Gunsmoke – “Melinda Miles” (Original Air Date: March 5, 1961)

Podcast: OTRWesterns.com | Host: Andrew Rhynes
Episode Release Date: October 12, 2025

Brief Overview

In this episode of Gunsmoke titled “Melinda Miles,” Marshal Matt Dillon investigates the murder of Roy Taylor amid growing tensions between Tom Potter, a hard-working but struggling young man, and the staunch, protective father of his sweetheart, Melinda Miles. The story revolves around love, jealousy, and the quest for justice in Dodge City, Kansas, ultimately revealing how lies and desperation can lead to tragedy.

Key Discussion Points & Plot Breakdown

1. The Triangle: Tom, Melinda, and Mr. Miles

• Tom is courting Melinda, but her father, Mr. Miles, disapproves, favoring his right-hand man Roy Taylor.
• Tension flares:
  • Mr. Miles criticizes Tom's ambitions.
  • Tom reassures Melinda of his love and his intention to provide, selling a prized mare to purchase her a ring.

  “No, no, you’re gonna have a ring right off. You don’t want people to think I’m too poor to buy you a ring, now, do you?” – Tom Potter ([03:54])

2. Bad Blood and Gambling

• At the Long Branch Saloon, Tom loses all his money to Roy Taylor in poker. Chester and Miss Kitty discuss Tom’s unlucky streak.
• Rumors begin:
  • Chester notes, “Tom’s a nice boy. He just needs a little more growing up. Melinda Miles seemed willing to wait for him.” ([06:36])
• Later, Taylor is found dead, with the presumption of robbery. The missing $100, matching Tom’s poker loss, adds to suspicions.

3. Mounting Suspicion and Alibis

• Mr. Miles is convinced Tom is the killer, given their history and the timing.
• Melinda provides an alibi:

  “At one o’ clock, Tom Potter and I were standing right out there by the big oak, talking.” – Melinda Miles ([12:32])

  • This gives Tom time to be away from the Long Branch at the moment of the murder.

4. Money Questions and Verifications

• Tom buys Melinda a ring for $100, which raises Matt Dillon’s suspicions.
• Tom claims he got the money by selling two horses to George Rand. Marshal Dillon checks with Moss Grimmick, the stable owner, who confirms the sale – an apparent clearing of Tom’s name.

5. Seeking Justice… or Revenge

• Mr. Miles, unconvinced, threatens Tom’s life if he continues courting Melinda.
• Melinda and Tom, feeling unsafe, ask Dillon to arrest Tom and have him tried so he can be officially acquitted. Dillon refuses:

  “I’m sorry, Melinda, but the law can’t be used that way.” – Matt Dillon ([17:07])

• Tom and Melinda decide to run away together, but are soon found by Chester and Mr. Miles, who is bent on deadly vengeance.

6. Revelation and Tragic Conclusion

• Matt Dillon returns, having investigated George Rand. He reveals Tom’s alibi was manufactured:

  “Melinda, you got word into Tom about the alibi you’d set up for him, didn’t you? Well, didn’t you?” – Matt Dillon ([21:29])

  • Melinda admits she sent a note with the cook’s helper to cover for Tom, implicating him in Roy Taylor’s murder.
  • Tom, cornered, briefly attempts to lash out but is subdued and arrested.

7. Aftermath

• Mr. Miles is called to comfort Melinda, as Matt Dillon notes her need for support in the aftermath. The episode closes on a somber note, reflecting the consequences of love, loyalty, and deceit in the Old West.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Tom’s Devotion:
  “No, no, you’re gonna have a ring right off. You don’t want people to think I’m too poor to buy you a ring, now, do you?” – Tom Potter ([03:54])
• Parental Disapproval:
  “I gotta wonder about a man who spends all his time courting.” – Mr. Miles ([05:05])
• Melinda’s Defense:
  “It’s true, Pa, and I’ll swear to it in court.” – Melinda ([12:38])
• Marshal’s Law:
  “I’m sorry, Melinda, but the law can’t be used that way.” – Matt Dillon ([17:07])
• The Confession and Collapse:
  “Melinda, you got word into Tom about the alibi you’d set up for him, didn’t you?” – Matt Dillon ([21:29]) “Yes. The cook’s helper. I woke him up and made him ride into town with a note before dawn.” – Melinda ([21:33])

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [03:17–04:10]: Tom and Melinda’s plans for marriage; Tom’s intention to buy the ring
• [06:00–07:22]: Tom’s loss at cards to Roy Taylor, buildup of bad blood
• [08:00–09:15]: Roy Taylor’s murder is discovered; suspicion falls on Tom
• [12:29–12:43]: Melinda provides Tom’s alibi
• [14:30–14:45]: Tom claims he sold horses to get the money, verified by Marshal Dillon
• [16:43–17:10]: Melinda suggests arresting Tom to clear his name; Dillon refuses to abuse the law
• [19:32–20:07]: Tom and Melinda try to run away; Chester intervenes
• [21:29–21:41]: The truth about the alibi comes out; Melinda admits her deception
• [22:06–22:25]: After Tom’s arrest, Miles is told Melinda will need him, closing the episode

Tone & Style

Retaining Gunsmoke’s classic Western blend of taut dialogue, moral ambiguity, and heartfelt drama, the episode delivers an engrossing tale of love, pride, and frontier justice. Key moments are marked by the characters' raw emotion and the dilemmas faced by Dodge's lawmen.

Conclusion

“Melinda Miles” is a tightly plotted Gunsmoke episode that explores the fallout from jealousy and rash decisions. Centered on a doomed romance, an ill-fated gamble, and a manufactured alibi, the narrative highlights both the nobility and flaws of its characters—most notably the youthful desperation of Tom Potter and the unwavering code of Marshal Dillon. The episode underscores the show’s enduring strength: drama rooted in the realities of human weakness and the harsh ethics of the Old West.