Why Marshall Dillion's deputy (Chester) never seen on Gunsmoke reruns?

Answer 1

First of all, Chester was never an offical deputy...a mistake made by many fans. In later years,Thad,Festus and Newly were deputies,however. For some reason, the earlier shows are not being aired. Maybe,foolishly, the "powers that be" think no one would be interested in Black and White....but rather, Color.Of course, that would only add to the charm of this WONDERFUl old show. I started watching it when I was 6 years old...1955. I have loved Marshal Matt Dillon♥for 52 years!!!
"So as not to be continually upstaged by his co-star James Arness (who, at 6'7", was five inches taller than the gangly Weaver), he adopted a limp for his character--a limp which, along with Chester's reedy signature line "Mis-ter Diillon" and his infamously bad coffee, brought Weaver fame, adulation and a 1959 Emmy Award. Though proud of his work on Gunsmoke Weaver began feeling trapped by 'Chester' sometime around the series' fifth season."
Chester, DENNIS WEAVER, was good. His conversations with Doc were great. I honestly think,though, that Festus, KEN CURTIS, was FANTASTIC...really funny.
I post questions about Dillon and the gang ALL the time!!!
Ride the high road,pardner.