Ep 3. The Prodigal

In Gunsmoke season 13 episode 3, titled "The Prodigal," Matt Dillon, the marshal of Dodge City, Kansas, finds himself in trouble when an old acquaintance, Fred Beal (played by actor Richard Derr), arrives in town after a long absence.

Beal is a former gunslinger who has sworn off violence and become a devout Christian, but his presence in Dodge City quickly stirs up trouble when he encounters some old enemies from his past. One of them is Dan Grat, a ruthless outlaw who has a score to settle with Beal and is determined to kill him.

As the tension between Beal and his enemies escalates, Dillon tries to keep the peace and prevent a bloodbath in the streets of Dodge City. But he soon discovers that Beal is not as reformed as he claims to be, and that his own loyalty to his friend may be misguided.

Meanwhile, a young woman named Lucy Rieper (played by actress Pippa Scott) arrives in town looking for her father. She is a free-spirited artist who sees the world in a different way than the people of Dodge City, and her arrival brings a new perspective to the story.

"The Prodigal" is a compelling episode that explores themes of redemption, forgiveness, and the consequences of one's actions. It features strong performances from the cast, particularly Richard Derr as the conflicted Beal and James Arness as the stalwart Dillon, who must navigate a complex web of relationships and loyalties to keep the town safe.

Overall, "The Prodigal" is a standout episode of Gunsmoke that showcases the show's ability to blend action, drama, and character development into a gripping story that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats.