Ep 1. The Lost

In the season 17 premiere of Gunsmoke titled "The Lost," tensions rise as the small frontier town of Dodge City falls prey to a series of mysterious disappearances. With fear and uncertainty gripping the community, Marshal Matt Dillon finds himself facing one of his most challenging and perplexing cases yet.

As the episode opens, the sun casts long shadows across the quiet streets of Dodge City. The atmosphere is tense, and the air is thick with an unspoken fear that hangs over the town like a dark cloud. A string of missing persons cases has left the locals on edge, as one by one, citizens seem to vanish into thin air without a trace. Panic and suspicion begin to take hold, threatening to unravel the once tightly-knit community.

Marshal Matt Dillon, ever the pillar of strength and justice in Dodge City, takes charge of the investigation. Determined to get to the bottom of the situation, he meticulously pieces together the scattered clues and enlists the help of his trusted deputy, Festus Haggen. Together, they delve deeper into the mystery, leaving no stone unturned in their search for answers.

As Matt and Festus follow the leads, they uncover a complex web of secrets and personal vendettas that may be connected to the disappearances. The plot thickens as they work their way through the tangled relationships and dark histories of the townsfolk, gradually unraveling the truth behind the unexplained events.

Along the way, they encounter a colorful cast of characters, each with their own motives and hidden agendas. A local saloon owner, bitter and desperate for revenge, becomes a prime suspect in the disappearances. A mysterious drifter with a troubled past arrives in town, arousing suspicion and stirring up trouble. And a grieving widow, haunted by her own past, may hold the key to unlocking the truth behind the unsettling events. Amidst these vivid personalities, Matt and Festus must navigate a treacherous landscape of deceit and danger.

As the investigation reaches its climax, tensions rise and the stakes grow higher. Matt Dillon must confront adversaries who will stop at nothing to protect the secrets they hold. With time running out and the lives of innocent people on the line, he must rely on his instincts, wit, and unwavering determination in order to bring the truth to light and restore order to Dodge City.

"The Lost" is a gripping and suspenseful episode that showcases the strength and resilience of Marshal Matt Dillon in the face of adversity. With its intricate plot, multifaceted characters, and atmospheric setting, this installment of Gunsmoke captivates viewers from start to finish. The episode explores themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the vast grey area between justice and vengeance. As the mysteries are unraveled and secrets come to light, the citizens of Dodge City are forever changed, and Matt Dillon's legacy as a true frontier hero is solidified once again.