Prescribed Killing

Originally Aired: February 28, 1960 Gunsmoke #412, "Prescribed Killing," presents a chilling domestic drama on the Kansas prairie. Myra Kirby arrives in Dodge City with a disturbing message for Marshal Matt Dillon: her husband Luke is going to kill her. Living in isolation on their horse ranch, Myra has grown bitter and resentful of Luke's devotion to his horses and his visits to the Widow Holland, a neighbor woman whose husband recently died. The tension between the couple has escalated to the point where Myra tells Matt she simply wanted him to know what's coming, so he'll know what to do afterwards. Luke confirms the marital strife when Matt confronts him, cryptically saying his wife is living with devils and there's nobody who can help except him. The situation grows more ominous when Luke warns the Marshal that no one can stop what's happening, and that only he can deal with it. Just as Matt finishes speaking with Luke, Doc Adams arrives with grave news: he's already been out to the Kirby place that morning, and Myra has been badly hurt. The stage is set for Matt to uncover the dark truth behind this troubled marriage.