Gunsmoke (1955)

Episode Overview

Billy returns to Dodge, struggling to find anyone who will listen to his stories and eager to visit his friend Festus. With the mindset of a young child, Billy shares a riddle with Festus, but the punchline doesn’t amuse him. Doc informs Festus that Billy thinks like a seven or eight-year-old and requires more attention. When Billy witnesses a man mistreating a cat, he nearly attacks the man, unaware of his wrongdoing. Matt and Festus consult Judge Brooker, who names Festus as Billy’s guardian. Later, after a deer is killed for food, Billy lashes out at Festus, who finds it challenging to explain the necessity of the hunt. Doc suggests returning Billy to his original home, but Festus struggles with the decision. They visit the suggested place, where Billy becomes anxious about the sounds inside. Festus tries to ease his worries by promising to hunt for rabbits for dinner, hoping to introduce Billy to a more fulfilling life. Eventually,