Ep 4. Harper's Blood

Marshal Matt Dillon and his deputies in Dodge City are given a difficult task in season 7 episode 4 of Gunsmoke, entitled “Harper’s Blood.” They must investigate a gruesome murder and find the culprit before trouble explodes in their town.

The episode starts when one of the townspeople, a Mr. Harper, is found dead with his throat slashed. When the news reaches Dillon, he immediately sets out to investigate the homicide. Harper, who was known for being a peaceful man, had no known enemies, leaving the investigation at a frustrating dead-end. Dillon and his men begin their hunt for any clues that could help them solve the case.

As they question the people of Dodge, evidence points to a young cowboy named Jess Wade. Wade is known around town for getting into fights and causing trouble, but the most damning piece of evidence against him comes from a bloodstained knife found in his possession. Dillon decides to bring Wade in for questioning. At first, Wade denies having anything to do with the murder, but as time passes, his story starts to become inconsistent.

Dillon does not believe Wade’s story and puts him in jail, despite protests from Wade’s friends. Dillon enlists the help of his friend, Dr. Chapman, who examines Harper’s body and determines that the angle of the knife used to kill Harper suggests that it was a left-handed person who committed the crime. This revelation places the investigation under even more duress since it seems that Wade is left-handed.

As the investigation continues, more suspects come to the forefront, including a man named Augie Blunt. Blunt is known to have a long-held grudge against Harper and to be left-handed. However, the only way to determine the true killer is to have them reenact the murder in front of a doctor. As luck would have it, Blunt injures his hand, making it impossible for him to reenact the murder.

Adding to the pressure is trouble brewing in Dodge City concerning Wade’s arrest. Wade’s friends, led by a man named Judd Print, begin to make threats and promise violence if Wade is not released. Dillon must keep his wits about him and maintain the peace in his volatile town.

In the end, Dillon finally uncovers the truth behind Harper’s murder and discovers who the killer is. The show ends with a tense and action-packed chase to apprehend the killer.

Overall, “Harper’s Blood” is an engaging episode that delivers a compelling and suspenseful storyline. The acting is superb, and the pacing is excellent. The tension created by the investigation and the threat of violence from Wade’s friends make for an unforgettable episode. Fans of the show will not be disappointed with this installment of Gunsmoke.