The Big House

Finding the Way Back to Mayberry

Episode # 95, "The Big House"

Introduction:
Two prisoners are temporarily housed in the Mayberry jail. As Barney teaches them about life at “The Big House” and Andy searches for the others, these two escape, and escape … and escape.

Lesson Points:
Pride and the Individual – 1 John 2:15-17, 1 Corinthians 4:7, 2 Corinthians 3:4-6
        What can I brag about? – Galatians 6:14, Proverbs 16:18
        A boastful spirit brings me down – James 4:6, Isaiah 2:11, 1 Samuel 2:3, Acts 9:1-9
        I can still learn from my mistakes and weaknesses – Galatians 6:4-5, Proverbs 11:2

Humility and the Team – Luke 14:8-11, Proverbs 25:27 and 29:2, Numbers 12:3, Isaiah 57:15 and 66:2
        Leaning on God – Psalm 3:5-6, 25:9, 27:1-3, and 138:7, Micah 6:8
        Working together – Nahum 3:18-19, Ephesians 1:3-14, Mark 3:13-19
        Making good assessments and decisions – Joshua 1:7, Proverbs 8:13, Matthew 18:4, Mark 8:36
        Helping overcome weaknesses with our strengths and experiences – James 1:9-12 and 5:13

Opportunities, Mistakes, & Second Chances – Mt. 25:34-36, Jas. 1:2-4, Heb.12:1-3, Lk. 6:27-36, Ecc. 7:29
        Aware of self/others – Jas. 1:19-27, Ro.12:1-14, 15:5-6, Gal.6:2, Lk.10:30-37, Jn. 15:13, Mt. 7:1-5
        Doing your best and correcting mistakes – Mt. 5:13-16, Php. 2:1-16, Gal. 6:7-10, 1 John 3:7-10
        Never, never, never give up! – Ephesians 6:10-18, Proverbs 17:22, Proverbs 18:12, Isaiah 40:31,
                1 Corinthians 3:8, 9:24-25, and 16:13, 2     Corinthians 4:7-9, Matthew 25:14-30

Discussion:
1) What are some benefits of being humble? Of being proud? Does humility mean a low self-esteem and hating oneself? Is pride a good or bad word? Are “humility” and “humiliate” similar words? How are “pride in your country” and “pride in yourself” different? When we make great accomplishments or win an award, whom truly deserves the credit? How did all the characters deal with pride? What could Barney have done differently to cause better results in this episode and in the future? If someone gets credit for your work, how does that make you feel? What is your proudest accomplishment? Did you do it alone?

2) What is wrong with Barney’s way of “being warden” over the prisoners? Why did Andy allow Barney to train Gomer as a deputy, against his better judgment? After Barney’s speech about rules, why didn’t he follow the rules and advice of his own boss? Why didn’t he obey Andy about not enlisting Gomer’s “help”? Why hadn’t Barney cleaned up the “Christmas mess”? Why did he want his jail to seem like a big prison? Can you identify with Barney’s need to feel important?

3) How did the crooks react toward Barney? How did Gomer? Why was there a difference? Why did Doc and Tiny escape when Barney was in charge? How could the crooks and detectives see through Barney so easily? Was it really Barney’s fault that he thought the detectives were the other crooks coming to bust their buddies out of jail? How did Barney’s pride and actions affect others? Why did Andy make it seem like the final capture was all Barney’s idea? Why did Barney give his speech on rules a second time?

4) Why was Barney so impressed with Gomer’s inspection? Why didn’t Andy share his enthusiasm? Why wasn’t Gomer more helpful? Why did he promptly clean up the lights, but daydream at his guard post? Why do you think Andy praised Barney for the capture, but not Gomer? (Didn’t they capture the gang with Gomer’s “machine gun” light bulbs? Even if it was an accident, it still worked, didn’t it?) Did you see much teamwork in this episode? If so, who was it and what did they do? Didn’t that seem strange to you?

Final Thought:
Barney: Now, men, there are a few things we ought to get straightened out right at the start to avoid any grief later on. Now, here at “The Rock,” we have two basic rules. Memorize them so that you can say them in your sleep. The first rule is: “Obey all rules!” Secondly, “Do not write on the walls, as it takes a lot of work to erase writing off of walls.”