I had recently watched this episode, for the first time, on MeTV and it blew me away. One of the most amazing things I've ever witnessed in 62 years of watching television. More on why later.
A few weeks later however I noticed that it was being repeated on that same channel during a holiday special run of several back-to-back episodes. Much to my surprise, this was a different version. Same story, but the screen writing was very pedestrian, the directing lackluster and the episode was nothing special at all.
Everything lies in the execution.
But if you ever have the privilege of viewing the version NOT directed by Charles Marquis Warren, you will know what I'm talking about when I say that this is something special.
While Mr Warren isn't much of a director (in my opinion), he is a hell of a writer. The story outlines three themes that will be repeated periodically throughout the 20 year series run:
1. A REAL lawman in the old west couldn't pick and choose his opponents. He had to stand up for the law each and every time, even in situation when he knew he was probably facing certain death. Matt Dillon was such a man.
2. In a gunfight, it isn't only about how fast you can draw. It takes "sand" to stand there and take that extra split second to aim before you squeeze one off. All the while knowing that your opponent is aiming his gun at you with the intention of killing you.
3. Dillon survived as a lawman not only because he was a big man who was quick with a gun, but because he was smart as well. It was his brains that allowed him to survive this episode.