Ep 24. The Pest Hole

In Gunsmoke season 1 episode 24, titled "The Pest Hole," Marshal Dillon and Chester investigate the murder of a man found in a shallow grave outside of Dodge City. The victim was a newcomer to town, and no one seems to know anything about him or why he was killed. As they dig deeper, they uncover a sinister plot involving a corrupt sheriff, a wanted outlaw, and a group of men who will stop at nothing to keep their secrets hidden.

The episode begins with Marshal Dillon and Chester riding out to the site of the murdered man's grave. They examine the body and try to piece together any clues that might lead them to the killer. As they talk to people in town, they discover that the victim was staying at a rundown hotel on the outskirts of town known as "The Pest Hole."

The hotel is run by a shady character named Amos Gibson, who seems to have something to hide. When Dillon and Chester search the man's room, they find a bag of stolen money hidden under the floorboards. This leads them to suspect that the victim may have been involved in a robbery and was killed by his accomplices.

But as they continue to investigate, they learn that the murder was much more complicated than they initially thought. The corrupt sheriff of the neighboring town, who has been trying to frame Dillon for a crime he didn't commit, is involved in a scheme to rob a stagecoach that is carrying a large sum of money.

The robbery is being orchestrated by an outlaw named Joe Trimble, who is posing as a traveling salesman. He has enlisted the help of several men staying at The Pest Hole, including Amos Gibson, to carry out the heist. The victim was one of the men involved but had grown uneasy about the plan and threatened to turn them all into the authorities.

Fearing that he would reveal their plot, the group decided to kill him. However, they didn't count on Dillon and Chester coming to town and uncovering their scheme. In the end, justice is served, and the bad guys are caught, thanks to the Marshal's quick thinking and bravery.

"The Pest Hole" is a classic episode of Gunsmoke, filled with suspense, action, and intrigue. It showcases the unflinching determination of Marshal Dillon, who will stop at nothing to protect the people of Dodge City and uphold the law. It also highlights the complexity of human nature, as the characters struggle with greed, fear, and the desire to do the right thing. Overall, "The Pest Hole" is a must-watch for fans of westerns and crime dramas alike.