Dennis The Menace (1959 TV Series) - Later Seasons

Later Seasons

Dennis and Mr. Wilson had a love-hate relationship, with Dennis always aggravating Mr. Wilson, but usually without realizing it. He would call Mr. Wilson his "best friend", and often referred to him as "Good 'Ol Mr. Wilson", while on many occasions Mr. Wilson would tell Dennis, "You have far better friends than me." Mrs. Wilson, however, loved Dennis (in a grandmotherly way) and tried to make the situation better between the two. Other neighbors and townspeople aired on a recurring basis, included Mrs. Elkins (a widowed neighbor and the town gossip), Mrs. Holland (another widow that aired on a recurring basis in season one only), Miss Cathcart (a lonely spinster), Mr. Quigley (the grocer), Opie Swanson (the TV/appliance store owner), Mr. Finch (The druggist), Sgt. Mooney (The policeman), Mr. Krinkie (the newspaper editor) and Buzz (the local handyman) among others. Dennis also had a nemesis named Johnny Brady, whose father and Henry Mitchell also were sometimes at odds.

Second and third season episodes began to focus on Dennis at school learning to read, going to camp, playing baseball, being in scouting, and of course trying to help Mr. Wilson. Dennis was gradually maturing, and at times it is revealed that Mr. Wilson does like Dennis deep down. In the fourth season, Dennis is no longer seen in his trademark overalls and is instead wearing regular pants. Also, the famous striped shirt goes from a crew-neck to a "polo" type shirt with a collar and buttons.