Ep 5. Shooting Stopover

Shooting Stopover is the fifth episode of the sixth season of the iconic Western television show Gunsmoke, which aired on October 31, 1960. The episode was directed by Ted Post and written by Kathleen Hite.

The episode begins with Matt Dillon, the Marshal of Dodge City, receiving a telegram from a friend who is traveling through town with his wife. The telegram informs Matt that his friend and his wife will be stopping over in Dodge City for the night. However, the couple's arrival is delayed when they become the target of a group of outlaws who are robbing the stagecoach they are traveling on.

Matt and his team set out to find the outlaws responsible for the robbery. Along the way, they meet a young man named Billy Poe, who has been shot by the same group of outlaws. Matt and his team take Billy back to Dodge City to treat his wounds. However, Billy is reluctant to reveal anything about the outlaws, claiming that he was shot by Indians instead.

Meanwhile, news spreads around town that the outlaws are headed toward Dodge City to rob a bank. Matt and his team prepare for the robbers' arrival, knowing that they will be outgunned and outnumbered. The tension builds as the outlaws make their way to town, leading up to a suspenseful and action-packed showdown.

As the episode unfolds, the viewer is treated to the classic Western themes of courage, honor, and the struggle between law and chaos. The characters are well-developed and the dialogue is crisp and realistic. The cinematography and sound design transport the viewer to the dusty plains of the Old West, adding to the show's legendary status.

Overall, Shooting Stopover is a must-see episode for any fan of Gunsmoke or Westerns in general. Its thrilling plot, memorable characters, and beautiful cinematography make it a standout chapter in one of the most beloved TV shows of all time.