Barney Gets His Man (TAGS Episode)

Episode Info

Barney Gets His Man

• S1.E30
• Filmed: 30
• Aired: 30
• Original Air Date: 1961/05/08
• Writer(s): Ben Gershman and Leo Solomon
• Director: Bob Sweeney

Plot Summary

Barney accidentally nabs bad-guy bank robber Eddie Brooke while issuing him a ticket for littering. Brooke tries to escape after spotting state troopers, but the troopers get their man. Before Brooke is carted off, he makes a point of promising revenge on the bumbling deputy responsible for his capture. Brooke manages to escape and is last seen making a beeline to Mayberry. Andy orchestrates Brooke's recapture, tricking Barney into firing his gun (directly at Andy), which induces Brooks to surrender.

Plot

Deputy Barney Fife is enjoying an ordinary day in Mayberry when he unknowingly helps capture Eddie Brooke, an escaped fugitive wanted by the FBI. While stopping at a gas station, Barney inadvertently causes Brooke’s arrest when the criminal, thinking Barney is onto him, surrenders without a fight. Barney, unaware of Brooke’s identity at first, quickly realizes his "heroic" deed when the FBI arrives to formally take the fugitive into custody.

The FBI agents, impressed by Barney’s apparent bravery, commend him and even declare him a prime example of law enforcement excellence. Mayberry residents celebrate Barney, who lets the praise inflate his ego. He begins strutting around town, boasting about his keen detective skills and how dangerous criminals don't stand a chance against him.

However, the situation takes a serious turn when Eddie Brooke manages to escape from custody. The FBI warns Andy and Barney that Brooke may seek revenge against the deputy responsible for his capture. Upon hearing this, Barney’s bravado quickly disappears, and he becomes paranoid, convinced that Brooke is lurking around every corner, waiting to get him.

Andy tries to calm Barney down, but his deputy remains on edge. That night, after a few false alarms and nervous antics, Barney is left alone at the jail, still trembling with fear. Meanwhile, Andy—suspecting Brooke might indeed come back—keeps a watchful eye on the situation.

As expected, Brooke does return to Mayberry, sneaking into the courthouse to confront Barney. Just as Barney panics, Andy intervenes at the right moment, using his calm and strategic thinking to capture the fugitive once again. Despite his earlier fears, Barney regains his composure just in time to take some credit for the arrest.

In the end, the FBI agents praise both Andy and Barney for recapturing the fugitive, reinforcing the idea that while Barney may not always be the most fearless officer, his heart is in the right place—and with Andy’s guidance, he manages to get the job done. The episode closes with Barney once again relishing his role as a crime-fighting hero, even if the reality of the situation was quite different from his version of events.

This episode is a classic example of Barney’s exaggerated confidence mixed with comedic vulnerability, highlighting his and Andy’s dynamic as both partners and friends.

Odd Facts Known by Few

• One of the few episodes in which Andy carries a gun.

• This episode begins with a car chase (one of only a few seen in this series).

• When Brooke tries to bribe Barney, he says "It's only a fin," slang for a 5 dollar bill.

• A rare camera angle, from the ground up, is used to make Barney appear much taller after he captures Eddie Brooke for the first time.

• A Black lady, assumed to be a citizen of Mayberry, is seen standing next to Andy just after Barney "captures" the dangerous criminal. This same uncredited lady can be seen standing by the squad car in the episode "Barney's Replacement."

• Andy leads the group in singing in unison "What's the matter with Barney? He's all right!" This is a parody of the 1910 song "What's the Matter with Father?," composed by Harry Williams and Egbert Van Alstyne.

• At 2 minutes and 22 seconds, (as the State Patrol spots Brooke) if you look at the building in the background you will see a sign that reads, "Waverly Malt and Hops Corp". Nothing unusual except that Mayberry is supposed to be in a dry county.

• At 2 minutes and 30 seconds the patrol car is passing in front of a drug store, then about 5 seconds later they are passing in front of the same building but now there is a car parked in front. A white 1961 Ford.

• It is said Brooke is in Thatcher's Woods,

• This episode is one of the earliest instances where Andy apprehends a criminal but allows Barney to take the credit. However, Barney does deserve some recognition for his bravery. A similar theme appears in "Barney and the Cave Rescue (S4.E14)," where Barney shows courage but still relies on Andy to make it seem like he achieved more than he actually did.

• When Barney and Andy leave the barn, they leave the radio and rifle behind.

• The State Police come to the office to tell Andy and Barney that they have a lead on the convict and invite them to join the search. When the officer opens the door to leave, the scenery outside the door is badly wrinkled, indicating it is a backdrop.

• When Andy and Barney are looking for the escaped criminal in the woods, the artificial light is visible and keeps moving around to show the actors' faces.

Quotes

Andy Taylor: How'd you do it, Barney? How did you nail him? Did he rush you? Well, say somethin'! Well, what's the matter, Barney?

Barney Fife: I swallowed my gum.

--

Eddie Brooke: I'll get you for this, Deputy.

Character List

• Andy Griffith - Andy Taylor
• Don Knotts - Barney Fife
• Ronny Howard - Opie Taylor
• Frances Bavier - Aunt Bee Taylor
• Betty Lynn - Thelma Lou
• Barney Phillips - Eddie Brooke
• Mike Steen - Sgt. Miller
• Bob McQuain - Sgt. Johnson
• Burt Mustin - bystander
• Joseph Hamilton - bystander
• Norman Leavitt - coffee shop owner