User Reviews

This episode was perhaps the better of all I have seen to date. Kitty is saved by a man who rode on the stage with her when they have to seek shelter in a shack and later she shields him when h shows up wounded. She trusts him because she feels he deserves a break for saving her life. Part of her knows she should turn him over to Matt.

There are two stories going on in this one that are somewhat tied together regarding a man who is being released from prison.

The mysterious fellow who saved Kitty may have an ulterior motive for being in Dodge.

Watch and enjoy.

A well written and well acted episode that was as good as we have seen this season.

Dodge has rumblings when they learn that a known bank robber is being released from prison. The criminal, Adam Haley, was captured by Marshal Dillon and upon his conviction made threats that he would seek revenge. Matt not only has to deal with that threat but also there are others coming into town that were also part of the Haley Gang that was not convicted. Morgan Haley and Kelly Bates are there to support Adam upon his release and also to help in carrying out the threats made to Matt.

But before Adam arrives in town, Kelly Bates is shot and killed. We, as the viewers, know that the person that killed Bates was none other than John Crowley. Earlier in the episode Mr Crowley had saved Kitty's life when some Indian jumped them at a rest stop along a stagecoach route. So Crowley, that was injured in the shoot-out, seeks help from Kitty.

We learn that Crowley's brother had been killed in the bank robbery committed by the Haley Gang. His goal is to kill each member of the gang to revenge his brother's death. Matt not only has a criminal returning that wants to see him die- but he also has a murderer in town that he cannot find.

A very entertaining show. Some good scenes that prove that Matt and Kitty will always be a couple. Good Show.

**SPOILERS** I just love it when two excellent plots smash into each other as neatly as these two did. One man getting' out of prison who wants Matt's hide, and another who wants revenge from the ex-con and his brother. In this mix is the lovely Kitty who's life has been saved, and she's been charmed by the gentleman who's huntin' for the killers of his brother. You need to see how it plays out for yourself (You Tube).

SPOILER***** I personally believe that revenge is a good reason for homicide (not necessarily murder), and in this case it is well deserved. The guy who saved Kitty had to battle two obvious renegades who had taken over a way station, so we all know that he is tough and chivalrous. Not so the men he's after. He gets two, and Matt gets the third. I think he'll get off with self defense, and Matt will let him go on his way. That's how I see it, anyway.

The real loser in this Oater is Bonnie Mae Haley. Ex-con's sweet wife, played beautifully by Diane Ladd, an actress we could all benefit from seeing mare of; again, that's how I see it. Watch it yourself, and see what you think. There was a very interesting scene when Kitty's friend (John Crowley), has it out with Haley's partner. He was walking up to what HAD to be a whore's small house in an alleyway when Mr. Crowley braced him. The girl came out in her nightdress, and nobody was surprised by it at all. Sometimes, they came close to reality...sometimes.

Kitty Russell is onboard a stagecoach again at the beginning of this story, and we all know that means trouble is just around the corner. Sure enough, Kitty is accosted by a renegade at a rest stop. A fellow passenger named John Crowley comes to Kitty's rescue. Kitty and Crowley had become friendly during the trip, and it is clear there is a mutual attraction between the two.

Kitty makes it back to Dodge City safely where Matt Dillon, Festus Haggen, and Thad Greenwood are anticipating the arrival of a man named Adam Haley, who led a gang that robbed a bank. The Marshal made the arrest that led to Haley's conviction and subsequent incarceration, and Haley swore he would get revenge against Dillon.

Haley and his men left no witnesses when they committed the robbery. Although Adam was convicted for the robbery, the lack of any eyewitnesses prevented a murder conviction, as well as any prison time for the other gang members, much to Marshal Dillon's disappointment.

Haley's brother, Morgan, and another gang member named Kelly Bates arrive in Dodge to await Adam's arrival. John Crowley also arrives in Dodge with his own revenge-based agenda that involves the Haley gang. Finally, Adam Haley's wife, Bonnie Mae is in Dodge awaiting her husband's arrival. She is hoping to convince Adam to abandon his quest for revenge so they can rebuild their lives together.

When Crowley confronts Bates, a gunfight ensues. Bates is killed, but Crowley is shot in the shoulder. (Bates had the quicker draw, but Crowley the better aim.) Crowley seeks help from Kitty. Of course, Kitty is torn between her sense of justice and loyalty to Matt and her gratitude toward Crowley for saving her life.

This complex story is handled very well. Even though no particular plot element of this story is unique in the Westerns genre, they are all woven together in a clever way that makes for compelling viewing.

Once again, Amanda Blake provides a standout performance. It is nice to see her character treated with such strength and respect. The scene where she looks Matt directly in the eye and lies so convincingly is a bit shocking.

The supporting cast is great, as usual. Diane Ladd is another strong female character in the story. She plays Bonnie Mae Haley, whose hope for a happier existence is diminished by a situation over which she has little control.

James Daly - who many classic TV aficionados may remember as Dr. Paul Lochner on the 1970s drama Medical Center - makes his only series appearance as the John Crowley character.

Lee Gallo makes the last of four Gunsmoke appearances in this episode. Here he plays the fast-but-inaccurate Kelly Bates. William Bramley is a familiar Gunsmoke guest. Here he fills the Adam Haley role. The part of Morgan Haley is played by Fred J. Scollay.

This episode is as complete, complex, and suspenseful as any in the series. There isn't anything particularly profound or thought-provoking about the story, however. The fact that it takes place mostly inside Dodge City and prominently features the Dodge regulars, in addition to the excellent performances elevate the episode.