The Newcomers

Scandinavian immigrants Lars Karlgren and his son Petter arrive in Dodge City as Lars is planning to add a second chair to Birger Engdahl's barbershop. When the naive, innocent Petter has an unfortunate encounter with the ornery, bully cowboy named Silvee, Petter thinks he has accidentally killed Silvee.

The story involves blackmail and mystery as Bob Handley, a local worthless Dodge resident, attempts to seize an opportunity to take advantage of the circumstances.

There is nothing too surprising or shocking about this episode. It is standard western fare with a focus on "outsiders" -- in this case Scandanavian immigrants -- trying to fit into a culture in which they are not accustomed. The highlight is the great cast and acting, especially from Karl Swenson and a young Jon Voight as the father and son, and another appearance by the very recognizable Robert Sorrells, who would be convicted of murder and sentenced to prison later in real life.

Everything here is very well done, even though there is nothing that special about the story itself. It makes for another entertaining hour of Gunsmoke.