The Panel Show

Sam receives a letter from Jackson Television Productions. Their debate program will discuss which is better, big city or small town life. They request two citizens to come to New York City, all expenses paid. Representing New York will be writer Harding Capehart and socialite Pamela Mason. The City Council pick Emmett and Howard to defend the honor of all small towns across America. The men arrive in New York and experience the hustle and bustle of the big city. Emmett calls and Sam reminds them to prepare for the debate. It is the night of the show and people gather at Sam's office to watch the show. Clara is concerned about Howard not doing well. The show begins with moderator Mr. Jackson introducing the panelists. The folks are stunned when they see Howard dressed in Hippie attire. Howard then concedes many of the points that the city representatives make. Emmett and the folks at home start to get frustrated with Howard's reactions. Howard returns to Mayberry an outcast and admits he got carried away on his first trip to New York. Sam holds another Council Meeting. Sam sent a Manhattan newspaper an apologetic poem Howard had written about Mayberry. The paper prints the poem and Sam reads it to the Council. Everyone then forgives Howard.