Ep 13. The Colonel

The show Gunsmoke has been one of the most popular American Western dramas ever since it debuted on CBS in 1955. The twentieth season episode thirteen, titled The Colonel, is set in the fictional town of Dodge City, Kansas, during the late 1800s. The episode follows a group of soldiers, led by the titular Colonel, as they arrive in town on a mission to chaperone a shipment of gold. However, things take a dark turn when the gold is stolen and one of the soldiers is murdered. Matt Dillon and his deputy, Festus Haggen, must quickly investigate and catch the culprits before the Colonel takes matters into his own hands.

The episode begins with a military convoy arriving in Dodge City, with the Colonel, played by veteran actor James Whitmore, in charge of a large shipment of gold. The Colonel and his men are greeted by Matt Dillon, the town's marshal, and his deputy, Festus Haggen, who are there to provide security for the valuable goods. The Colonel is an experienced soldier who does not take kindly to anyone who questions his authority. However, things quickly become tense when a group of bandits attack the convoy and make off with the gold.

While investigating the robbery, Matt and Festus discover that one of the soldiers has been murdered. The duo quickly launches an investigation to find out who is behind the theft and murder. As they start interviewing witnesses and tracking down leads, they discover that the Colonel has his own agenda. He believes that the bandits responsible for the robbery are hiding in a nearby town, and he becomes increasingly determined to take the law into his own hands and hunt them down.

As tensions rise, Matt and Festus must tread carefully to prevent a full-blown military conflict from breaking out in their town. They know that the Colonel is a man who will stop at nothing to get what he wants, and they fear that he may be acting on false information. With time running out, Matt and Festus must hurry to uncover the truth and find the real culprits before it's too late.

The episode offers an intriguing look at the dynamics between the military and the town's law enforcement at the time. The Colonel is a complex character who shows a disregard for civilian authority as he tries to carry out his own personal vendetta. His actions create a volatile situation, which puts the safety of the town and its inhabitants at risk. Matt and Festus, as representatives of the local sheriff's office, must delicately balance their duty to uphold the law with their desire to avoid unnecessary violence.

Despite being a classic Western drama, the show Gunsmoke often tackled issues that were relevant to contemporary society. In the case of The Colonel, the episode explores the themes of power, authority, and the need for justice. It also sheds light on the impact of the military on small communities in the wake of the Civil War.

The acting in the episode is top-notch, with James Whitmore delivering a strong performance as the Colonel. The scenes between him and Matt Dillon, played by James Arness, are particularly captivating, as the two actors bounce off each other with palpable tension. The rest of the cast, including Festus, played by Ken Curtis, and Miss Kitty, played by Amanda Blake, also give memorable performances.

Overall, Gunsmoke season twenty episode thirteen, titled The Colonel, is a gripping episode that captures the essence of the classic Western genre. It offers viewers a glimpse into the struggles of a small town caught in the crosshairs of a military conflict and delivers an entertaining and thought-provoking hour of television.