Sweet and Sour

Originally Aired: March 12, 1961 In Gunsmoke #466, "Sweet and Sour," Matt Dillon and Chester are returning to Dodge from Wichita when they encounter a troubling situation at the train depot. A drifter named Ab Laster tries to force a young woman, Rena Decker, onto the train and insists she drink with him. Matt intervenes, disarming Laster and earning both the woman's gratitude and Laster's bitter promise of revenge. When they arrive in Dodge, Laster appears with his partner Joe Garrett, making it clear they'll be back to settle the score after a brief trip north. Meanwhile, Rena's presence in Dodge creates unexpected tension. Matt tries to help her find work at the Long Branch, but Kitty refuses to hire her, warning that Rena is the kind of woman who causes trouble among men. Kitty's instincts prove correct when a fight erupts at the Long Branch, leaving two men dead. As Matt investigates the shooting, all signs point to Rena being at the center of the deadly confrontation, raising questions about whether this seemingly innocent young woman is as sweet as she appears.