing piece of work. It's simply awesome to me how much the writers packed into this 25-minute TV show. The comedy, pathos, and drama of this episode make it one of the highlights in the history of television. " - Ed Brown from St. Louis, MO

comment about 'Class Reunion' posted 8/22/2001 9:57:30 AM PST:

"I also wanted to echo Chris & Lance's sentiment. One of the greatest single episodes ever created for television in ANY series, without a doubt !!! The conversation and exchanges are priceless; the way we look back on our past was was handled so delicately with the sharing of real feelings and emotion. " - Peyton Boggia from Morrisville, NC

comment about 'Class Reunion' posted 8/22/2001 9:26:02 AM PST:

" This was an episode where the writers were obviously not interested in going for the laugh. And I would also add the "writing". The dialog between Andy and Sharon sitting outside on the bench together, could only have been written by people with memories, and sincere feelings of their own. At the very last scene of this episode when Barney & Andy sing "Mayberry Union High" We'll hit the line, For points every time, The orange and blue will try, try, try, try. And when the victory's won, You'll be our favorite son, Proud waves your banner in the sky, Mayberry Union High. A very difficult song to sing without tears, no matter what high school you were from. Barney adds "It makes you kind of sad, seeing how friends you knew, have grown older" Very very touching and emotional. " - Peyton Boggia from Morrisville, NC

comment about 'Class Reunion' posted 4/8/2001 12:26:11 AM PST:

"Chris N.'s review above sums this one up quite well. It is a very touching episode. Not one of my favorites but very good anyway. With all the touching moments like the moment Sharon shows up at the reunion late and quite unexpected. To Andy and Sharon's quite convincing kiss...the kiss of memories of times gone by. But, when Barney's "old flame" says she can't remember him...and he nearly gets punched by her husband...that is Don Knotts hilarity! Funny, Funny Scene!" - Lance Ramsay from Kansas City, MO

comment about 'Class Reunion' posted 10/6/2000 12:44:15 PM PST:

"This episode is, quite simply, a masterpiece. It sums up, in essence, was what The Andy Griffith Show was all about. The depth of the characters is at the forefront here......and the emotional quality of looking back at one's past is extremely touching. Anyone who remembers their youth fondly will be able to relate to this episode. The early scenes which feature Andy and Barn discovering the old "Cutlass" yearbook are simply a joy to watch. Their conversation and exchanges are priceless. Their expressions, depth of feeling and true emotion are signs of top notch acting and direction. And Andy's "great natural romance of all time" is handled perfectly, and is resolved in such a way that only strengthens the wonderful aspects of this series. All I can say is......WATCH this episode. If you have a heart at all, it will get to you, believe me. One of the greatest single episodes ever created for television in ANY series, without a doubt. " - Chris N. from Bluffton, SC