20-20

Even with the sappy ending this episode has some finer qualities. When an old friend of Matts, and ex-lawman, Troy Carver comes into Dodge by stage the story begins. Matt tries to introduce Kitty to his friend, Carver turns around and draws his gun. Only after Matt identifies himself does Carver say it was all a joke.

But what really is going on is that Troy Carver's eyesight is failing. And being an ex-lawman that is never a good thing. And sure enough there is this cowpoke named Lee Polen that has it in for Carver. Polen is upset with Carver for killing his brother years ago and wants revenge. But with Carver's failing eyesight this cannot be a fair fight.

Matt gets involved and comes up with a plan where Carver will have the best possible chance to defend himself. When all is done the ending was sappy least alone bizarre. It was like all of the sudden its over. You will have to watch to see exactly what I mean. Not the most entertaining episode in the lot.

A former lawman named Troy Carver arrives in Dodge City to pick up his horse stabled at Moss Grimmick's livery. The ex-lawman is planning to retire to his ranch. Carver and Matt Dillon are old friends. The Marshal credits Carver for inspiring him to enter law enforcement.

Matt soon learns Carver has lost a significant amount of his eyesight. A farmer named Lee Polen has been pursuing Carver for two years with the intention of exacting revenge because Carver killed Polen's brother. Polen normally would not stand a chance against an expert with a gun like Carver, but the farmer has learned about Carver's eyesight loss. The Marshal finds himself involved in this conflict between Carver and Polen.

Wilton Graff plays Troy Carver in this story, which is his only Gunsmoke appearance. Graff's acting career goes all the way back into the 1930s, but he was usually found in minor roles -- often uncredited -- in films. With the advent and rising popularity of television, he moved into the medium with some success. By the mid-1960s his acting career was over.

Martin Kingsley was known more for his theater work than in television or films. He plays the Lee Polen character in his only Gunsmoke appearance.

The idea of an aging, respected lawman losing his eyesight is intriguing and unique. The performances by little-known actors are good enough. The opportunity to see one of Matt Dillon's mentors is a nice touch. Unfortunately, most of this episode is routine, standard fare, and the story falls apart at the end. It makes no sense why Carver insists on facing Polen in a gunfight, and it is puzzling the Marshal takes the steps he does. The resolution is laughably bad.

This story is another David Victor and Herbert Little, Jr. Treatment of a John Meston story. The Meston story was also one of the radio episodes titled "Twenty-Twenty."

A distinguishing feature of this Gunsmoke installment is the typical opening where Matt meanders through the gravesites at Boot Hill while reflecting on his profession is not used.

Interesting concept-- an ex-lawman, sharpshooter Troy Carver is losing his eyesight while a vengeance-seeking farmer is on his trail. The opening meet-up between old friends Matt and Carver (Wilton Graf) is well handled-- (also in that scene I rediscovered what an absolutely gorgeous woman Amanda Blake was). Carver, made-up to look like Buffalo Bill, is trying to conceal his fading vision, which presents a problem since a showdown with farmer Polan (Martin Kingsley) appears inevitable. These elements generate some suspense. However, the showdown is pretty contrived, and when you think about what has to happen for the plan to work, it's not very credible. Kingsley makes for an off-beat looking farmer and handles his scenes well. Otherwise, it's a pretty routine episode with many familiar plot elements.