Episode Details

Originally Aired: June 22, 1958

In Gunsmoke #324, "Target," Marshal Matt Dillon receives a cryptic note from young Danny Leeds, who has fled his father's farm after years of enduring the old man's harsh treatment. When Matt and Chester investigate, they discover the source of the latest conflict: a band of gypsies camping near the Leeds farm's pond while repairing their wagons. The stubborn and mean-spirited Cater Leeds demands the Marshal run them off immediately, convinced they're stealing from him and accusing them of corrupting his son. Matt learns the real problem runs deeper when he finds Danny has fallen for Naomi, a beautiful gypsy girl, further inflaming the volatile situation.

Despite Matt's attempts to mediate, promising the gypsies will move on within days, Cater refuses to back down. The hardened farmer sees the world as filled with people trying to take what he's fought to build, and he's prepared to use his rifle to defend it. As tensions mount between the obstinate homesteader, his rebellious son, and the proud gypsy clan, Matt finds himself trying to prevent an explosive confrontation that threatens to erupt before the travelers can peacefully leave.