Season 11 of Gunsmoke certainly contains some memorable episodes, but it is not generally one of the better seasons of the series. Matt Dillon is frequently absent during this season, and the writers/producers rely heavily on guest appearances and plots that do not require the regular cast to contribute much. This is another episode that does not rely heavily on the regular cast, but it is well written and acted.
The show opens with Bruce Dern's character, Judd Print, cramming his mouth full of food. For quite an extended scene, we watch as Dern continues to cram food in his mouth while carrying on an extended conversation. I couldn't help but wonder how long he was going to keep that food packed into his cheek before he chewed and swallowed.
Dern's evil Judd Print character is the highlight of this episode. Print isn't as upfront blatantly nasty as some of the Gunsmoke characters over the years -- especially some of the nasty characters John Meston and Kathleen Hite introduced. His is a smoother, slightly more subtle, psychotic evil. The scene where he insists to his son, who witnessed the awful events Print perpetrated, that something other than what happened took place shows us how deranged his character is.
Print and his sons are ruthless scavengers of sorts. They roam the prairie in search of anyone they can rob for food and supplies. When they happen upon Wade Bonney, his wife, and their 12-year-old son, Homer, they find vulnerable victims, especially since Bonney's wife is dying.
However, Print underestimates young Homer's determination and will to live. After seeing Print shoot his father in the back, Homer escapes and eventually makes his way to Dodge City, thanks to some help from Doc Adams.
In Dodge, Doc and Festus attempt to learn more about Homer's story, but Homer doesn't trust anyone--and who can blame him? Homer is determined to exact revenge from Judd Print for the murder of his father, but he refuses to tell anyone what has happened, or to reveal his intentions.
Meanwhile, a soldier who has found the Bonney's bodies summons Matt to relate his findings. Matt begins investigating the deaths, which eventually leads him to the Print wagon which has a broken wheel.
I don't want to reveal much more, because it would detract from the suspense of the episode. The episode builds to a satisfying, nail-biting conclusion.
As with so many Gunsmoke episodes, the casting for this episode is outstanding. Dern's trademark intensity is on full display here. Pat Cardi is exceptionally good as young Homer. Robert Random is also excellent as one of Print's more conscientious sons. We even get Gregg Palmer, who pops up in many Gunsmoke episodes, as the blacksmith.
