Don't be fooled: it's not the corny cow-stealing plot that's the main point of this episode, but the conflict between Andy and the "authorities." This was the second episode in which Mayor Stoner (Parley Baer) appeared, and the writers seemed intent on establishing him as a dogged antagonist to Andy and Barney. The conflict is quite effective here, as Stoner scoffs at Andy's common sense policing skills in uncovering a cow thief and hires a big city police investigator to help in the case. Barney is shown at his sycophantic, self-serving, braggadocio best as he shamelessly sucks up to the investigator. There is a very touching scene toward the end between Andy and Barney after Andy has just been rebuffed and abandoned by the mayor and investigator. This episode is special in that it shows Barney at his best (and worst), and solidifies the bond between Andy and Barney in a more serious and poignant way than usual. Also, listen for a funny bit about a road safety slogan Barney thought up: "Walk on the left side after dark, and you won't wind up playing a harp."
6 Reviews
Nice Little Mystery Story
Hitchcoc4 December 2019
The mayor suffers from a serious problem: lack of imagination. When a cow thief shows up, he calls in a man from the city to investigate, assuming that Andy and Barney are incompetent. Andy has the advantage of knowing his community. I wonder how this mayor got elected when he has so little knowledge of goings on of this tiny town.
Mayor Stoner oversteps his jurisdiction
deblc-913345 February 2021
"The Big Freeze".
vitoscotti7 April 2022
Parley Baer as Mayor Stoner is much better with a smaller role. Amazing Don Knotts scenes with him putting his foot in his mouth. The "moulage" bit is one of the series best. Never explained why unkept Luke Jensen (Malcolm Atterbury) has such a groomed clean dog, or who buys the hot cows from him. Terrific casting of dry Upchurch (Ralph Bell) who really nailed his role.
A Fine Half Hour Even for the Andy Show
scottschada@yahoo.com4 October 2023
The details of this episode show the quality of the writers at their best. All the elements are there--suspense, mistrust, anger, pride (Barney of course) humor (Barney again) and above all, Andy's ability to figure it out over the qualified and well-intentioned assigned investigator from the capitol. Barney's flighty personality is perfectly shown when his "nemesis" (the outside investigator called in by the new overly zealous mayor) compliments Barney on his safety slogan, and suddenly he's all in for the outsider.
This is really Andy's moment, as his old school common sense but exceptional mental skills put him on top once again. Although there is no Aunt Bee nor Opie, this episode will live forever in its presentation of mystery, drama and plenty of laughs. Melange, anyone?
This is really Andy's moment, as his old school common sense but exceptional mental skills put him on top once again. Although there is no Aunt Bee nor Opie, this episode will live forever in its presentation of mystery, drama and plenty of laughs. Melange, anyone?
My favorite episode
aramis-112-8048801 March 2024
Who is stealing cows (and it is cows only; I once heard my city-bred best friend use the term "male cows") throughout greater Mayberry?
Andy and Barney are on the case!
Once again, Mayor Stoner is exercised, acting as if he bosses around a county-wide elected Sheriff. But no TV shows are altogether consistent, nor accurate.
As for Stoner's jurisdiction, sometimes these small, southern towns have far-flung borders. Not having a map of Mayberry before me, I can't say. But in towns like Mayberry (and its county) half the population is related to each other and the other half to someone else. Mayors like Stoner have to show concern in more than just their own jurisdictions to be reelected, to keep families satisfied with him.
The conclusion is surprising and hilarious. I've watched this episode dozens of times and I never weary of it.
Andy and Barney are on the case!
Once again, Mayor Stoner is exercised, acting as if he bosses around a county-wide elected Sheriff. But no TV shows are altogether consistent, nor accurate.
As for Stoner's jurisdiction, sometimes these small, southern towns have far-flung borders. Not having a map of Mayberry before me, I can't say. But in towns like Mayberry (and its county) half the population is related to each other and the other half to someone else. Mayors like Stoner have to show concern in more than just their own jurisdictions to be reelected, to keep families satisfied with him.
The conclusion is surprising and hilarious. I've watched this episode dozens of times and I never weary of it.
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