Ep 2. The Blacksmith

Marshal Matt Dillon has his hands full on this episode of Gunsmoke, titled "The Blacksmith." The town blacksmith, Harker Figg, appears to be a victim of his own temper and drinking habits, causing both personal and public problems for the lawman.

Trouble begins when Figg drunkenly tries to propose to Kitty Russell, the owner of the saloon. She turns him down, but Figg doesn't take no for an answer and starts causing a scene. Matt intervenes and takes Figg outside to cool off, but the blacksmith isn't interested in cooling off or being reasonable. He instead challenges the marshal to a fight.

Matt isn't interested in engaging in a fistfight, so he walks away, leaving Figg angry and embarrassed. However, Harker refuses to let the incident go and soon he gathers a group of men to take on the marshal.

Things take a turn for the worse when Harker uses his blacksmith skills to create a weapon, a rifle with a metal-striking pin that could quickly knock out an opponent. When he tests the rifle out on a wooden target, he realizes the deadly force of his invention and decides to use it in his plot against Matt.

Matt is aware of the threats and danger he is in with Harker's weapon and tries to gather reinforcements. However, Figg has managed to gain support from the other blacksmiths in town, which proves to be a difficult obstacle for the marshal.

As tensions continue to rise, the climax comes when Figg is under the influence of alcohol, and holding the weapon in a saloon, decides to challenge Matt to a duel. The situation quickly becomes dangerous with Figg's erratic behavior and the presence of other armed men in the saloon.

Matt remains calm and collected while also strategically diffusing the situation, all while realizing the gravity of his opponent's weapon. Instead of resorting to violence, Matt instead appeals to Harker's better nature, promising to help him get sober and start afresh.

The resolution sees the unlikely friendship between Harker and Matt, with the blacksmith realizing the error of his actions and drinking habits. He ends the episode positively, with Matt's words affecting him deeply and causing him to reconsider his behavior.

Overall, season 6 episode 2 of Gunsmoke titled "The Blacksmith" is a thrilling and action-packed episode, loaded with high tension and dangerous scenarios, not to mention the presence of Matt Dillon, who is in a precarious situation. There are some relatable themes such as addiction, using weapon technology, and redemption that create a quirky and content rich episode.