... as he has been noticeably absent during season eight of Gunsmoke, since Dennis Weaver wanted to go on to bigger and better things. A familiar story for Chester has been him falling in love with someone who turns out to either have ulterior motives, or actually love somebody else, or just wants to run off with what little money he has. At this point I'd think he'd be starting up the Dodge City chapter of the He Man Woman Haters Club ala the Our Gang comedies, but apparently, for Chester, romantic hope springs eternal.
This time it is a more subtle situation that creeps up on Chester. He is in the general store when a youngish widow woman comes in asking Mr. Jonas if she can set up a dress making shop within his store, but Jonas turns her down. Chester, being the kind soul that he is, finds a fixer upper rental for her instead, and offers to help her with the construction work that will be necessary to make the place shop ready. Initially, Chester seems to have more interest in the widow's little girl, and even her horse, than he does the widow herself. But after the two spend quite a bit of time together they come to an understanding - or pre engagement.
And apparently the widow's idea of an understanding is to run every aspect of Chester's life - how he dresses, where he goes, who his friends are, even how he speaks. Then the widow's little girl mentions that this was just how it was with her dad right before he - went away and did not come back?? So there was no actual death, no grave??? Complications ensue as Chester ultimately and surprisingly shows the wisdom of Solomon in this situation.
This time it is a more subtle situation that creeps up on Chester. He is in the general store when a youngish widow woman comes in asking Mr. Jonas if she can set up a dress making shop within his store, but Jonas turns her down. Chester, being the kind soul that he is, finds a fixer upper rental for her instead, and offers to help her with the construction work that will be necessary to make the place shop ready. Initially, Chester seems to have more interest in the widow's little girl, and even her horse, than he does the widow herself. But after the two spend quite a bit of time together they come to an understanding - or pre engagement.
And apparently the widow's idea of an understanding is to run every aspect of Chester's life - how he dresses, where he goes, who his friends are, even how he speaks. Then the widow's little girl mentions that this was just how it was with her dad right before he - went away and did not come back?? So there was no actual death, no grave??? Complications ensue as Chester ultimately and surprisingly shows the wisdom of Solomon in this situation.