One of the most-common themes of Western films and TV shows -- both kiddie and adult -- is defending one's property and way of life against the "evil agro-capitalists" -- the people who drive off the "little fellers" so they can control the land and its potential wealth.
The other reviewer doesn't get the point. This episode isn't about cattle rustling. It's about an attempt by business interests (in this case, the Cattlemen's Copper-ative (as Festus mangles it)) to gain control of the grazing lands outside Dodge.
These lands are owned by the government, and herders can generally use them at no cost, while passing through. Matt, as US Marshall Field, is in charge of administering this resource. With him dead, and the town riled up about rustlers and the breakdown in law 'n order, John Dehner and his buddy Gunnar Hellstrom, can gain control of the land, and profit by charging for grazing that used to be free. (After gouging one herder, who threatens to go through Abilene next year, Hellstrom says he doesn't care. This is typical of American business, worrying about today's profits without regard for long-term viability.)
This is a fine episode. Not only does it make its political and economic points plainly (giving Milburn Stone a great chance to lecture the town folk on their responsibilities), but there's a dozen corpses at the end, a high count even for "Gunsmoke". Whether you prefer social commentary or violent shoot-outs, there's a lot to like in this episode.
Strongly recommended.
The other reviewer doesn't get the point. This episode isn't about cattle rustling. It's about an attempt by business interests (in this case, the Cattlemen's Copper-ative (as Festus mangles it)) to gain control of the grazing lands outside Dodge.
These lands are owned by the government, and herders can generally use them at no cost, while passing through. Matt, as US Marshall Field, is in charge of administering this resource. With him dead, and the town riled up about rustlers and the breakdown in law 'n order, John Dehner and his buddy Gunnar Hellstrom, can gain control of the land, and profit by charging for grazing that used to be free. (After gouging one herder, who threatens to go through Abilene next year, Hellstrom says he doesn't care. This is typical of American business, worrying about today's profits without regard for long-term viability.)
This is a fine episode. Not only does it make its political and economic points plainly (giving Milburn Stone a great chance to lecture the town folk on their responsibilities), but there's a dozen corpses at the end, a high count even for "Gunsmoke". Whether you prefer social commentary or violent shoot-outs, there's a lot to like in this episode.
Strongly recommended.