One thing I've noticed unfortunately is that late in the episodes like after season 8 is that the conflicts revolve around peripheral characters and not the central gunsmoke characters of Matt festus Kitty and doc.
Just me!
Dabbs Greer playing a character other than the familiar Mr. Jonas: Chester's uncle Wesley in season 4's "Marshal Proudfoot". He has inferred from Chester's few letters that Chester is the Marshal and "Dillon" is his (very capable!) assistant. Mayhem ensues.
I am in the midst of season 19. I understand the effects a heart attack can do on the body and the exhaustion that follows open heart surgery. I also know the man was old!
Ever since Milburn returned, Doc seemed more exhausted. I am watching “A family of Killers” and doc just seem worn down. For me, Doc Adams just seems exhausted since his return. Outside of arguing with Festus, he just seems old. The spunk he has prior to the heart attack seemed to be gone post surgery.
I wish that Dr. Chapman stayed in Dodge and they swapped him and ole doc out every few episodes.