Baker's Dozen

Good episode - a little different than many GS eps. Although GS is at about 450 eps at this point - few have featured courtroom drama - and even fewer featured a courtroom setting for a civil matter.

Doc's performance in this episode reminded us of the triplets from the program This Is Us. Further - the actor Gerald McRaney - who plays a pivotal role of a doctor in TIU - also appeared in 3 GS eps in the 1970s.

This is a have to watch episode.

It show how a town and the people come together for a worthy cause. While I did not see this in 1967 as I was soon to be in Nam. I have seen 3 times this year and I enjoy watching each and every time. Milburn Stone is outstanding in his care and concern about the triplets that he delivered when the mother died and now they are orphans.

Seeing Miss Kiitty, Amanda Blake and Matt Dillon, James Arness holding the babies and the looks they not only give to the babies but to each other. It one of a few that shows a close connection between them. Makes you wonder why they did not do more on Gunsmoke between them.

Mrs. Roniger, Peggy Rea and Judge Blent, Denver Pyle do a great job as well. And Festus is Festus. You have to watch for the story line and how it ends.

If you thought this episode was icky, maybe Doc Adams needs to examine you to see if you have a heart! Yes, it was overly dramatic at times and maybe a little overacted, too, but it was (and is) quality TV. Many, many Gunsmoke episodes tugged at the heartstrings by showing just how hard life could be in the old west. We weren't given much of the mother or father's stories in this episode, but no doubt there were real life circumstances of orphaned children such as these triplets. It is a very believable story line.

The Mrs. Roniger character was acted to perfection (I would have loved to see more of Harry Carey, Jr).

Denver Pyle is convincing as the judge. Here there is no sign of Briscoe Darlin. As the judge, he speaks in a formal, educated manner.

Festus was understandably excited and happy to be a part of the joyous occasion. Milburn Stone did rant and rave a lot, but the passion he displayed was also understandable.

I thoroughly enjoyed the scenes with Miss Kitty. My favorite scene of the episode was the one where she handed the baby to Marshal Dillon - the look on her face when she looked at him spoke volumes.

Well, I won't call this episode "icky" though perhaps sticky sweet may be apropos. The plight of orphaned infant triplets in late 19th-Century Dodge City had to be dire at best. Splitting up siblings and farmed to foster care seems the most likely fate of the innocents.

This episode made good the face of a community united in purpose for a greater cause. Is this so different from 2019 where we seek collective opportunities to come together, right a wrong, give back?

Aired on Christmas 1967 this show appealed to the dawning of aquaris. Remember? "The harmony and understanding. Sympathy and trust abounding."

So try not to be off-put by the sentiment. Consider the pathos of the time and decide if we are not looking for a little love to steer the stars today. It's not a formulaic Gunsmoke. But departures like this certainly give pause.