Gunsmoke, one of the longest running and most beloved television shows in American history, started its journey with season 1 episode 1 titled "Matt Gets It". The premiere episode aired on September 10, 1955 and it introduced viewers to the small frontier town of Dodge City, Kansas and its famous lawman, Marshal Matt Dillon.

The summary of this episode showcases the classic western setting with its dusty streets, saloons, and cowboys roaming around. However, beyond the surface level, "Matt Gets It" has several positive benefits that are still relevant and can be appreciated today.

Firstly, the episode highlights the importance of law and order in a society. Marshal Matt Dillon (played by James Arness) is the ultimate symbol of justice in Dodge City. He maintains law and order in the town, not just with his gun but also through his wisdom and sense of responsibility. In a time when the western frontier was still being tamed, Gunsmoke highlighted the need for a fair and just law enforcement system, something that is still very much relevant in today's society.

Another positive aspect of the episode is the portrayal of strong female characters. In this episode, we are introduced to Miss Kitty Russell (played by Amanda Blake), the owner of the local saloon and a leading figure in the town. Miss Kitty is not just a pretty face, but a strong and independent woman who stands up to Dillon when he tries to close down her saloon. She is respected and admired by the citizens of Dodge City, proving that women can be just as powerful and capable as men in a society that was traditionally dominated by men.

Moreover, the episode also sheds light on the complexities of human relationships. In the episode, we see the dynamic between Dillon and his friend Chester Goode (played by Dennis Weaver), who is his loyal deputy. Despite their close bond, Chester is not afraid to speak his mind and challenge Dillon's decisions when he sees fit. This showcases the importance of having relationships based on trust and respect, rather than just hierarchy.

Additionally, "Matt Gets It" also addresses the issue of racial discrimination, a prevalent theme during the time the show was first aired. The episode portrays the struggles of an African American man, Mr. Bennett, who faces discrimination and is even accused of a crime he did not commit. Dillon, being a fair and just lawman, makes sure that Mr. Bennett gets a fair trial and is not treated differently because of his race. This theme of racial equality was ahead of its time and still holds relevance in today's world.

Gunsmoke's premiere episode also has its fair share of action and drama, showcasing the dangers and challenges faced by the citizens of Dodge City. However, unlike many other western shows of that time, Gunsmoke focused on the consequences of violence rather than glorifying it. This message is still important and relevant today, reminding us that violence is not the solution to problems.

In conclusion, the positive benefits of Gunsmoke season 1 episode 1 cannot be emphasized enough. This first episode not only set the tone for the rest of the 20 seasons, but it also showcased important themes that are still relevant today such as the importance of law and order, strong female characters, the complexities of human relationships, and racial equality. Gunsmoke may be set in the wild west, but the messages it conveys are timeless and can still be appreciated by audiences today.