Ep 18. Marshal Proudfoot

Marshal Proudfoot is the eighteenth episode of the fourth season of the American Western television series, Gunsmoke. The show originally aired on February 1, 1958, on CBS. The episode was directed by Andrew V. McLaglen, and written by Albert Aley.

The main plot of Marshal Proudfoot follows the story of Marshal Proudfoot, a new marshal who causes a stir in Dodge City. Marshal Proudfoot, played by guest-star Dabbs Greer, is a former storekeeper who is appointed as Marshal of Dodge City after Matt Dillon, the show's lead character, is called away on a mission to capture a band of outlaws. Marshal Proudfoot is eager to prove himself as a capable lawman, and he quickly sets out on his task of cleaning up Dodge City. However, his inexperience and lack of training as a marshal quickly become obvious as he struggles to control the rowdy citizens of the town.

As the episode begins, Marshal Proudfoot first encounters two cowboys, Jake and Luke, who are causing trouble in a local saloon. After a brief altercation, Marshal Proudfoot manages to arrest Jake and Luke and delivers them to the jail. However, the cowboys' employer, a powerful rancher named Rance Bradley, soon arrives in town and demands that the cowboys be released. Marshal Proudfoot refuses, leading to a confrontation between him and Bradley.

As the tension in Dodge City begins to rise, Marshal Proudfoot receives some much-needed support from the regular cast of Gunsmoke, including Doc Adams, Festus Haggen, and Kitty Russell. Together, they help Marshal Proudfoot navigate through the dangerous territory of Dodge City, including a gunfight with Bradley and his men. With the help of Matt Dillon, who returns to town just in time, Marshal Proudfoot manages to bring law and order back to Dodge City, restoring the faith of the townspeople in their new marshal.

Overall, the Marshal Proudfoot episode of Gunsmoke is a compelling story that showcases the challenges faced by inexperienced lawmen in the Wild West. The episode is also a testament to the strength and resilience of the characters of Gunsmoke, who come together to support one another during times of trouble. Fans of the series will undoubtedly enjoy this episode, which presents a different side to the usual Matt Dillon-centric storylines.