Long, Long Trail

I normally start writing a review and expound in detail my opinions, known facts, and final analysis so to speak. But after watching this episode i don't think i can write as much as i'm normally used to. This episode by far goes down as one of the BEST Gunsmoke episodes i have had the opportunity to watch. It appeared slightly predictable in the beginning but surprisingly saddening at the end. Barbar Lord was passionately moving from beginning to the end. This episode was scripted to express the reality of the old west and all that life can bring. I'm man enough to say that it brought a tear to my eye in viewing the tragic finale to this episode and all i wished for was some raw emotion from Matt upon losing his trail companion, but i quickly realized that the character of Marshall Matt Dillon is prone to be numb to love and loss. This episode in my opinion follows in a long line of well scripted, well acted, perfectly realistic & well toned to make this 60's television show well worthy of 10 stars and 100% certified Classic TV..I wrote more than i thought i would..again

This Gunsmoke story, "Long, Long Trail" is among my very most beloved episodes of my most beloved series, period. James Arness, Barbara Lord and Mabel Albertson outdid themselves with their performances. The other cast members were all excellent as well. The story is about a headstrong Bostonian who needs to get to Fort Wallace, Kansas to meet with her officer fiance so they can be wed. Sarah Drew must find somebody to escort her through the harsh prairie land, with hostile Indian tribes, wilderness and all kinds of dangers that are completely foreign to a lady from Boston. The story will NOT disappoint. I want to avoid spoilers. It is a guarantee that, "Long, Long Trail" is bound to become one of YOUR favorite Gunsmoke stories, too. The ONLY sticking point for me is that her fiance is beyond a jerk for leaving such a lady to her own devices to get out to Ft. Wallace on her own. What sort of a creep man would do that?! She is a lady on her own, unfamiliar with the dangers of the area. Yet, "Mr. Wonderful" officer in the cavalry does not even arrange to have her escorted out to the fort?? Better still, escort her himself?? Granted, the story had to be this way in order for it to play itself out. Still, it would have put her intended in a better light if he HAD arranged an escort, but somehow the plan had fallen through. To simply leave her to fend for herself is a most unlikely scenario for that era, or even by today's standards. Great, great story, nonetheless.

Kathleen Hite is one of my favorite Gunsmoke writers, and, in my humble opinion, after she and John Meston left, the series lost a certain spark. Long, Long Trail makes great use of the longer format, which began with the seventh season, with never a padded moment or unnecessary scene. Barbara Lord is excellent as the slightly haughty yet likable Sarah Drew. As the episode progresses, she changes from a woman intent only on her own wishes to one who puts others first. I do question the insertion, and necessity, of the romantic overtones that grow stronger as the ending nears. As for a lack of emotion on the part of Matt near the last scene commented on by another reviewer, I see his point and yet, so many emotions chase across Matt's face as he looks around him: loss, grief, futility, questioning, a dawning of understanding, all are there in brief glimpses. It's certainly not a firestorm of emotion, as when he is angry, but a far subtler performance and one that fits the character's stoic temperament.

Now for the one flaw, which is pointed out by others, the complete absence of Miss Kitty. It doesn't feel right for Matt and Sarah to be eating dinner together without even a mention of Kitty. If only there'd been a reference to her taking a trip or some other excuse for her to be away from Dodge. And, of course, if she'd taken a stage ride somewhere, that would set up the next week's episode nicely as any fan of Gunsmoke knows that Kitty and stage travel are bound to lead to calamity.

It is not typical Gunsmoke music. Credits do not show composer. It sounds more of a Jerome Moross/Big Country, or someone imitating his style.

Season 7 of Gunsmoke is notable in its portrayal of women. The first two episodes of the season feature scheming women in a negative light. The third episode focuses on Kitty Russell's devotion to an old friend, and demonstrates her tough nature.

This is the sixth episode of the season, and it highlights one of the most dynamic woman characters of the entire series. Barbara Lord is Sarah Drew. Lord had a short acting career, primarily appearing in television dramas in the late 1950s and early 1960s. Her performance in this episode of Gunsmoke is excellent.

Sarah appears in Dodge City seeking help in reaching her fiancé at Fort Wallace, which is over 150 miles northwest of Dodge. Matt and Chester tell Sarah the trail from Dodge to Fort Wallace is treacherous, and they strongly advise against her attempting to make the trip. But Sarah is determined. She eventually convinces Matt to take her, and thus the story truly begins.

There is some deserved criticism of a few of the hour-long Gunsmoke episodes during this season, as the transition from the first six seasons of 30-minute episodes sometimes resulted in obvious filler material. This episode certainly does not fall into that category. As a matter of fact, there is enough action in this episode, it could have easily filled a two-part episode.

(I particularly would have enjoyed seeing more scenes with Mabel Albertson as Gody Baines. She seems like a character that deserved an episode of her own.)

Along the way, Matt and Sarah encounter many obstacles, which is really the point to this fast-paced episode.

Kathleen Hite wrote over 40 episodes of Gunsmoke between 1957 and 1965, including some of the most memorable stories, including this one.

The most glaring thing missing from this episode is any presence of Amanda Blake as Kitty Russell. It is understandable, because the majority of the episode takes place outside of Dodge City, but I cannot imagine Kitty would have been too happy about Matt and Sarah having dinner together at Delmonico's. Nor would she have been likely to have been pleased to hear the story of what happened on the prairie once Matt returned. The fact that whatever her relationship with Matt was is completely ignored in this story is notable.

One has to wonder how Matt Dillon would have reflected on the events of this episode as he went on with his life. While Sarah makes her feelings for Matt very clear, Dillon remains his usual, guarded self where it comes to relationships with women.

The previous episode, "All That," and this episode highlight the benefits of the show moving to the hour-long format.