Ep 2. The Goldtakers

Marshal Matt Dillon, the hero of the famous TV series 'Gunsmoke', is back with a gripping plot in season 12 episode 2, 'The Goldtakers'.

In this episode, Dodge City's very own blacksmith and part-time gold prospector, Lemuel Dedrick, panics after he finds out that his gold mine has been robbed. He seeks refuge in the Long Branch Saloon, and while sharing his grief with everyone, he is overheard by two strangers who claim to have information about the crime. The strangers convince Lemuel that they can help him catch the robbers if they are paid half of the stolen gold. Desperate for aid, Lemuel agrees, and the three set off to track the robbers down.

However, things take an unexpected turn when they come across the corpses of the robbers' horses. The strangers reveal that they have killed the horses to escape from the robbers but have no compelling intention to return to Lemuel without the loot. In the meantime, Lemuel is on the hunt for the robbers, believing that he is going to strike it rich and completely unaware of the danger surrounding him.

As Lemuel, the strangers, and Matt Dillon's posse all converge in a tense showdown, the truth about what really happened to Lemuel's mine is revealed, leaving everyone shocked. The fate of Lemuel and his would-be partners is up to the legendary Marshal, and it's up to him to ensure that justice is served.

The episode's setting is a wild west showdown that brilliantly highlights the resilient and determined spirit of Dodge City's inhabitants. The central theme of 'The Goldtakers' is desperation – a familiar sentiment that audiences will find relatable, even today. The plot dwells on the impossible choices that people make when life throws them into impossible situations where they seem to have no other options. Viewers will also get a sense of the exploitation that people can find themselves subjected to in times of great need, underlining the salient issue of wealth disparity.

James Arness is top-notch as Matt Dillon, portraying his iconic character with confidence and a sense of control that only comes with years of experience as Dodge City's marshal. The other cast members hold their weight as well, providing a reprieve from the typically male-dominated show with female characters who are both powerful and multifaceted. The episode also features flawless pacing, keeping up the tension and suspense until the very last moment.

Overall, 'The Goldtakers' is an outstanding episode of Gunsmoke, packing a powerful message and providing a thrilling experience for fans of the genre. It is an excellent example of why Gunsmoke was such a long-running and popular show, with a style that is still captivating audiences today.