This is not a "great" episode. But it shows clearly what made "Gunsmoke" a great series -- its dramatic restraint.
"The Deadly Innocent" is obviously "Of Mice and Men". "Bonanza" did it too ("The Ape"), but the gulf is wide. Gene Coon's "adaptation" (ie, ripoff) of Steinbeck's novella hardly changes the story, except to (somewhat) "trashify" it, and to provide a risible ending that sidesteps the "mercy killing" resolution of the original.
Calvin Clements' script alters the story to make it appropriate for "Gunsmoke"'s era and characters. Though Festus is always shown as having good sense and solid judgment, this is perhaps the only episode in which he has nearly the entire running time to demonstrate it. He eventually finds a solution for what to do with Billy (other than dumping him in an asylum). Though sentimental, it makes sense.
Those who dote on Festus (as I do) will enjoy seeing Ken Curtis take center stage and show what an accomplished actor he was.
PS: In an amazing coincidence, I posted this review on Russell Wiggins' birthday.
"The Deadly Innocent" is obviously "Of Mice and Men". "Bonanza" did it too ("The Ape"), but the gulf is wide. Gene Coon's "adaptation" (ie, ripoff) of Steinbeck's novella hardly changes the story, except to (somewhat) "trashify" it, and to provide a risible ending that sidesteps the "mercy killing" resolution of the original.
Calvin Clements' script alters the story to make it appropriate for "Gunsmoke"'s era and characters. Though Festus is always shown as having good sense and solid judgment, this is perhaps the only episode in which he has nearly the entire running time to demonstrate it. He eventually finds a solution for what to do with Billy (other than dumping him in an asylum). Though sentimental, it makes sense.
Those who dote on Festus (as I do) will enjoy seeing Ken Curtis take center stage and show what an accomplished actor he was.
PS: In an amazing coincidence, I posted this review on Russell Wiggins' birthday.