Thelma Lou
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Thelma Lou is a character on the American television sitcom The Andy Griffith Show (1960-1968). The character appeared in 26 episodes. Thelma Lou is Barney Fife's girlfriend and is portrayed by Betty Lynn.
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[edit] Overview
Thelma Lou lives in the community of Mayberry, North Carolina. She is Mayberry Deputy Sheriff Barney Fife's girlfriend. Thelma Lou appeared as a semi-regular character in 26 episodes of the The Andy Griffith Show from 1961 until 1966 when the character was dropped from the show. She appeared in the 1986 reunion made-for-television movie, Return to Mayberry.
[edit] First appearance
Thelma Lou's debut occurs in the first season episode, "Cyrano Andy". Barney and Thelma Lou are platonic friends but their relationship becomes, (and remains), a romantic one with Andy's help.
[edit] Thelma Lou's telelife
Little is known about Thelma Lou's telelife, despite her impressive role in the series. It is uncertain how or when she met Barney. In one episode, Barney mentions he met her at a funeral. In another episode, it is mentioned that she attended Mayberry Union High, graduating in the same class with Barney and Andy Taylor. Aside from her romance with Barney Fife, she was given very little character development during the series' run. She was generally portrayed as a sweet-natured, somewhat touchy, caring person who genuinely had an understanding for Barney, despite his unbecoming antics and personality problems. She sang in the choir, lived in her own home, and was apparently employed and self sufficient. Like most Mayberry ladies, she is an accomplished cook, being especially celebrated for her "cashew fudge" (a favorite of Barney's). Thelma Lou's last name was never given on the show (it could be assumed that "Lou" was her surname, although it is unlikely since everybody, including Barney, always referred to her by both names). Her occupation is never revealed but she mentions once that she "had to get back to the office."
[edit] Barney and Thelma Lou
The stability of Barney and Thelma Lou's relationship is questionable. Barney dates other women besides Thelma Lou (mainly, diner waitress Juanita). It is unlikely the viewer is meant to believe Barney and Thelma Lou have an open relationship in the small, sleepy, conservative community of Mayberry. It is more likely the viewer is meant to believe that Barney is simply a cheater.
The two call it Splitsville in one episode when Barney pays a bit too much attention to an attractive newcomer to Mayberry. Despite their ups and downs, Thelma Lou stated that Barney was the man she wanted to marry and be the father of her children, and Barney once told Thelma Lou, "You're the only one I ever gave a hoot for." A running gag on the show involved Barney and Thelma Lou spending a "quiet evening together" and somebody walking in on them to find Barney's hair mussed and lipstick prints all over his face.
Barney and Thelma Lou went their separate ways when Barney left Mayberry to join the Raleigh police force (coinciding with Don Knotts's departure from the series in 1965). In the sixth season episode, "The Return of Barney Fife", Barney returns to Mayberry for a high school reunion. Intent on getting back with Thelma Lou, Barney discovers she has married another man. This episode is Thelma Lou's final appearance on the series.
[edit] Subsequent appearance
Thelma Lou appeared in the 1986 television reunion movie Return to Mayberry and by then was divorced. Barney finally marries Thelma Lou.
