Chester's Mistake

Originally Aired: April 12, 1959 In Gunsmoke #366, "Chester's Mistake," Chester Proudfoot returns to Dodge City after visiting family, feeling good about his trip until Marshal Matt Dillon reminds him about an important errand he forgot. Chester was supposed to pick up papers in Dalhart on his way back through the panhandle, but all the fun with his relatives made the task slip his mind completely. When Matt arranges for Joe Freeze to retrieve the papers instead, Chester's pride takes a hit, and his embarrassment deepens when he learns the whole town is talking about his forgetfulness. Stung by being the subject of mockery at the Long Branch Saloon, where Lud and others laugh at his simple duties like making coffee and cleaning lamps, Chester begins to question his worth as the marshal's deputy. He seeks reassurance first from Doc Adams, desperately asking what Matt really thinks about having him around for help. Chester's insecurity grows as he realizes his mistake has made him look foolish, leaving him wondering if he's truly useful to Marshal Dillon or just someone for the town to laugh at.