Kate Heller

One of the standout episodes of the series with Miss Mabel Albertson giving what is nothing less than the performance of a lifetime. Beautifully written by Kate Hite, this is a powerful presentation and one in which Albertson truly shines. The climax is absolutely soul shattering and among the most dramatically emotional ever filmed for television. Miss Albertson plays it with a sensitivity and an incredible insight you will never forget. The character of Kate Heller is heartbreaking but quietly strong, a survivor of the psychological brutality of loneliness in the old west and the violence that was part of existence. Mabel Albertson gives the character everything she has within her, brings her to life, and makes her one of the most unforgettable personalities to ever appear on Gunsmoke or any other television series in history.

But then I watched the episode. I can agree with all the other reviewers who rated "10" this is truly a special episode not to be missed. Well written about raising children with values. Timeless.

A few things stand out about this marvelous episode. First, the casting was excellent. Mabel Albertson gives a powerhouse performance as a righteous, hardbitten frontierswoman. And the choice of Tom Lowell to play her grandson was inspired. It is hard to imagine that baby-faced greenhorn as a murderous fiend, and it is that aesthetic paradox which makes Lowell's character so interesting.

Second, Kathleen Hite subtlely demonstrates how the words of women can wound insecure young men. His grandma and the saloon girl Lowell's character worships, belittle him as a "boy" and treat him with contempt. This mockery helps to catalyze his malefeasance.

And third, we see further evidence that Matt Dillon may be an immortal god. He is shot three times and appears to be dead, but no. How could he possibly survive such violence? He survives because he simply cannot be killed.

All in all, this is yet another tremendous Kate Hite piece. At this point in the series, she may actually be a better writer than John Meston, and that's saying something.

Mabel Albertson really shone in this one. She was one strong lady. Almost too bad she wasn't a regular Dodge citizen. She certainly had the grit for it. Kate accepted what was but got the most out of whatever life handed her. Gotta admire her for that. That grandson of hers ended up being someone who should have learned from her not thought he knew it all. I liked what she said about him asking why he was in such a hurry to get old. She knew people. She stuck up for him not realizing what he had become. In the end she woke up to that quick like if you will. I really recommend this one. Watch it til the end. Sad but worth it.

Mabel Albertson was absolutely brilliant as feisty short-statured, but very strong in character Kate Heller, a relay station owner. Her slight Irish accent was very effective in guiding her grandson, Andy, with advice. This episode is, by far, my favorite and I could watch it over and over to see her incredible acting talent.