10 Best ‘Gunsmoke’ Episodes, According to Fans
Gunsmoke ran for an extraordinary 20 seasons, which ranked it as the longest-running live-action television series at the time. However, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit ultimately surpassed this incredible record. Nevertheless, the show continues to hold a special place in the hearts of many longtime fans. Here’s a look at the 10 best Gunsmoke episodes ranked from 10th to first, according to fans on IMDb.
10. ‘Prairie Wolfer’ (1964)
According to Gunsmoke fans, the 10th best of all 635 episodes is “Prairie Wolfer” from season 9 episode 16. At the time of writing, the audience score sits at 8.8. Andrew V. McLaglen directed the episode, which was written by John Dunkel.
“Prairie Wolfer” follows Festus (Ken Curtis), as the Cattlemen’s Association hires him soon after he gets into Dodge. A pack of wolves is hunting and killing the local cattle, which sends panic through the community. However, things aren’t so simple, as he seeks out Marshal Matt Dillon’s (James Arness) help to set things right.
9. ‘Mannon’ (1969)
Season 14, episode 17 saw more trouble come to Dodge City. Mannon (Steve Forrest) arrives and immediately stirs up trouble as he awaits Matt Dillion’s return. Kitty and Festus both end up assaulted by the brutal gunslinger until Matt finally returns and settles the score.
Fans rate the episode an 8.8 out of 10.
8. ‘Long, Long Trail’ (1961)
Gunsmoke Season 7, episode 6 gets an 8.8 from fans. Andrew McLaglen directed off a script written by Kathleen Hite, Norman MacDonnell, and John Meston.
Matt escorts a well-to-do young woman (Barbara Lord) seeking to join her fiance at an Army outpost. Her stubbornness doesn’t make the difficult trek any easier. But by the time the journey comes to an end, her feelings may have shifted to Matt.
7. ‘Island in the Desert: Part 2’ (1974)
“Island in the Desert” Part 2″ also earned an 8.8 score from fans. The season 20 episode was directed by Gunnar Hellstrom.
The episode finds Festus and Ben Snow transporting gold dust across the desert in a race against time before their water runs out. Meanwhile, Matt and Newly try to meet the pair before it’s too late. But Festus changes course when he starts to track the killer (William Watson) who wounded him.
6. ‘Island in the Desert: Part 1’ (1974)
Fittingly, the first entry in the “Island in the Desert” saga makes the list, too. Another 8.8 score from fans puts this episode at the six spot.
Matt and Festus bring killer Gard Dixon into a desert town, only to have Dixon murder the town’s sheriff and flee into the desert. Festus chases after Dixon but gets wounded in the process. He’s rescued by a hermit named Ben Snow (Strother Martin). The hermit has been out panning for gold and gathered up quite a bounty. To get out of the desert, he forces Festus to carry his load of gold.
5. ‘With a Smile’ (1963)
Next up is Gunsmoke Season 8 Episode 29, which is titled “With a Smile.” McLaglen directed a screenplay written by Meston. It’s the final episode with an 8.8 audience rating.
When a rancher’s entitled son is convicted of murder, he somehow believes that he’ll be able to make it out alive. He plans to use his father’s riches and prominence to escape his fate against the hangman.
4. ‘Seven Hours to Dawn’ (1965)
“Seven Hours to Dawn” from season 11 episode 1 ranks in ninth place with the audience score also sitting at 8.9. Director Vincent McEveety brings Clyde Ware’s script to life.
Mace Gore (John Drew Barrymore) is the leader of a gang who makes their move to take over Dodge City. The town believes that Matt was killed, so Festus and Doc (Milburn Stone) put a plan together of their own. They begin to place a trap to capture Mace, but he typically leaves before dawn.
3. ‘Sam McTavish M.D.’ (1970)
“Sam McTavish M.D.” has made its way into the top three in recent years. Gunsmoke fans rate it an 8.9.
Dodge City gets a shot of the modern world when the town’s first female doctor arrives. Dr. Sam (Vera Miles) ruffles the feathers of Doc Adams, but it doesn’t take long for the new doctor to win him over. Teaming up, the two make a surprising medical discovery.
2. ‘Caleb’ (1964)
Season 9 episode 26 is the next episode on the list, which is called “Caleb.” Director Harry Harris breathes life into Savage’s screenplay. The episode stands tall with a 9.0 audience rating.
The episode tells the story of Caleb (John Dehner), who has no children and lives as a poor farmer. He’s down on himself and his wife only continues to kick him while he’s down. Caleb finds himself moving into Dodge City to find meaning in his life, and he ultimately succeeds in doing so. However, it results in him deciding not to wear a gun and being challenged to a duel.
1. ‘The Gallows’ (1962)
Finally, audiences determine that the best of the Gunsmoke episodes is “The Gallows.” Season 7 episode 22 was directed by McLaglen and written by Charles Marquis Warren. It holds a staggering 9.2 audience rating on IMDb.
Matt pursues a man named Pruit Dover (Jeremy Slate), who is suspected of killing another person. After bringing him to Dodge City to face the music, the marshal gets shot and wounded quite badly. To the hero’s surprise, he discovers that Pruit doesn’t try to escape to claim his freedom. Rather, he stays with Matt to nurse him back to health.
