Ep 3. Blood Money

In Gunsmoke season 3 episode 3 entitled "Blood Money," Marshal Matt Dillon must face a dangerous group of outlaws who are planning to rob a bank in Dodge City. The episode centers around a complex plot revolving around the robbery, which forces Dillon to use his wits and his extensive network of contacts to prevent the criminals from succeeding.

The episode begins with Dillon receiving information about a group of outlaws who are planning to rob the bank in Dodge City. One of the key members of the group is a man named Wes, who has a reputation for being a cold-blooded killer. Dillon knows that Wes and his gang must be stopped before they can carry out their plan, but he is unsure how to do it.

Dillon meets with several key members of the Dodge City community, including the local banker and the town physician. He also speaks with the owner of the local saloon, who has connections to the criminal underworld. Through these conversations, Dillon learns that Wes and his gang are determined to carry out their plan, and that they are willing to kill anyone who stands in their way.

Dillon realizes that he must use all of his resources to stop the robbery from taking place. He recruits the help of his deputy, Festus, and they begin to gather information about Wes and his gang. They learn that the outlaws are hiding out in a remote cabin several miles from town, and that they plan to make their move soon.

As Dillon and Festus prepare to confront the outlaws, they are joined by a special guest - a U.S. Marshal named Dave Harmon. Harmon has been tracking Wes and his gang for months, and he has valuable information that could help Dillon and Festus stop the robbery.

Together, the three lawmen devise a plan to catch Wes and his gang off-guard. They set a trap for the outlaws, using a decoy to lure them into a vulnerable position. When the gang arrives at the bank, they are met by a hail of bullets from Dillon, Festus, and Harmon. In the ensuing gun battle, several of the outlaws are killed, and a few are captured.

As the episode concludes, Dillon reflects on the dangers of his job and the toll that it takes on him. He is grateful for the support of his friends and colleagues, but he knows that he must always be vigilant against those who seek to do harm in his town.

Overall, "Blood Money" is a thrilling episode of Gunsmoke that showcases the series' trademark blend of action, suspense, and character-driven drama. The episode's complex plot and well-drawn characters make it a standout in the series' third season, and it is sure to delight fans of the long-running western series.