The New Society

I don't know why but for some reason, one of the TV stations I watch Gunsmoke on gets this episode mixed up with the next episode "He Who Steals". They show this title but the description is for "He Who steals" and then they show "The New society". I do not care too much for either episode but I had rather see " He Who steals" but from the incorrect description I think that is what is going to occur but it does not. This mix up has been going on for over a year now. Oh well.

And like that classic Spencer Tracy film of '55, this episode is loaded with tension and a gnawing sense of danger, as Matt is entirely alone and facing the resentment and hostility of a strange town (with a secret, naturally).

Note the total absence of Doc, Festus and Kitty from this episode; hate to say it, but they weren't really missed, since the plot, character development/interaction, and action are so strong. As usual, the rich, moody B&W photography is really striking.

Well-scripted, a solid, engrossing story with a full cast of well-known actors: James Gregory, Jeremy Slate, Sandy Kenyon, Ian Wolfe, Richard X Slattery and a sympathetic, well-controlled performance by Jack Weston.

It's really remarkable to see Gunsmoke continue to uphold its tradition of excellent, compelling drama with such a high percentage of strong shows, especially as Season 10 nears its conclusion. If you haven't seen this one, try to catch it soon. LR.

An unusual Gunsmoke ep. It worked for me, despite the need for more suspension of disbelief than usual.

My biggest criticism of Marshal Dillon is that he was more devoted to "the law" than to anything else throughout his reign. He was gonna carry out his "duty" regardless extenuating circumstances. This usually meant arresting folks for trial whom he knew did not deserve it in a moral sense of justice. In this ep, he let's certain things go in a manner I don't recall ever seeing in any other ep. Giving the viewer an opportunity to contemplate the "rightness" of his decisions is the essence/genius of Manley's show.

The other striking anomaly for me was the camera work and blocking (actor's movements). This was especially jarring in a fight /brawl scene. Great Directing, imo. All Matt and his buddy could see was directly in front of them, all the while taking blows from all directions. The mob who were trying to beat them experienced largely the same. All they knew was to get into the middle of it and hit. Most of their swings missed.

The biggest problem I had was that the entire town knew of the wickedness that had occurred a dozen years before. Yet, never did the secret get out. Given how unwise most all of them showed themselves to be throughout the ep, they ALL somehow managed to keep their yaps shut. Riiiiiight.

Despite this problem, I found this to be among the greatest eps of Gunsmoke. Dillon was as rounded, not rigid, as he ever was. He still adhered to a very difficult code at great peril to himself. Exceptional.

Not a review, but a comment about someone's information about adhesive bandages. While adhesive bandages themselves were not invented until 1920, surgical adhesive tape was invented in 1845. The tape held cotton or cloth over the wound.

Very intriging plot twists in a well acted thriller.Excellent well known actors.