Ep 32. Change of Heart

Marshal Matt Dillon and the rest of the citizens of Dodge City are in for a surprise when the infamous outlaw Wild Bill Hickok comes to town in the Gunsmoke season 4 episode 32, titled "Change of Heart." Hickok, played by guest star Lloyd Bridges, is known for his unruly behavior and quick trigger finger, but he shocks everyone by showing up in town with a new bride, a pretty young woman named Sarah.

The townspeople are instantly suspicious of Hickok's motives, believing that he must be up to no good to have suddenly married so soon after running from the law. When a local rancher is found murdered shortly after Hickok's arrival, the accusations against him only grow stronger. However, Sarah is convinced of her husband's innocence and begs Matt Dillon to help clear his name.

As Matt begins to investigate the murder, he discovers that the case is not as cut and dried as it first appeared. There are several possible suspects, including a jealous ex-lover of the murdered rancher and a group of thieves who have been plaguing the countryside. With the help of Sarah, Matt begins to piece together the clues that will lead him to the killer.

Meanwhile, Hickok is struggling with his own demons. He has always been a loner, but Sarah's love has awakened something in him that he never knew was there. He begins to question his life as an outlaw and wonders if he can truly leave that life behind. When Matt finally solves the case and reveals the true identity of the murderer, Hickok is forced to make a choice that will change his life forever.

"Change of Heart" is a classic Gunsmoke episode that combines action, drama, and romance in equal measure. Lloyd Bridges gives a standout performance as the infamous Wild Bill Hickok, showing off both his tough-guy exterior and his heart-warming vulnerability. The episode also features strong performances from the regular cast, including James Arness as Matt Dillon and Amanda Blake as Miss Kitty.

The episode's plot is tightly woven and offers plenty of twists and turns to keep the audience engaged. Viewers will be kept guessing until the very end as they try to figure out who the real killer is and whether or not Hickok can truly find a new life with Sarah. Ultimately, "Change of Heart" is a must-watch for any fan of Gunsmoke, offering a compelling story that showcases the series' strengths in both character development and action-packed storytelling.