The namesake of the title of this episode is a visitor in Dodge City. He claims to be able to offer painless medical treatment using what he calls "mesmerization," which is a form of hypnosis. However, the truth is the doctor has plans to use his skills for less admirable purposes.
When Doc Adams first learns there is another doctor in Dodge, he is angry, but once he finds Dr. Schultz, he realizes they are old friends. Incidentally, this is the second episode in the series where the first name of Doc Adams is used, as Dr. Schultz refers to Doc repeatedly as Galen. (Doc's first name was revealed initially in Season 10's "Song for Dying.")
The primary story plot concerns Dr. Schultz's efforts to use hypnosis to accomplish his nefarious purposes.
Benny Rubin was a veteran actor whose career spanned over half a decade. He was known more for comedic roles. He appeared numerous times on The Jack Benny Show, and -- in a role that foreshadows his turn here as Herman Schultz -- he played a hypnotist in the television series The Joey Bishop Show. He also hosted his own television show at one point in his career.
Rubin is the only true guest star in this episode. Several Dodge townspeople make appearances: Ted Jordan as Nathan Burke, Glenn Strange as Sam Noonan, and Howard Culver as Howie Uzzell. Festus Haggen also plays a key role in this episode, as Matt Dillon leaves shortly after the episode begins to investigate a strange robbery in Garden City. We also learn during the episode that Newly O'Brien is out of town, leaving Festus as the only law enforcement present.
This is a mildly entertaining episode with some funny moments, but it is based on a ridiculous premise. Hypnosis does not work as it is portrayed in this story. The episode was based on an idea provided by Rubin, and it plays like a bad sitcom plot more worthy of Gilligan's Island than Gunsmoke.
This episode marks the fifth straight episode in Season 15 that falls short of the lofty standards set by this series.