Ep 9. The Badge

In Gunsmoke season 6 episode 9, entitled "The Badge", Marshal Matt Dillon (played by James Arness) is confronted with a moral dilemma when he is asked to issue a badge to a man named Charles Hacker (played by Warren Oates). Hacker is a former con man who has turned his life around and is now working as a cattle buyer. He wants the badge to give him more authority in his work and to help him gain the trust of the people he deals with.

At first, Dillon is reluctant to give the badge to Hacker, but he eventually agrees after being convinced by both Hacker and his assistant, a young man named Tod (played by Michael Burns). However, things quickly take a turn for the worse when a group of bandits terrorize the town, killing several people and robbing a bank. Dillon and his deputies, including newly appointed Deputy Hacker, set out to track down the criminals and bring them to justice.

As they pursue the bandits, Dillon begins to have doubts about Hacker's abilities as a lawman. He starts to question whether he made the right decision in giving him the badge and worries that Hacker may not be up to the task of dealing with violent criminals. Meanwhile, the bandits continue to wreak havoc on the town, leading to a final showdown between them and Dillon and his deputies.

Throughout the episode, themes of redemption, trust, and responsibility are explored. Charles Hacker is a man who has made mistakes in the past but has worked hard to turn his life around. He sees the badge as a symbol of his newfound respectability and wants to use it to do good in the world. However, Dillon's doubts about him highlight the importance of earning trust and proving oneself capable of handling the responsibilities that come with authority.

The episode is notable for its strong performances, particularly by Warren Oates as Charles Hacker. His character is complex and nuanced, and Oates brings a sense of pathos and vulnerability to the role. The writing is also top-notch, with well-drawn characters and a compelling storyline that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats.

Overall, "The Badge" is a standout episode of Gunsmoke that explores important themes while delivering thrilling action and suspense. It is a must-see for fans of the series and Westerns in general.