Ep 11. General Parcley Smith

In "General Parcley Smith," the eleventh episode of Gunsmoke's first season, Marshal Matt Dillon (James Arness) is faced with a unique challenge. General Parcley Smith (John Dehner), a retired army officer, has arrived in Dodge City to take possession of a large sum of money that has been entrusted to him by the government. The catch is that Smith is a heavy drinker and prone to violent outbursts, which could put the townsfolk in danger.

Despite the potential danger, Smith refuses to be disarmed or even watched too closely, citing his military rank and taking issue with Dillon's authority. However, things take a turn when Smith's wife (Virginia Christine) arrives in town. It becomes clear that she is terrified of her husband and wants to take the money and leave him, prompting Dillon to take action.

As the situation escalates, Dillon must use all of his wits and training to keep Smith in check while protecting the other citizens of Dodge City. Meanwhile, tensions rise between Smith and his wife, leading to a dramatic confrontation that leaves both of them changed forever.

"General Parcley Smith" is a tense and gripping episode that highlights the complexities of power dynamics and domestic abuse. The strong performances from the cast, particularly Dehner and Christine, bring nuance and depth to the characters and their relationships. Overall, it is a standout installment of the iconic western series.