 The state police notify Barney about an escaped prisoner heading toward Mayberry and plan to use the courthouse as their headquarters for the big manhunt. Captain Barker and his men arrive, make their plans, which don t include Andy or Barney, and leave to set up their roadblocks. Not willing to be left out, the two spring into action and Barney is caught off guard by the criminal, who takes his gun and ties him up. Stung by Barker s words after reporting the turn of events, Andy comes up with a plan to capture the escapee, earn the respect of the state police, and regain the townsfolk s confidence.