James Arness’s Singular On-Screen Kiss

Despite fans of Gunsmoke yearning for a splash of romance amidst the drama, the show’s creators decided to keep love tales to a minimum. Over its astonishing 20-season run, spanning 635 episodes, we seldom witnessed Marshall Matt Dillion, played by James Arness, entangled in love affairs. He personified the archetype of the lone ranger, with just a singular kiss to his name throughout the entire series.

The recipient of this solitary romantic gesture was none other than Michael Learned, celebrated for her role in The Waltons. This momentous occasion occurred in the memorable episode titled “Matt’s Love Story.” The episode stands out as a rare instance where love briefly blossomed on the rugged frontier, marking a significant deviation from the show’s usual narrative.