Episode Details

Originally Aired: August 23, 1959

Gunsmoke #385, "The Reed Survives," finds Matt Dillon confronting a volatile domestic situation that threatens to turn deadly. Lucy Hunt, who left her dance hall life six months ago to marry the scripture-quoting Ephraim Hunt for his 800 acres of rangeland, comes to Matt in desperation. She claims her husband, who once studied to be a preacher, has grown cruel and suspicious, accusing her of terrible things and threatening to kill her. When Matt refuses to act without evidence, Lucy warns him he'll eventually have to intervene—but by then, it will be for murder.

The situation grows more complicated when Doc and Kitty reveal that a young drifter named Bruce Ryder works at the Hunt place, and Kitty hints at Lucy's possible involvement with him. Matt confronts Bruce, suggesting he move on, but the young man refuses to leave his comfortable position. When Chester reports that Ephraim has purchased his first gun ever and is drinking in the barn, the stage is set for a deadly confrontation between the three, with Matt racing against time to prevent bloodshed.