A former lawman named Troy Carver arrives in Dodge City to pick up his horse stabled at Moss Grimmick's livery. The ex-lawman is planning to retire to his ranch. Carver and Matt Dillon are old friends. The Marshal credits Carver for inspiring him to enter law enforcement.
Matt soon learns Carver has lost a significant amount of his eyesight. A farmer named Lee Polen has been pursuing Carver for two years with the intention of exacting revenge because Carver killed Polen's brother. Polen normally would not stand a chance against an expert with a gun like Carver, but the farmer has learned about Carver's eyesight loss. The Marshal finds himself involved in this conflict between Carver and Polen.
Wilton Graff plays Troy Carver in this story, which is his only Gunsmoke appearance. Graff's acting career goes all the way back into the 1930s, but he was usually found in minor roles -- often uncredited -- in films. With the advent and rising popularity of television, he moved into the medium with some success. By the mid-1960s his acting career was over.
Martin Kingsley was known more for his theater work than in television or films. He plays the Lee Polen character in his only Gunsmoke appearance.
The idea of an aging, respected lawman losing his eyesight is intriguing and unique. The performances by little-known actors are good enough. The opportunity to see one of Matt Dillon's mentors is a nice touch. Unfortunately, most of this episode is routine, standard fare, and the story falls apart at the end. It makes no sense why Carver insists on facing Polen in a gunfight, and it is puzzling the Marshal takes the steps he does. The resolution is laughably bad.
This story is another David Victor and Herbert Little, Jr. Treatment of a John Meston story. The Meston story was also one of the radio episodes titled "Twenty-Twenty."
A distinguishing feature of this Gunsmoke installment is the typical opening where Matt meanders through the gravesites at Boot Hill while reflecting on his profession is not used.
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