Ep 5. Letter of the Law

Marshal Matt Dillon and his trusty deputy Festus Hagen are faced with a tough decision in Gunsmoke season 4 episode 5, "Letter of the Law." When an infamous outlaw named Gabe Phelps is captured by a neighboring town's sheriff, he is handed over to Dillon to be tried in Dodge City. However, when Phelps arrives in Dodge, he is immediately released on a technicality due to Dillon's failure to file the proper paperwork. Phelps immediately returns to his life of crime, leaving Dillon and Festus to track him down once again.

As the two lawmen pursue Phelps, they are confronted with the harsh reality that sometimes justice is not always black and white. Despite knowing that Phelps is guilty and dangerous, Dillon and Festus must follow the letter of the law and have him tried again with the proper paperwork. But as they navigate through the legal system, they begin to realize just how flawed it can be. As Phelps continues to evade them, they wonder if they will ever be able to catch him and bring him to justice.

Meanwhile, tension is brewing in Dodge City as citizens begin to question Dillon's leadership. Many believe that he let Phelps go intentionally as a way to avoid a messy trial and potential backlash from the town. Even Dillon's closest friends and allies begin to doubt his motives, leaving him isolated and frustrated. As the situation intensifies, Dillon must not only catch Phelps but also regain the trust of the town he has sworn to protect.

"Letter of the Law" is a powerful and thought-provoking episode of Gunsmoke that delves into the complexities of justice and the limits of the law. As Dillon and Festus struggle to balance their duty with their own moral compasses, viewers are left pondering their own beliefs about what is right and wrong. With strong performances by James Arness and Ken Curtis, this episode is a standout in the series and still resonates with audiences today.