Gunsmoke Episode Summary: "Widow’s Mite" (Original Air Date: April 8, 1956)

Overview "Widow’s Mite," an episode from the iconic Western series Gunsmoke, masterfully weaves themes of trust, deception, and redemption against the rugged backdrop of Dodge City, Kansas. Set during the tumultuous settlement of the American West, the story delves into the complexities of human relationships and the quest for justice.

Introduction

The episode opens with U.S. Marshal Matt Dillon (William Conrad) introducing himself as the first to be sought and the last to be encountered by those in Dodge City:

Matt Dillon [02:02]: "I'm that man. Matt Dillon, United States Marshal. The first man they look for and the last they want to meet. It's a chancy job that makes a man watchful and a little lonely."

Key Characters

• Matt Dillon: The steadfast U.S. Marshal dedicated to maintaining law and order in Dodge City.
• Chester: Matt's loyal companion, providing support and insight throughout their endeavors.
• Ada Morton: The widow of Zach Morton, whose past and present become central to the unfolding drama.
• Leech Fields: A seemingly gentlemanly newcomer with hidden motives related to Ada and the Mortons.

Plot Development

Zach Morton's Legacy

The narrative begins with Matt Dillon discussing the recent death of Zach Morton, Ada's husband, shedding light on his transformation from a respected figure to a bandit:

Ada Morton [03:32]: "Zach turned bandit, Marshal. I lost pride in him for a long time now, Ada."

Matt reveals to Ada that Zach died while chasing his partner:

Matt Dillon [03:36]: "He was killed swimming at Cimarron."

Ada expresses skepticism about the rumors surrounding hidden money:

Ada Morton [03:55]: "Zach turned bandit, Marshal... I think she knows where the money's at."

Introduction of Leech Fields

Leech Fields arrives in Dodge City with intentions to marry Ada quickly, stirring suspicion about his true motives:

Leech Fields [09:25]: "We're going to get married, Marshall... tomorrow right here in Dodge."

Matt remains wary of Fields, sensing ulterior motives behind the swift engagement:

Matt Dillon [19:04]: "I'll go help Chester now. And as soon as we can feed you something, we'll go after him."

Rising Tensions and Suspicion

Chester and Matt investigate Fields's behavior, uncovering inconsistencies that point to Fields's greed and desire for the hidden money:

Matt Dillon [14:25]: "As soon as we were out of sight, Fields left the porch and went into the house. And nobody's come out yet."

Chester voices concerns about Ada's trustworthiness, questioning her knowledge of the money:

Chester [21:28]: "But why'd she say it was out here?"

Matt deduces that Ada manipulated events to dispose of Fields, hoping to protect her peace:

Matt Dillon [21:30]: "I guess she thought if she could get rid of Leach Fields, even for a little while, she might have a chance."

Climax

The tension culminates when Matt and Chester confront Leech Fields in Ada’s home, leading to a violent showdown:

Matt Dillon [20:26]: "Get your hands in the air."

During the confrontation, Fields attempts to flee but is ultimately overpowered by Matt:

Matt Dillon [21:14]: "I couldn't afford to miss the next two."

Fields is apprehended, revealing that the rumored hidden money was never there, and Ada's actions were misunderstood:

Matt Dillon [21:16]: "That money's at the bottom of the Cimarron with Zach's partner."

Resolution

With Fields defeated and the truth uncovered, Matt reassures Ada of his commitment to her well-being:

Matt Dillon [22:02]: "She's been through enough over something that she never even knew anything about."

Chester reflects on the complexities of trust and deception, emphasizing the unpredictable nature of human intentions:

Chester [21:57]: "Man sure can be wrong sometimes, can't he, Mr. Dill?"

The episode concludes with Matt reinforcing the triumph of justice and the restoration of peace in Dodge City:

Matt Dillon [23:03]: "And that was the West. Good night."

Notable Quotes

• Matt Dillon [02:02]: "I'm that man. Matt Dillon, United States Marshal..."
• Ada Morton [03:55]: "Zach turned bandit, Marshal. I lost pride in him for a long time now, Ada."
• Leech Fields [09:25]: "We're going to get married, Marshall... tomorrow right here in Dodge."
• Matt Dillon [19:04]: "I'll go help Chester now. And as soon as we can feed you something, we'll go after him."
• Chester [21:28]: "But why'd she say it was out here?"
• Matt Dillon [22:02]: "She's been through enough over something that she never even knew anything about."

Conclusion

"Widow’s Mite" stands out as a compelling installment in the Gunsmoke series, showcasing Marshal Matt Dillon's unwavering dedication to justice amidst personal and communal turmoil. The episode effectively balances suspense with character development, highlighting the intricate dance between appearance and reality in the lawless expanses of the American West.

Note: This summary excludes advertisements, introductions, and outros to focus solely on the narrative content of the episode.