Unwanted Deputy

Originally Aired: May 3, 1959 Gunsmoke #369, "Unwanted Deputy," finds Matt Dillon facing an unusual problem when Vince Wiley rides into Dodge City with a hidden agenda. Wiley eagerly offers his services as a deputy, claiming he has a deep interest in law enforcement and exceptional skill with a gun. Though Matt politely declines, Wiley begins inserting himself into disturbances around town anyway, stopping fights and disarming troublemakers before they escalate. His efficiency impresses the townspeople, including Kitty, who praises his ability to keep the peace without the usual property damage. Even Chester finds himself defending his position when locals like Mr. Dobie suggest Wiley would make a fine official deputy. What Matt suspects but others don't realize is that Wiley has a darker purpose behind his helpful facade. In the opening scene, Wiley's woman Maisie tries desperately to dissuade him from his true mission: revenge against the marshal who turned in his brother Billy, leading to Billy's hanging. Wiley has devised a calculated plan to force Matt into a gunfight where the marshal will draw first, allowing Wiley to kill him and ride away free, having fulfilled his promise to his dead brother.