In this specific episode, Merry Florene is at the center of a conflict between her family and the law in Dodge City.

On IMDb , the episode is well-regarded for its mix of drama and humor. Viewers frequently praise Lane Bradbury’s high-energy performance, noting that she managed to make a potentially grating character very sympathetic. Community Perspectives

Fans often look back at her guest run as one of the highlights of the later color seasons.

The character you're likely thinking of is , played by actress Lane Bradbury . She appeared in several episodes of Gunsmoke in the late 1960s, most notably in the episode titled " Hill Girl " (Season 13, Episode 18).

Her episodes usually involved Festus trying to "civilize" her or protect her from her rough-and-tumble family (the Dawsons), leading to a fun, bickering dynamic that viewers loved. 2. Episode Review: " Hill Girl " (1968)

Her brothers try to use her to trap a man, but she ends up seeking protection from the law.