In which episode did Ernest T. Bass first appear?

Ernest T. Bass first appeared in “Mountain Wedding.”

The episode is the 94th episode of The Andy Griffith Show and aired near the end of the third season, on April 29, 1963. In the story, the Darlings ask Andy Taylor for help with Ernest T. Bass, a wild mountain troublemaker determined to marry Charlene Darling even though she is already married to Dud Wash.

Howard Morris played Ernest T. Bass, giving the character his distinctive manic laugh, unruly behavior, and talent for causing chaos with seemingly improvised schemes. His introduction immediately established Bass as a recurring nuisance rather than a regular member of Mayberry’s community.

“Mountain Wedding” is especially notable because it is the only episode featuring both Ernest T. Bass and the Darling family. The Darlings’ bluegrass performances, supplied by members of the Dillards, are another hallmark of the episode. Bass ultimately appeared in only five episodes, but his eccentric personality made him one of the show’s most memorable guest characters.