Ep 21. Bloody Hands

Marshal Matt Dillon and his trusty deputy Festus Haggen are back in Gunsmoke season 2 episode 21 titled "Bloody Hands." The episode opens with a stranger, Hank Springer, arriving in Dodge City. Springer is a rough-looking drifter with a sullen disposition and a chip on his shoulder. He is immediately suspected of being up to no good by Marshal Dillon and Festus, who keep a close eye on him.

The town's suspicions are soon confirmed when, during a saloon brawl, Springer pulls a knife and stabs another man. Dillon and Festus quickly intervene and Springer is arrested. While in custody, Springer reveals that he has a personal vendetta against the man he stabbed, who he claims was responsible for the death of his brother.

As Dillon and Festus investigate the circumstances of the stabbing, they discover that there is another, more sinister, force at work in Dodge City. A group of outlaws is terrorizing the town, committing robberies and murders without fear of retribution. The lawmen suspect that Springer may be connected to these outlaws and begin to delve deeper into his past in order to unravel the truth.

Meanwhile, the tension in Dodge City is rising as rumors of the outlaws' activities begin to spread. The townspeople are growing increasingly anxious and fearful, with many of them arming themselves and barricading their homes. This atmosphere of fear and paranoia makes it difficult for Dillon and Festus to get to the bottom of the situation.

As the investigation continues, Springer's story begins to unravel and the truth about his past is revealed. Dillon and Festus are forced to confront a difficult moral dilemma as they seek to bring the outlaws to justice and protect the innocent citizens of Dodge City.

The tension reaches a boiling point in a dramatic showdown between the lawmen and the outlaws, with the fate of the town hanging in the balance. Ultimately, justice is served, but at a heavy cost. Dillon and Festus are left to grapple with the difficult decisions they were forced to make and the toll it takes on their sense of duty and morality.

Gunsmoke season 2 episode 21, "Bloody Hands," is a gripping and intense Western drama that explores themes of justice, revenge, and the fragile balance between law and order. With its engaging cast of characters and intricate plot, it is a must-watch for fans of the genre.