Ep 1. Matt for Murder

In season 4, episode 1 of Gunsmoke titled "Matt for Murder," Marshal Matt Dillon is wrongly accused of the murder of a rancher from Rimrock. The episode starts with Matt riding out to Rimrock to investigate the missing cattle that the owner, Cyrus Pike, had reported to the authorities.

On his arrival, he found Pike dead in his ranch with a bullet wound on the back. The coroner pronounced the death as a murder, and as evidence had it, the bullet belonged to Matt's gun. Despite his innocence, Matt was arrested. Due to the sensitivity of the case, the judge agreed to move the trial to Wichita.

Matt was held in Wichita for some time, and his friends, Kitty, Doc, and Festus, tried to gather evidence to save him from the hanging. In the process, they discovered that Pike's sister, Lyla, had information about the real killer but was silent because of her loyalty to her brother.

Kitty had to convince Lyla to come forth with the information, and in the end, the real murderer was caught, and Matt was cleared of all charges.

Throughout the episode, there are many twists and turns as characters reveal their true intentions, and the suspense keeps the audience on edge. The underlying theme of loyalty is evident with Lyla's decision to keep her silence and the unwavering support of Matt's friends.

Overall, "Matt for Murder" showcases the depth of the relationships between the characters and their determination to find the truth, even in the face of obstacles. The episode highlights the strong sense of justice and community that Gunsmoke is known for while also showcasing the complex nature of human relationships and loyalties.