This episode had the makings of being one of the better shows in a long time. Then we get an ending that is as odd and unbelievable as any I think I have seen. With such a good script, the way they ended this episode should be shown at schools and universities about how never to end a show.
The entire episode centers around a man named Sled Grady. He has come to Dodge, run out of money and then tears up the Long Branch. Matt tells Sled to leave town in two hours but there is this new guy in town named Breck Taylor that is a new energetic lawyer that thinks Marshal Dillon has overstepped his authority. Taylor gets a Judge to grant a hearing on the case and Sled is giving 24 hours to clear town.
A bartender has been fired by Kitty because of the drunk Sled incident and he wants to get back at the Long Branch. He gives Sled some information about where the money is kept in hopes that he robs the place. Indeed, Sled knocks out Sam and takes the money but was seen by Kitty. So Kitty is taken as hostage as Sled makes his way out of town.
When Matt hears the news, he and lawyer Taylor set out to find Sled and Kitty. They track him to a farm house where it looks like Sled has the upper hand. Then all of the sudden something quite unbelievable happens that puts an end to the crisis. It is so weird and shameful that it ruins the watching experience.
This could have been one of the better shows but the ending was like a plane crash. But even with the script problem that acting in this show was top-notch. The episode did have enough interest to make this a good watch for viewers.
Note- there is one part of the show that made me laugh out loud. After Sam has been knocked out he regains consciousness and manages to walk over to the Marshal's office. When the door is opened, Sam falls face first on the floor. I feel sure that was a 'one take' fall because it was perfect.