In episode 2, season 1 of “The Andy Griffith Show” titled “The Manhunt,” the story revolves around a criminal manhunt.
The plot begins when Sheriff Andy Taylor and Deputy Barney Fife receive information about an escaped convict from a nearby prison. State agents arrive in Mayberry to lead the manhunt. However, they quickly remove Andy and Barney from the task, believing that small-town officers lack the experience to handle the situation.
Despite this, Andy has his own plan. He and Barney accidentally discover the criminal hiding in a cabin near the lake. Andy uses his intelligence and a gentle approach to capture the convict without resorting to force. The state agents eventually have to admit that Andy and Barney successfully completed the job.
The episode highlights the contrast between Andy’s management style—intelligent, calm, and friendly—and the tough, by-the-book approach of the state police.