Ep 1. The Wreckers

In Gunsmoke season 13 episode 1, titled The Wreckers, trouble is brewing in Dodge City as a group of ruthless smugglers known as the wreckers have set their sights on the landlocked town. These smugglers are known for causing shipwrecks off the coast of New Orleans and plundering the goods that wash up on shore. However, with the Civil War over and tighter security at the ports, they've decided to expand their operations inland.

Matt Dillon (James Arness), the United States Marshal of Dodge City, is determined to put a stop to the wreckers and their illegal activities before they can cause any more harm. He enlists the help of his trusted deputies, Festus (Ken Curtis) and Newly (Buck Taylor), to help him investigate the smugglers' activities and gather evidence against them.

As they delve deeper into the wrecker's operations, Matt and his deputies discover that they have a powerful ally in their fight against the smugglers - the local homesteader's association. The association is made up of a group of hardworking farmers and ranchers who are fed up with the wreckers' attempts to steal their livelihoods.

With the homesteaders' support, Matt and his team set a trap for the wreckers, hoping to catch them in the act of smuggling stolen goods into town. However, their plans are complicated by the arrival of a mysterious stranger, a woman named Adele who claims to be searching for her brother, who she believes is one of the wreckers.

As the investigation unfolds, Matt begins to develop feelings for Adele, even as he struggles to determine whether or not she can be trusted. Meanwhile, the wreckers become increasingly bold and violent as they try to protect their illicit operations from the law.

In the end, Matt, Festus, and Newly are forced to confront the wreckers in a dramatic showdown. With the help of the homesteaders and Adele, they are able to put a stop to the smugglers' activities and bring them to justice. However, the price of their victory is high, and Matt is left to ponder the toll that his job as a lawman takes on his personal life.

Through all the action, drama, and romance, The Wreckers continues the legacy of Gunsmoke as one of the most iconic Western dramas of all time. With its compelling characters, gripping storylines, and expertly crafted action sequences, this episode is sure to keep audiences on the edge of their seats from start to finish.