Andy and Barney in the Big City

The episode opens in the Taylor house as Andy and Barney prepare to depart on a business trip to Raleigh (generically called "the state capital"). They are putting in a request to obtain new, more advanced police equipment; but, as they soon discover, they will not be granted this request until the crime rate in Mayberry catches up to them. (Barney's comment: "Just one good felony - our name in the paper just once - we'd have everything we wanted just like that!") This sets in motion the plot of the episode, in which Barney tries to nab a jewel thief at their hotel but, in Fife-like fashion, mistakenly pursues the hotel detective and allies himself with the thief.

If I'm not mistaken, this episode marks the first occasion in which TAGS left the confines of Mayberry and its immediate environs. Andy would appear briefly in Raleigh again in "Andy on Trial," but visits to the big city would be rare until the color seasons. This is a very well-made entry in the series, with lots of stylish clothes (people sure knew how to dress for travel back then!), artfully composed camera shots, and mystery and intrigue in a ritzy hotel. Although the plot is typical TAGS caper fare, the visual stylishness of the episode - and the rare chance to see our two heroes outside of their natural environment - set it apart.

Andy and Barney have gone to Raleigh to seek updated equipment for the sheriff's office. However, the state official in charge of such requests says that, although he'll bring their request to the budget committee, he doubts that their request will be fulfilled. He says that they have such a low crime rate in Mayberry that he doubts the budget committee will see the need. In other words, if they were terrible at their jobs rather than successful, they would more than likely get the equipment. He says that even a high profile arrest by either of them would have likely been enough.

This gets Barney thinking - If he can make an arrest here in Raleigh, which he is sure is a hotbed of crime, that might make an impact on the state budget committee. As much as Andy tries to dissuade Barney, typical Don Knotts comedy hijinks ensue.

This episode has quite a few great character actors. Most famous is somebody who has a very minor role - Arte Johnson of Laugh-In fame plays a hotel clerk. Allan Melvin, who played numerous bad guys because of his foreboding looks, is the hotel detective. Les Tremayne, of broadcasting fame, is a jewel thief. Finally there is Ottola Nesmith, who has film acting credits back to 1913 and who hosted a horror movie TV show in the 1950s, plays a matronly lady with some tempting jewelry.

Typical Barney Fife hilarity occurs when he and Andy go to a restaurant where the menu is in French. Andy just asks the waiter for a steak, admitting that he can't read the menu. Barney, trying to put up a front as always, acts like he can read the menu and points to what he wants. He ends up with brains and snails.

Yes, the very best episodes, as far as all us kids were concerned, were the ones with Barney and crooks. The perfect storm. This is one of them, written to perfection by Harvey Bullock, who wrote for the FLINTSTONES (surprise!), GOMER PYLE, the LOVE BOAT, many others.

Andy claims the department needs more money from the state for better police equipment, although the wheels turn slow. It's Barney's secret wish that something BIG would happen to make the bureaucrats stop draggin' their feet. Wish granted...

Barney accompanies Andy to the capital to put in a request, staying at a hotel where some suspicious activity spikes his interest. Just has to be! Watching Don Knotts astounded expressions are the whole show, let alone just playing the super snooper. A little old lady with lots of expensive jewelry catches his eye, but even more so is the shadowy gent (Allan Melvin) watching her. Barney also encounters a distinguished fellow named CJ Hasler (played by Les Tremayne), but no worries, because he looks like a good guy, right?

The gift that keeps on giving, also featuring comedian Arte Johnson, in an early role, as the hotel clerk. See this one right to the end and you'll want to see it all over again, what a classic is all about.

I agree, Melvin doesn't say much, but just his appearance is worthy for a few chuckles. Les Tremayne, known as "the voice," famous announcer and narrator, also adds to the drama. Ottola Nesmith plays the wealthy lady, long time bit actress, seen in many top films, since the 1930s.

Noneother than Bob Sweeney directed, who used every trick in the book. Bob also headed HOGANS HEROES, DORIS DAY and THAT GIRL. The list goes on.

Best of SEASON 2 EPISODE 25 Paramount dvd box set. 3 dvds. Always with a sharp color cover for fans.

Always a favorite TAGS episode of mine. Each Don Knotts classic scene is true genius. Almost like a best of Barney tribute in one episode. Laughed the hardest Barney Fife "MD", and the epilogue with Barney hiding in the closet announcing "there's nothing in there" when he feels Berdoli poses no threat. Alan Melvin doesn't say a lot in this episode but has a tremendously funny influence throughout. If this isn't a 10 star TAGS episode nothing is.

Andy and Barney are off to see a commissioner to get some money for new equipment. Barney sees a woman putting some expensive jewelry in her purse. He soon suspects a man watching her of being interested. But who should turn up but a real jewel thief. Once again, Andy has to think quickly.