Ep 7. A Gun for Christmas
- TV-G
- December 18, 1952
- 25 min
In Dragnet season 2 episode 7, "A Gun for Christmas," Sergeant Joe Friday and Officer Frank Smith are called to investigate an unusual firearm theft just days before Christmas. Their investigation leads them to a young boy named Stevie, who admits to stealing a gun as a gift for his father. Despite their initial sympathy for the boy, Friday and Smith quickly realize the potentially deadly consequences of a young child possessing a gun.
As they dig deeper into the case, Friday and Smith discover that the stolen gun was actually part of a larger firearms trafficking ring operating in the city. They soon find themselves trying to catch both the thief and the dangerous criminals who are funneling illegal weapons into the community.
The episode deals with issues of gun safety and the responsibility of gun owners to keep their weapons out of the wrong hands. We see the impact that gun violence can have on a community, especially during the holiday season. Through their investigation, Friday and Smith highlight the importance of responsible gun ownership and the need for stricter laws around the sale and possession of firearms.
As always, Dragnet incorporates a sense of realism into its storytelling. Viewers are given a glimpse into the lives of both the officers and the criminals they pursue. We see the challenges that the police face in their day-to-day work, as well as the complex motivations behind criminal behavior.
"A Gun for Christmas" is a gripping episode that tackles an important issue in a powerful and thought-provoking way. The investigation is well-paced and keeps the viewer engaged throughout, with plenty of unexpected twists and turns along the way. The performances are strong, with Jack Webb and Ben Alexander delivering solid performances as Friday and Smith respectively.
Overall, "A Gun for Christmas" is a standout episode in the second season of Dragnet. It is a must-watch for fans of the series, as well as for anyone interested in exploring issues of gun safety and responsible gun ownership.