Ep 2. The Patsy

In the fourth season, the second episode of Gunsmoke is titled "The Patsy." The story revolves around a young man named Johnny Hooker, who has been charged with murder and seeks refuge in Dodge City. He comes across Matt Dillon, the marshal of Dodge City, and tries to convince him of his innocence.

As the investigation into the murder unfolds, it becomes clear that someone is trying to frame Hooker for the crime. Meanwhile, a wealthy rancher named Jo Hickey tries to take advantage of the situation by offering to pay Dillon to turn over Hooker to him.

Dillon refuses and continues to investigate the case, determined to find the real killer. Along the way, he faces opposition from Hickey and his hired thugs, who are willing to use any means necessary to get what they want.

In addition to the murder case, the episode also explores themes of loyalty and honor. Dillon is shown to be a man of his word, willing to stand up for what is right even if it means going against powerful people.

As the tension builds and the stakes get higher, the episode ends with a dramatic showdown between Dillon and Hickey's men. The resolution of the murder mystery is unexpected, but satisfying, and leaves the viewer with a sense of justice being served.

Overall, the episode is a solid example of the classic western genre, with strong performances from the cast and an engaging plot. It's an enjoyable addition to the Gunsmoke series and is sure to please fans of the show and the western genre alike.