Like other reviewers here, I think this episode taught accountability and responsibility. It also taught about the importance of being able to know when it is time to let go. It's one of the most memorable Andy Griffith Show episodes, and I think it's even a good one for children ages 8+ to see as well. I'm curious however, about how they sourced the dead bird (that was impacted by Opie's slingshot). Did the producers somehow find the bird already dead? I hope they didn't kill the bird intentionally for the purpose of the show. The bird looks like a real dead bird, it doesn't seem like a fake one, so I would like to know about its source.