Ep 28. Bottleman
- March 22, 1958
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8.0 (173)
Marshal Matt Dillon and his trusty deputy Festus Haggen find themselves dealing with a strange man known only as Bottleman in season 3 episode 28 of Gunsmoke. The episode titled Bottleman sees Dillon and Festus trying to figure out what to do with the odd and seemingly dangerous character.
The trouble all starts when Bottleman, played by actor Dan Tobin, wanders into Dodge City sporting a large pack filled with bottles of all shapes and sizes. Bottleman is clearly not your average settler and his behavior catches the attention of the local townsfolk.
The episode begins with Bottleman strolling through town with his pack of bottles, muttering to himself and generally appearing to be quite insane. Dillon and Festus are immediately suspicious and decide to keep an eye on the strange man.
Bottleman quickly becomes the talk of the town, with rumors swirling about his past and what he's carrying in his pack. Some say he's a madman, others claim he's a genius, but everyone is curious about him.
As the episode progresses, Dillon and Festus attempt to get to know Bottleman and find out more about his strange ways. They soon discover that not only is he not insane, but he's actually quite clever.
Bottleman has been collecting discarded bottles from all over the countryside and has developed a unique way of using them to create makeshift weapons. He's fashioned a trap made from bottles and is able to use them to ward off potential attackers.
Despite his ingenuity, however, it's clear that Bottleman is not exactly stable. He's prone to outbursts and can become violent at the drop of a hat. This puts Dillon and Festus in a difficult position as they must decide whether or not to intervene and try to help him.
Ultimately, the situation comes to a head when Bottleman's past is revealed and it becomes clear that he's a danger to the town. Dillon and Festus are forced to take action to protect the citizens of Dodge City, leading to a tense showdown with Bottleman.
In the end, Dillon and Festus are able to diffuse the situation and Bottleman is taken into custody. The episode ends on a somewhat bittersweet note, with Dillon acknowledging that there was something fascinating and even admirable about Bottleman's strange ways.
Overall, Gunsmoke season 3 episode 28 is a compelling and engrossing episode that is sure to keep audiences on the edge of their seats. The character of Bottleman is a memorable one, and the episode offers a thought-provoking exploration of mental illness and the dangers of isolation.