Ep 9. Ex-Con

Marshal Matt Dillon and his trusty deputy, Festus Haggen, are back in Dodge City to keep law and order in the Wild West in Gunsmoke season 9 episode 9 - Ex-Con. This episode aired on November 6, 1963, and it finds Matt and Festus dealing with a dangerous criminal who seems to have turned over a new leaf.

The episode kicks off with convicted felon, Jet Foley (played by actor Claude Akins), being released from prison after serving time for robbing a stagecoach. Foley is determined to leave his criminal past behind and start anew, but it's not long before he gets into trouble with the law once again. Foley is caught stealing horses, which lands him in a sticky situation with Matt Dillon.

However, Foley has a trick up his sleeve. He knows that a band of ruthless outlaws are planning to rob a stagecoach carrying a significant amount of gold. Foley has inside information about their plan, and he offers to help Matt foil the robbery in exchange for a chance to start a new life and prove that he's a changed man.

Matt is hesitant to trust Foley, but desperate times call for desperate measures, and he agrees to the deal. Foley leads Matt and Festus to the outlaws' hideout, but it's not long before things go south. The outlaws get wind of Matt's plans, and they launch a surprise attack on the lawmen. Foley finds himself caught in the crossfire, and he must decide whether to help his former accomplices or stand by his newfound loyalty to Matt and the law.

As the battle rages on, it becomes clear that Foley has genuinely changed his ways and is willing to risk his life to help Matt and Festus. The episode drives home the theme that redemption is possible, and people can turn their lives around, provided they're given a second chance.

The action-packed episode is a nail-biting adventure that keeps viewers glued to their screens from start to finish. As always, James Arness (Matt Dillon) and Ken Curtis (Festus Haggen) deliver superb performances, bringing their iconic characters to life on-screen with their signature charm, wit, and grit.

The guest star, Claude Akins, also deserves special mention for his portrayal of Jet Foley. Akins infuses a sense of vulnerability and depth into his character, making it easy to root for him despite his checkered past.

The episode's direction and pacing are top-notch, with Director Ted Post keeping the tension and suspense at an all-time high throughout. The scenes are shot beautifully, capturing the vast prairies and rugged terrain of the Wild West with vivid clarity.

Overall, Gunsmoke season 9 episode 9 - Ex-Con is a must-watch for fans of the classic Western genre. It beautifully encapsulates the spirit of the American frontier, with a compelling storyline, captivating performances, and stunning visuals. It's an excellent addition to the show's vast collection of episodes that have entertained audiences for generations.