Ash

Gunsmoke can get a bit heavy in bromances, Festus toward Matt being the primary example and this is another example,but strong acting and an unusual story line make for a good episode.

One of the great things about watching Gunsmoke is seeing the outstanding character actors/actresses who make guest appearances on the show. This episode has an all-star lineup of guest stars: John Dehner, Anthony Caruso, Dee Hartford, and Adam West (whose screen time on this episode was far less than I would have liked). Other reviewers of this episode talk about the storyline. I simply want to say that Anthony Caruso's and John Dehner's performances are first-rate (as if that's a surprise). I would probably give this episode a rating of 8 stars based on the script, but I'm raising my rating to 9 stars because of the performances of Mr. Dehner and Mr. Caruso, two of the greats of their era.

Wow, I didn't think anyone would remember Pete from Fury, " who cut his teeth out of branding iron." Fury was seen on Sat morning tv which starred Peter Graves, Bobby Diamond, and Fury!

Absolutely one of the best of many Gunsmoke episodes. The end was so tragic and seeing Ben lose his mind, Ash like a true friend stood by him until the end. Then Ben speaking as a dying man, relieved of the ills of his actions....Ash had to live with that killing the rest of his days. So Matt let him go? He spent the rest of his life without his friend and a whole lot of guilt. Wonderfully written

The final scene between the partners was the most sensitive and affecting scene I've ever seen in a sixties Western. I am trying to recall any episode with John Dehner when the viewers are crying (rather than cheering) when his character dies. And Anthony Caruso also was just perfect here.

I noticed a couple of ironies. Right after Ben is shot, the Marshall says he has to lock up Ash. Which brings up the question why Ben was not locked up after he started acting belligerent. Ben became much more of a threat than Ash. Perhaps the territorial insane asylum was too far away.

Regardless, this episode is not to be missed.