Ep 32. Cheap Labor

In Gunsmoke season 2 episode 32, titled "Cheap Labor," Matt Dillon is faced with a dilemma when a group of newly arrived immigrants come to Dodge looking for work. While some of the townspeople are willing to give them a chance, others are quick to turn them away, believing that they will take jobs away from locals and bring nothing but trouble.

Despite the opposition, Matt decides to hire the immigrants as laborers for the town's new waterworks project. However, tensions continue to rise as some of the locals feel threatened by the newcomers and begin to harass them. Matters only get worse when a group of bandits arrive in town, looking for easy targets to rob.

Matt and his deputies must work to keep the peace and protect the immigrants from harm, all while trying to capture the bandits and bring them to justice. Along the way, they face many obstacles, including bigotry, distrust, and even some unexpected betrayal.

As the episode unfolds, viewers are taken on a journey through the complexities of immigration, labor, and justice in the Old West. They watch as Matt and his team navigate these thorny issues with skill and determination, showing the power of law and order even in the face of great adversity.

Ultimately, "Cheap Labor" is a gripping and thought-provoking episode of Gunsmoke that explores some of the most important themes of the time, including social justice, equality, and the struggle for a better life. Whether you're a fan of Westerns or just great television, this is one episode that is not to be missed.