I can imagine folks back in 1956 watching this after they've put the kids to bed. "Gunsmoke" was billed as an _adult_ Western, and this episode enforces that. There are many light-hearted episodes, but this is not one of them. This series entertains with the novelty of themes from week to week, and I thought this episode was a real winner.
Also notable is the cinematography, especially the close ups of the villain as he (literally) sweats in the Marshall's office during his brief release. The director knew that the audience would be watching on screens no larger than seventeen inches (and most probably on a 12-1/2" display) and the extreme closeups really make use of that medium.
Good installment of a great show.