Ep 31. How to Die for Nothing

Marshal Matt Dillon is on another gripping adventure in the Western drama television series, Gunsmoke, in season 1 episode 31 titled "How to Die for Nothing". The episode begins with two outlaws, Parrott and Larkins, who rob an elderly woman's home and end up killing her and her son. The two fugitives then head into Dodge city, where they go to Bledsoe's saloon, where they cause a commotion and shoot a man. But as fate would have it, Matt Dillon walks in and apprehends the pair.

The trouble is, Parrott is seriously ill and needs medical attention, and Larkins is intent on breaking him out of jail. Larkins manages to get a hold of a gun, and Matt must find a way to keep Parrott alive long enough to bring him to trial while also preventing Larkins from wreaking havoc in Dodge city.

Meanwhile, Doc decides to hire a new woman, Clair, as his assistant. Although Kitty has her reservations about Clair initially, she soon warms up to her and realizes she is competent and efficient in her duties. Together, they end up assisting Matt in his mission to keep Parrott alive while also taking care of other patients who require their attention.

With time running out, Matt must make a difficult decision between keeping Parrott alive for trial or giving him mercy, knowing that he is going to die anyway. At the same time, Larkins is still causing trouble in Dodge city, and Matt must stay one step ahead to prevent him from doing more damage.

How to Die for Nothing portrays the harsh reality of the American West, where lawlessness and violence were commonplace. The episode also presents the tough moral choices that law enforcement officers had to make daily to maintain law and order in a world where the line between good and bad was often blurred.

As always, James Arness as Marshal Matt Dillon delivers a performance befitting the character, showcasing his strength, intelligence, and quick thinking. The supporting cast, including Milburn Stone as Doc, Amanda Blake as Kitty, and Glenn Strange as Sam, add depth and nuance to the show.

Overall, "How to Die for Nothing" is a captivating and thought-provoking episode of Gunsmoke that continues to captivate audiences decades after it first aired.