Melissa Vail is a young woman who lives on a farm outside Dodge City with her father, mother, and brothers. She is milking the cow one day when a member of a Kiowa tribe abducts her. The leader of this small party is a Kiowa leader named Quichero.
Ed Vail, Melissa's father, and the brothers, Albert and Russ, set out in pursuit of the captors. Ed's wife, Martha, demands Ed take Reverend Finney Cox with them. After they leave, she asks Matt Dillon to go along as well.
It is clear from the outset this abduction is not a simple matter. Quichero leaves a spear behind with a symbol that he seeks a meeting with Vail. The Kiowa's leave a clear trail the pursuers can easily follow back to their camp. The mystery is revealed once Ed, his sons, the Reverend, and Marshal Dillon arrive at the camp.
Victor French's appearance in this story marks one of the eighteen times he guest starred in a Gunsmoke episode. To say he was a familiar face is an understatement. He also directed five episodes of the show during the last season. His roles varied considerably. Sometimes he played more carefree characters, sometimes villains, and, as in this episode, more serious, tormented men.
Dub Taylor plays the mouthy Reverend Cox. Mrs. Vail's insistence on his participation is odd, but perhaps she thought he would help prevent Ed from doing something he might regret later. This is Taylor's seventh and final appearance in a Gunsmoke episode. Of course, his son Buck would continue to play the Newly O'Brien character for the remainder of the series.
The other family members are portrayed by John Beck (Albert), Lucas White (Russ), Jean Allison (Martha), and Joyce Ames (Melissa). This is the only appearances in the series for White and Ames. Beck participated in three episodes, and Allison two.
Richard Angarola is Quichero. Angarola appeared in numerous television shows and a few films during the 1960s and 1970s. This is his single participation in a Gunsmoke story.
For the most part, this story is nicely done. While stories of some Native American tribe abducting someone is common in the Westerns genre, the reason for the situation portrayed here is not predictable, and it does not follow a typical Westerns formula. The acting is outstanding, too.
Other reviewers have pointed out the chronology problems with the story and the characters involved. I will not delve into those again in this review to avoid spoilers, but it does detract from the result. Some explanation was warranted, or some adjustment to the story and/or casting of characters was required. It seems like a glaring error that could have easily been addressed.