Ep 9. The Mistake

Marshal Matt Dillon is back on the case in season 2 episode 9 of the classic western television show Gunsmoke: The Mistake. This episode first aired on November 10th, 1956, and is one of the fan favorites from the earlier Gunsmoke seasons.

In this episode, the town of Dodge City is in an uproar after a local farmhand named Nat Pyle is accused of killing a man over a card game. Nat's story is that the man, who goes by the name of Poker, attacked him with a bottle, forcing Nat to act in self-defense. As Marshal Dillon investigates the case, he quickly realizes that something doesn't add up. Nat's story doesn't quite match the evidence, and there are several witnesses who claim to have seen the altercation.

However, Marshal Dillon is a fair man and doesn't want to make any hasty decisions. He knows that the pressure is on to find the killer and bring him to justice, but he also wants to make sure that any verdict reached is a just and reasonable one. His investigation takes him all over town, gathering evidence and questioning witnesses, as he tries to piece together exactly what happened that night.

As he digs deeper into the case, the marshal starts to uncover some surprising details. It turns out that Poker wasn't exactly the upstanding citizen that everyone thought he was. In fact, he had a bit of a shady past, involving some less-than-honest dealings with others in town. Some of those people might even have had a motive for wanting Poker dead. But did Nat really have anything to do with it?

Meanwhile, Nat himself is in a precarious position. He's locked up in jail, waiting for his fate to be decided. His relatives are doing everything they can to clear his name and prove his innocence, but there's a growing sense that it might be a lost cause. Nat is a simple man, with no real means to defend himself in court. If he's found guilty, he will be sentenced to hang.

With tensions running high in Dodge City, Marshal Dillon must work quickly and efficiently to figure out the truth behind Poker's death and Nat's involvement. The episode is filled with suspense and twists as the marshal follows new leads and uncovers new evidence, all while dealing with a community that's clamoring for quick answers.

What makes The Mistake such a compelling episode is the way it shows the complexity of justice. On the surface, it appears to be a straightforward case of murder, but as the investigation unfolds, it becomes clear that there are many shades of gray involved. From Nat's own confession to Poker's murky past, there are no easy answers, and Marshal Dillon must navigate these complexities to deliver a fair and just verdict.

Overall, Gunsmoke season 2 episode 9 is a must-watch for any fans of the classic western genre. It's a tense and engaging episode, with a riveting plot and fantastic performances from the cast. Whether you're a long-time fan of the show or just getting into it for the first time, The Mistake is an installment that won't disappoint.