Many of the episodes set up similar dilemmas and mysteries for Marshal Dillon and citizens of Dodge as many troublemakers pass through town and quite a few folks end up dead. But trouble isn't restricted to Dodge as Dillon finds trouble beyond the city limits when escorting a killer to Wichita ("Shooting Stopover") and dealing with a crooked sheriff in Tuscaloosa ("The Peace Officer"). Though the eventual outcomes aren't surprising with good triumphing over evil, Meston, who wrote or co-wrote every episode, presents engaging stories that could have been set in any time period, and the cast brings to life enjoyable characters worth revisiting.
As is typical with classic TV shows, there are a lot of familiar faces, such as George Kennedy, Warren Oates, Denver Pyle, Buddy Ebsen, and Strother Martin. Some faces may become familiar due to the casting directors pulling from a small pool of actors. For example, Rex Holman plays Leroy Pickett in "Small Water" only to turn up nine episodes later as Pete Mossman in "No Chip."
Gunsmoke's appeal is obvious after watching one episode, and it is recommended to fans of classic TV and Westerns who haven't experienced it yet. Season 6, Volume 2 will be released October 16, 2012 for those looking to complete the set.
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