Doc Adams gets a lot to say in this episode. Matt Dillon went to Abilene, so Doc gives Chester a funny discussion on running the Marshal's Office. Later on, Doc and Chester are eating at Delmonico's and a drifter comes by to tell Doc that he recognizes him as the Judge that ruined his life. That drifter is Bryce Harp, a cold blooded killer. Harp is played by Barry Atwater, who appeared on Gunsmoke five times.
Doc gets feisty, and tells Chester and Miss Kitty not to worry, and shrugs off the death threat. Chester on the other hand, takes it seriously, and goes to work to save Doc's life. Between Doc and Chester, there is a great bond of friendship that shines through because they were both great actors.
Barry Atwater builds up the tension because he does a great job as a quiet but sinister character. Instead of over-acting the part of the bad guy, he exudes an air of evil in the way he talks, looks at people, and walks around. Thanks to Atwater, the actions of Chester to protect Doc Adams seem reasonable.
Doc Adams does a great job of thinking that Chester is over-reacting, and then gradually realizing he was not, and coming to appreciate that Chester cares about him.