Why ‘Gunsmoke’ Is The Best TV Western

Summary

"Gunsmoke" is celebrated as a groundbreaking TV Western that eschewed violence and stereotypes, particularly in its portrayal of Miss Kitty, who embodied a rare dignity and career independence for women in the genre.

Abstract

The article "Why ‘Gunsmoke’ Is The Best TV Western" argues that "Gunsmoke," which aired from 1955 to 1975, stands out among classic TV Westerns for its nuanced approach to justice and its respectful depiction of characters, especially women and Native Americans. The show's protagonist, Marshal Matt Dillon, is noted for his merciful temperament, and the series is praised for avoiding negative stereotypes, particularly by not featuring Native Americans in a derogatory light. A key aspect of the show's progressiveness is the character of Miss Kitty Russell, played by Amanda Blake, who is portrayed as a kind, brave, and intelligent businesswoman, diverging from the typical roles available to women in Westerns at the time. The show's enduring popularity is evidenced by its continuous broadcast on the INSP channel, where both black-and-white and color episodes are enjoyed by modern audiences.

Opinions

The series is considered to be the best TV Western, as per the Variety critic Joe Leydon.
"Gunsmoke" is commended for not glorifying violence, a common pitfall in TV Westerns.
The show is noted for its avoidance of egregious stereotypes, particularly regarding women and Native Americans.
Miss Kitty's character is highlighted for her dignity and career, which was atypical for women in Westerns of that era.
The article suggests that the absence of Native Americans in the episodes viewed by the author means no stereotypes are presented.
The show's ability to temper justice with mercy is seen as a positive attribute, contributing to its realism and moral complexity.
The ongoing reruns on the INSP channel indicate the show's lasting appeal and relevance across different eras of television.

The longest-running Western on American television gave ‘Miss Kitty’ a rare dignity for a series of its kind

James Arness and Amanda Blake on “Gunsmoke” / CBS

What classic TV Westerns don’t glorify violence or peddle egregious stereotypes of women or Indians?

One is Gunsmoke (1955–1975), the series that starred James Arness as the laconic U.S. Marshal Matt Dillon, who tempers justice with mercy in Dodge City, Kansas, in the 1870s. The Variety critic Joe Leydon recently named it the best TV Western series of all time.

My cable company airs reruns nine times a day on the INSP channel, interspersing black-and-white episodes with the color shows that began in 1966. I’ve caught a dozen, and two things stand out: Native Americans haven’t appeared — so no stereotypes, either — and it gives the saloonkeeper “Miss Kitty” Russell (Amanda Blake) an admirable dignity.

Miss Kitty is a kind, brave, and intelligent woman who — unusually for a Western of its day — has a career other than schoolmarm, farm wife, or cowgirl sidekick. What’s not to like about her?

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Why ‘Gunsmoke’ Is The Best TV Western

The longest-running Western on American television gave ‘Miss Kitty’ a rare dignity for a series of its kind