Ep 11. Apprentice Doc

In season 7 episode 11 of Gunsmoke, titled "Apprentice Doc," viewers are treated to a story in which a new character comes to Dodge City and makes quite an impression on the townspeople. This episode centers around a young man named Denny, a would-be doctor who has come to town to study under the legendary Doc Adams.

Denny is a dedicated student who is eager to learn everything he can from Doc, much to the amusement of the other townspeople. When he first arrives, Denny is greeted with skepticism and even outright hostility by some of the locals, who don't believe that a greenhorn like him could ever make it as a doctor. However, Denny is determined to prove them wrong, and he quickly sets to work studying under Doc.

At first, Denny is a bit of a nuisance, trying to take over Doc's work and always sticking his nose in where it doesn't belong. However, over time, Doc begins to see that Denny has a real passion for medicine, and he starts to take him under his wing. Together, the two of them work to tend to the sick and injured in Dodge City, and Denny gradually earns the respect and admiration of the townspeople.

One of the major conflicts of the episode comes when a group of outlaws comes to town and begins causing trouble. When one of the outlaws is injured in a shootout with Matt Dillon, Doc and Denny are forced to treat him in order to save his life. This puts the two doctors in a difficult position, as they are sworn to do no harm, but they also know that they have a duty to save lives whenever they can.

As Denny struggles with his conscience and tries to figure out what the right thing to do is, he begins to lean heavily on Doc, who himself is faced with a moral dilemma. Through their conversations and interactions with each other, both men come to learn important lessons about what it means to be a doctor, and what it takes to truly heal people.

Despite its serious themes, "Apprentice Doc" is also peppered with moments of humor and levity. The banter between Doc and Denny is often charming and funny, and there are several memorable scenes in which the two men bicker and joke with each other. Additionally, the episode features plenty of action, with gunfights and chases adding excitement to the story.

Overall, "Apprentice Doc" is a well-crafted episode of Gunsmoke that showcases some of the best qualities of the show. With its blend of drama, humor, and action, it is a great example of the kind of story that made Gunsmoke such a beloved Western series. Fans of the show will enjoy seeing Doc in a mentorship role, and will be impressed by the charisma and determination of Denny, the apprentice doctor.