Ep 15. Dry Well

Marshal Matt Dillon and the residents of Dodge City struggle to survive a drought in the episode "Dry Well" from season 9 of Gunsmoke. As the water supply dwindles, tensions rise and tempers flare, turning friends into enemies and causing mistakes to be made.

Matt and his deputy, Festus Haggen, are tasked with keeping order and preventing violence as frustration mounts. Meanwhile, store owner Sam Noonan tries to ration what little water he has left, leading to arguments with thirsty customers. Even Doc Adams, usually a voice of reason, becomes irritable and short-tempered as the dry spell drags on.

Adding to the chaos is a newcomer to Dodge City, a slick salesman named Hubbard. He takes advantage of the desperate situation by peddling phony miracle cures for dehydration, claiming to have access to a secret underground well that never runs dry. Though most of the town is skeptical of his claims, a few desperate individuals fall for his lies and invest their last bits of money in his "miracle water."

Meanwhile, tensions between rival ranchers escalate as they vie for the remaining watering hole. One of them, a man named Jed Hakes, is particularly aggressive and refuses to share with others, even those in need. His refusal to cooperate leads to a shootout, leaving multiple people injured and Hakes on the run from the law.

As the situation grows more dire, Matt and Festus come up with a risky plan to drill for water themselves. It's a dangerous venture, as inexperienced drilling could result in disaster and make the situation worse. With all of their eggs in one basket, the entire town anxiously watches as the drilling commences, praying for a miracle.

Ultimately, the episode "Dry Well" serves as a reminder of the extreme hardships that early settlers faced in the Wild West. It reveals the lengths people will go to survive and shows the devastating effects that scarcity can have on a community. Though the episode is set in a time long ago, it resonates with audiences today as we face our own environmental crises and water shortages.