I liked this episode, even with the fact that Matt should have told his old Compadre that if he was going to hunt down the complete creep that assaulted his lady, he should wait and catch him when he's out of his (Matt's) jurisdiction. And then lie about it later, anyway, until he gets home. See, if you watch the episode, it's Esteban's honesty and honor that does him in. Matt should have dispensed some wisdom, kept his friend, and not had to bury him in a cold grave a thousand miles from his home and his woman. I would hope, at least that he gave him a decent burial. In case anybody didn't figure it out, "Don Matteo" is Matt.
6 Reviews
Bill Pence and his awesome mallet
RRozsa31 August 2023
I'm not going to rehash the same comments as the other reviewers about the story itself -- it had some great acting, great guest stars, and a good story managed to be told well in a 30-minute format. My comment has to do with the moment that made me laugh: this is the second Gunsmoke episode in which we got to see Bill Pence (Kitty's co-owner at the Long Branch), bonking an unruly patron on the back of his head with that big mallet he keeps behind the bar! In a series where we see so much gunplay and numerous fist fights, I find it amusing when I see Bill's handy mallet come out from behind the bar!
The law comes between a friendship in this nice episode
kfo949420 September 2013
Warning: Spoilers
The episode begins as we are introduced to an all around bad dude named Garth Taylor. The only reason he did not kill people when causing trouble in the Long Branch is because his gun was being worked on at the time. But he claimed to be back later to take care of business.
The scene changes and we are now introduced to a Mexican named Esteban Garcia which happens to be an old buddy of Matt. But his reason for being in Dodge is that he is tracking a man and plans on killing him. Matt advises Esteban that even being friends if he kills the person that he will have to ride after him. Even though Esteban does not reveal the name of the man we as viewers know, from an awkward glance, that Esteban is talking about Garth Taylor.
Later a farmer comes to Dodge with a gunshot to the leg. He tells Matt that Garth had stopped for some water and that a Mexican came riding up shooting. Matt and Chester ride out to the farmer's house to find out what has exactly happened.
A well written script that is classic western material. The story had to be rushed since it was in the 30 minute format but still produced a nice show that was interesting to the very end. With fine acting plus the script this turned out to be a very nice western story.
The scene changes and we are now introduced to a Mexican named Esteban Garcia which happens to be an old buddy of Matt. But his reason for being in Dodge is that he is tracking a man and plans on killing him. Matt advises Esteban that even being friends if he kills the person that he will have to ride after him. Even though Esteban does not reveal the name of the man we as viewers know, from an awkward glance, that Esteban is talking about Garth Taylor.
Later a farmer comes to Dodge with a gunshot to the leg. He tells Matt that Garth had stopped for some water and that a Mexican came riding up shooting. Matt and Chester ride out to the farmer's house to find out what has exactly happened.
A well written script that is classic western material. The story had to be rushed since it was in the 30 minute format but still produced a nice show that was interesting to the very end. With fine acting plus the script this turned out to be a very nice western story.
Disjointed
dougdoepke3 July 2013
Swaggering stranger Tabor comes to Dodge to get his sixgun repaired. While waiting, he manages to offend about everybody at the Long Banch. Then old friend of Matt's, Esteban, arrives looking for Tabor to settle a score with him. Matt has to tell his old friend that if he does, Matt will have to arrest him. Now Matt and Esteban are at odds, so how will it play out.
Odd episode. To me, the screenplay is unusually disjointed, certainly not up to the series usual quality. For some reason, Tabor drops completely out halfway through, as though actor Russell suddenly got sick or something; switching main characters in the middle was certainly not a series norm. Moreover, events at the farmhouse are full of holes in exposition that tend to add some confusion to the subpar script. Good thing that Dobkin brings off the role of Esteban in such sympathetic fashion, which helps redeem a generally substandard entry.
Odd episode. To me, the screenplay is unusually disjointed, certainly not up to the series usual quality. For some reason, Tabor drops completely out halfway through, as though actor Russell suddenly got sick or something; switching main characters in the middle was certainly not a series norm. Moreover, events at the farmhouse are full of holes in exposition that tend to add some confusion to the subpar script. Good thing that Dobkin brings off the role of Esteban in such sympathetic fashion, which helps redeem a generally substandard entry.
Anne Whitfield was quite the looker!
hpringnitz29 March 2022
Same tired old story, not worth watching
WYAdams25 October 2017
Warning: Spoilers
I'm trying to figure out how many of Matt's old friends are going to be gunned down by Matt. This must be the fifth or sixth time they've used this same tired old story line.
In addition, there's no continuity in the stories of Matt's past exploits and locations. The story line is predictable. It's very dangerous to be Matt's old friend.
In addition, there's no continuity in the stories of Matt's past exploits and locations. The story line is predictable. It's very dangerous to be Matt's old friend.
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