Ep 14. Doc's Reward

In Gunsmoke season 3 episode 14, titled "Doc's Reward," the residents of Dodge City are surprised when they learn that Doc Adams is owed a large sum of money from a distant relative who has passed away. The catch is that Doc must travel to the remote mountain town of Portis, Kansas to collect his inheritance.

Despite the danger of the journey, Doc sets out on horseback with Matt Dillon and Chester Proudfoot to collect his reward. Along the way, they encounter several obstacles, including a stubborn mule and a group of bandits who attempt to rob them.

Upon arriving in Portis, Doc discovers that his inheritance was not monetary, but instead a valuable piece of land that is coveted by the town's corrupt leader, Ben Hurley. Hurley offers to buy the land from Doc, but when he refuses, Hurley employs various tactics to force him to sell, including violence and false accusations.

As tensions rise in Portis, Matt Dillon and Chester Proudfoot attempt to intervene and protect their friend, but they quickly realize they are outmatched and outnumbered. It becomes apparent that the only way to resolve the situation is for Doc to stand up for himself and fight for what is rightfully his.

In "Doc's Reward," the writers explore themes of greed, corruption, and justice. The episode also highlights the strength and determination of the central characters, who are willing to risk their own safety for the sake of their friend. The setting of the mountain town of Portis further adds to the tension and intensity of the episode, as the characters are forced to navigate unfamiliar and treacherous terrain.

Overall, "Doc's Reward" is a gripping and suspenseful episode that showcases the best qualities of the Gunsmoke franchise, including its strong characters and gripping storytelling. It is a worthy addition to season 3 and stands out as one of the most memorable episodes of the entire series.