The year 1872

1. Reason to Believe (9/27/97)

[Rating: 8.3 - Share: 16 - Rank: 57 - Viewers: 12.9]

Shooting Date: 4/9/97 – 4/17/97

Dr. Mike searches desperately for Sully, who lies dying in the wilderness from severe injuries he suffered while fleeing from the Cavalry. Sully's friend Daniel Simon rushes to help Dr. Mike in her search. Meanwhile, newspaper editor Dorothy Jennings rides out in search of Cloud Dancing, with whom she has fallen in love, to tell him Sully is missing. And Sgt. McKay, who is intent on arresting Sully for the murder of the soldier who tried to kill him, sends scouts to follow Dr. Mike just in case she manages to find him alive.

Sgt. McKay . . . . . David Beecroft

Writer: Philip Gerson
Director: Terence O'Hara

2. All That Matters (10/4/97)

[Rating: 8.6 - Share: 17 - Rank: 42 - Viewers: 12.6]

Shooting Date: 4/18/97 – 4/28/97

The citizens of Colorado Springs think Sully is dead, and Dr. Mike keeps him hidden for weeks while trying to nurse him back to health in order to protect him from the Army. Daniel remains with Sully as Dr. Mike and her family stoically keep his whereabouts secret. Only Sgt. McKay, who has declared marshal law due to the recent Indian raids, believes Sully is still alive, and continues his relentless pursuit to arrest him. Preston Lodge, meanwhile, plans to buy the Indians' reservation land from the government and set up a lumber mill there. Sully and Cloud Dancing realize such a move would force the tribe onto even worse land, making their situation even more desperate.

Sgt. McKay . . . . . David Beecroft

Writer: Carl Binder
Director: Bethany Rooney

3. A Matter of Conscience (10/11/97)

[Rating: 7.5 - Share: 14 - Rank: 55 - Viewers: 11.2]

Shooting Date: 4/29/97 - 5/7/97

Hank, believing Sully and Cloud Dancing to be the instigators of The American Indian raids, declares himself sheriff and sets off to capture them. He publicly accuses Dr. Mike of lying about the death of her husband, Sully, then names himself town sheriff and sets out to bring Sully to justice. The army sends General Wooden, a noted Indian fighter, to end the disturbances, but he is badly injured in a raid led by the renegade warrior Black Moon. Daniel persuades Sergeant McKay to allow the Indian prisoners to proceed peacefully to the reservation. The move infuriates Hank, who assumes the role of sheriff and manages to track down Sully and Cloud Dancing, with near disastrous results.

Sgt. McKay . . . . . David Beecroft
Black Moon . . . . . Gregory Norman Cruz
General Wooden . . . . . Tom Dahlgren
Corporal Winters . . . . . Taylor Sheridan

Writer: Chris Abbott
Director: Terence O'Hara

4. Comfort of Friends (10/18/97)

[Rating: 8.0 - Share: 15 - Rank: 55 - Viewers: 11.9]

Shooting Date: 5/8/97 - 5/16/97

While filled with anxiety about Sully, who is still being sought by the army on murder charges, Dr. Mike begins to experience symptoms indicating that she may be pregnant. She tries to keep her suspicions a secret and is deeply embarrassed when word leaks out among the townspeople before she can tell Sully. Meanwhile, the citizens of Colorado Springs bicker over what items to include in a time capsule they plan to bury for the annual Founders' Day celebration. At issue is how much representation will be given to the role of women and minorities in the town's history. It is a subject that becomes especially important for Mayor Jake Slicker, who is attracted to the new school teacher, Teresa Morales.

Anthony . . . . . Brandon Hammond

Writer: Eric Tuchman
Director: Bethany Rooney

Writers comments for "The Comfort of Friends"

Dr. Mike is always a tower of strength and a source of support for her family and friends. Now, with Sully a fugitive and the violence between the army and the Indians permeating the town, Mike has good reason to feel anxious, but still tries to stay confident and to keep everyone else's spirits up. But other than Sully, to whom does Mike turn for solace and reassurance? No one.

We decided to explore this aspect of Mike's character in The Comfort of Friends. We put Mike in a stressful and emotionally charged situation --while Sully is away in the Indian territory, she miscarries an unexpected pregnancy. At first, Mike responds in typical fashion -- she deals with her grief privately and assures Dorothy and Grace that "everything is under control." But they are determined to let Mike know that she doesn't have to be such a "tough lady" all the time. Mike learns that real strength can lie in admitting vulnerability. Sometimes, all you need is a friend's comforting embrace and a shoulder to cry on.

Eric Tuchman

5. Wave Goodbye (10/25/97)

[Rating: 7.7 - Share: 14 - Rank: 57 - Viewers: 11.9]

Shooting Date: 5/19/97 - 5/28/97

Dr.Mike becomes alarmed when a member of Russian royalty, Princess Nizamoff, visits Preston's Springs Chateau Hotel for a vacation and soon has the townsfolk convinced that she is a seer with ties to the spirit world. During a free seance at the Golden Nugget, the Princess astounds the citizens, including the skeptical Michaela, with her seemingly vast knowledge of their private lives and concerns. But Michaela is worried that the royal visitor, who soon begins charging money for her "consultations," might cause harm with some of her predictions. Her fear is heightened when the Princess advises Grace that her adopted son Anthony will suffer no further attacks.

Princess Nizamoff . . . . . Natasha Andreichenko
Eli Clay . . . . . Charles Parks
Natalia . . . . . Lorna Raver

Writer: Robert Hamilton
Director: Roy Campanella II

Writer's Comments for WAVE GOODBYE

After the Civil War, many bereaved families of loved ones who died in battle sought any way to ease their enormous pain. Many of them sought the comfort of psychics and mediums, who found their business booming. Many of these "mystics" felt they were doing a kind thing, helping parents and wives cope with the loss of their sons and husbands. But many mystics were charlatans, preying upon the grief of others.

"Wave Goodbye" examines this phenomenon, and offers the question of whether or not knowing the future or "speaking with the dead" can cause harm. Are these mystics just helping people through difficult times, or are they causing more pain by telling people exactly what they want to hear? We hope you enjoy it.

Carl Binder

6. A Place Called Home (11/1/97)

[Rating: 8.0 - Share: 14 - Rank: 57 - Viewers: 12.6]

Shooting Date: 5/29/97 - 6/6/97

Dr. Michaela Quinn struggles with the burden of telling Grace and Robert E. their adopted son Anthony might not survive his mysterious illness. Sully, still in hiding from the army, tells Dr. Mike he is determined to convince the renegade braves to return to the reservation before more violence breaks out between the settlers and themselves. But he is shattered to learn that Dr. Mike has recently suffered a miscarriage.

Writer: Julie Henderson
Director: Chuck Bowman

Writer's Comments for "A Place Called Home"

In the episode "A Place Called Home" Anthony's condition takes a turn for the worse and Dr. Mike, Robert E. and Grace face the difficult challenge of caring for a gravely ill child. They struggle to decide what and how much information should be shared with Anthony, while at the same time trying to determine who is ultimately responsible for making that decision -- the physician, the parents or possibly the child himself.

I was grateful for the opportunity to write this script as it gave me a forum to explore the complex issues facing families and children with life-threatening illnesses. I learned that no matter how difficult the question, if you speak to a child from your heart, there can be no wrong answer.

I would like to extend special thanks to Ann Armstrong-Dailey, director of Children's Hospice International, for providing invaluable research assistance. The Children's Hospice International provides resources and assistance to parents, grandparents and health care professionals caring for seriously ill children. For further information please contact:
Children's Hospice International
2202 Mt. Vernon Avenue, Suite 3C
Alexandria, VA 22301
1-800-2-4-CHILD
Website: WWW.CHIONLINE.ORG

Julie Henderson

7. Lead Me Not (11/8/97)

[Rating: 8.1 - Share: 15 - Rank: 58 - Viewers: 12.5]

Shooting Date: 9/17/97 - 9/25/97

Dr. Mike's sister Marjorie returns to Colorado Springs as a member of the Women's Temperance League to outlaw alcohol. She coincidentally arrives while Jake drowns his insecurities over Teresa Morales. Marjorie's arrival leads to a renewal of her friendship with Loren. Jake's fears are sparked when he sees Teresa meeting privately with Hank. Grace, too, might be inadvertently abusing alcohol through the "tonic" she has been taking to help her sleep. Meanwhile, Sully and Cloud Dancing try to reason with Black Moon, a young brave experiencing "visions of victory" over the cavalry.

Marjorie Quinn . . . . . Alley Mills
Black Moon . . . . . Gregory Norman Cruz

Writer: Chris Abbott
Director: Carl Binder

8. A Time to Heal (part 1 - 11/15/97) and (part 2 - 11/22/97)

[Rating: 9.2 - Share: 16 - Rank: 47 - Viewers: 14.0]

Shooting Date: 6/9/97 - 6/17/97 (part 1) and 6/18/97 - 6/26/97 (part 2)

Dr. Mike sends her children to stay at Sully's hideout while she battles a deadly diphtheria epidemic that threatens the entire town, including her mother and sister. Mike's mother, Elizabeth, and sister, Rebecca arrive for a Thanksgiving visit and refuse to leave, despite the danger caused by the disease. Their arrival leads to further friction between them and Mike's other sister, Marjorie, who becomes stricken herself. Meanwhile, Hank blames the squatters for causing the epidemic and tries to burn their encampment. As casualties mount, Dr. Mike comes into conflict with fellow doctor Andrew Cook about trying a new surgical procedure to keep patients alive.

A Time To Heal - Part II

With Thanksgiving approaching, the diphtheria epidemic overshadows every activity. Mike continues to be separated from her young children, who remain in hiding with Sully to protect them from the disease; Mike is blamed by her mother, Elizabeth, for Marjorie's condition; Hank is jailed for trying to burn down the squatters village, where he thinks the disease originated; Matthew reluctantly acts as his lawyer, and Jake and Teresa draw strangely closer as they use the school house as a temporary morgue.

Mrs. Elizabeth Quinn . . . . . Georgann Johnson
Marjorie Quinn . . . . . Alley Mills
Rebecca (Quinn) . . . . . Elinor Donihue
Becky . . . . . Haylie Johnson

Writer: Beth Sullivan
Director: Terence O'Hara

Writer's Comments for "A Time To Heal"

For some time we've wanted to do a more serious medical show, i.e., one in which the town is presented with an overall medical crisis. There hasn't been any kind of epidemic in town to speak of, since the first episode which I wrote, so it seemed only fitting that I would write this one as well. It was a bit nostalgic for me in that I was revisiting memories of the first show -- the brand new comraderie and our determination to succeed even though we were many months from being on the air.

What this meant to me was a chance to really do what I enjoy doing the most with the characters, which is to get in to the innermost part of them and how they are challenged when life is at its darkest. I also enjoy bringing Dr. Mike's Boston family out to Colorado Springs and dealing with those issues.

Beth Sullivan

9. Civil Wars (12/6/97)

[Rating: 7.9 - Share: 14 - Rank: 52 - Viewers: 11.8]

Shooting Date: 9/8/97 - 9/16/97

Dr. Mike reluctantly takes on the role of temporary judge when Horace sues Hank for accidentally breaking his nose and sets off a flurry of suits and countersuits among the town's citizens. Matthew, who has been studying the law, tips off Horace that he's legally entitled to have Hank pay his medical bills. Soon Dr. Mike finds herself in the middle of that case, as well as a property dispute between Dorothy and Grace and a claim by Loren that he was rippled and nearly drowned because of negligence at Preston's hotel.

Writer: Philip Gerson
Director: Jerry London

Writers Comments for "Civil Wars"

We felt that after the extremely serious stories that we've done so far this season, it was time to do a lighter episode -- but we also wanted to make sure that it was grounded in a serious subject, and that it continued the story-lines that we've been pursuing.

Having our characters sue each other for all sorts of major and minor problems seemed to be a way to have their conflicts with each other surface in a somewhat lighter way. It was also an attractive way to comment on our own highly litigious society. Historical research revealed that, surprisingly, litigation was at least as common in the 1870's as it is now.

The serious notes are struck by the ways in which people react to the lawsuits. Grace uses the law as an unconscious way of expressing her anger over Anthony's death. And the lawsuit mania gives Matthew greater experience in the practice of the law -- and makes him question whether he really wants to be a lawyer.

"Civil Wars" was a fun and challenging episode to write -- striking the right balance between the fun and serious stories was aided greatly by the work of Jerry London, the director, and by our wonderful cast.

Philip Gerson

10. Safe Passage (12/13/97)

[Rating: 7.3 - Share: 14 - Rank: 66 - Viewers: 11.0]

Shooting Date: 9/26/97 - 10/6/97

Dr. Mike matches wits with a notorious Indian hater, Maj. Samuel Morrison, as she tries to mediate a peace treaty between Black Cloud's braves and the cavalry, which would include a pardon for Sully and allow him to return home. Dying of consumption, Black Cloud agrees to surrender if his braves are allowed safe passage to the reservation. Wellend Smith, an emissary sent by President Grant, sides with the Indians, but Maj. Morrison is determined to thwart the agreement and put them in prison. Mike and Sully must look toward Sgt. McKay for support in upholding the law.

Sgt. McKay . . . . . David Beecroft
Maj. Samuel Morrison . . . . . Dan Laurie
Black Moon . . . . . Gregory Norman Cruz
Wellend Smith . . . . . Alan Brooks

Writer: Eric Tuchman
Director: Steven Dubin

Writer's Comments For "Safe Passage"

Since the start of our sixth season, Dr Mike has struggled to clear Sully's name while Sully and Cloud Dancing tried to settle the violent conflicts between the army and the Indians. Both of these dilemmas reach a tense climax and are finally resolved in Safe Passage.

Like many of our viewers, I've been looking forward to getting Sully home and out of trouble -- the challenge was to do it in the most interesting, unexpected and satisfying way. I also wanted to put Mike to the test. How far would she be willing to go to save Sully? How much would she risk?

Eric Tuchman

11. Homecoming (12/20/97)

[Rating: 8.1 - Share: 16 - Rank: 41 - Viewers: 12.3]

Shooting Date: 10/16/97 - 10/24/97

After accompanying Black Crow's braves safely to the reservation, Dr. Mike and Sully begin the trip home for Christmas but are delayed when they stop to help a hapless young married couple they find wandering in the wilderness. The young couple, Chester and Hallie, are former city dwellers trying to find a new settlement established by their relatives, but are hopelessly lost. Meanwhile, Daniel, who has been wandering all his life, is tempted to give up his job as sheriff to accept an offer to run a mining operation far away from Colorado Springs.

Chester Barnes . . . . . Zach Galligan
Hallie Barnes . . . . . Linda Hawkins
Sadie . . . . . Paige Layne Miller
Welland Smith . . . . . Alan Brooks
Carmen . . . . . Carmen Ashby

Writer: Carl Binder
Director: James Keach

Writer's comments for "The Homecoming"

As the title of this year's Christmas episode suggests, this is the show in which Sully finally comes home. Having escorted Cloud Dancing and the Indian braves safely to the Northern territories, Mike and Sully set off to return home in time for Christmas. But on the way they are sidetracked by a young couple fresh from the big city, who are hopelessly lost in the woods. Sully and Mike help them find the way to their new settlement, while making sure they still have enough time to make it home to Colorado Springs by Christmas.

In writing the episode, I was intrigued with the idea of "finding your way home," not just in the physical sense, but in the emotional sense as well. Sully, while trying to make it home for Christmas, teaches the young couple how to survive in the wilderness. In touching their lives, Sully learns his value in the changing world; as civilization continues to encroach on nature, Sully can work to make people realize the necessity of setting aside certain lands for the future. This is the time that the National Parks movement was taking hold, with Yellowstone becoming the first National Park in 1872. Sully will become a part of this movement, leading the way for the establishment of future parks.

As most of you know already, Dr. Quinn will not air again until February 28th. At the conclusion of "The Homecoming," please watch for a preview of some of the episodes you'll see when Dr. Quinn returns.

From all of us here at Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman, have a safe and happy holiday, and a Happy New Year! See you in '98!

Carl Binder

The year 1873

12. Point Blank (2/28/98)

[Rating: 8.2 - Share: 15 - Rank: 51 - Viewers: 13.2]

Shooting Date: 11/25/97 - 12/5/97

Dr. Mike's life takes a startling turn when she is shot point blank, by a man with a grudge against doctors. Following life-saving emergency surgery by Dr. Andrew Cook, aided by Hank and Cloud Dancing, and two weeks of recovery at home, Mike's attempts to return to the clinic are hindered by recurring nightmares in which she relives the trauma of the shooting. As her panic and paranoia grow with each nightmare, Mike finds she is afraid to leave her home. Others begin to wonder if she will ever be able to return to her work at the clinic again.

Vengeful shooter . . . . . Jon Simmons
Butch's mother . . . . . Cheryl Smith
Butch . . . . . Tyler Trute

Writer: Carl Binder
Director: James Keach

Writer's comments for "Point Blank"

After an unusually long hiatus, the wait is over for the return of Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman! The episode, with which we return, "Point Blank," is based on an idea pitched by our medical advisor, Dr. Richard May. Working in the emergency room of the County USC Medical Center in Los Angeles, Dr. May was the victim of a vicious shooting that left him near death. After several months of arduous rehabilitation, Dr. May recovered from his wounds, but the lingering horror of the trauma he experienced remained with him. This terrifying ordeal, and the physical and emotional scarring that resulted from it, was the basis of "Point Blank."

This was one of the most challenging and rewarding scripts for me to write, and I thank Dr. May's input, as well as James Keach's outstanding direction and, of course, Jane Seymour, who continues to amaze me with not only her considerable acting talent, but also her willingness to allow her character to explore the darker corners of the human psyche.

13. Seeds of Doubt (3/7/98)

[Rating: 8.1 - Share: 15 - Rank: 54 - Viewers: 12.3]

Shooting Date: 12/8/97 - 12/16/97

Colleen has a new beau, Patrick Collins, and is at first flattered by her new suitor's attentions. Dr. Mike, however, is suspicious of his intentions. Spurning her mother's advice of taking it slowly with this out-of-towner, Colleen continues to see her new beau, dazzled by the gifts he gives and the attention he pays her. But, as Patrick swiftly becomes more possessive and demanding, frightening Colleen enough to break if off with him, she realizes she's in over her head when he refuses to be dismissed and becomes physically threatening. Meanwhile, Sully and Brian hit the mountain trail with a senator and his son, Oliver.

Patrick Collins . . . . . Michael Trucco

Writer: Jeanne Davis
Director: Gwen Arner

14. 7 Kinds of Lonely (3/21/98)

[Rating: 8.0 - Share: 15 - Rank: 49 - Viewers: 12.5]

Shooting Date: 10/27/97 - 11/4/97

Dr. Mike tries to prevent Loren from leaving Colorado Springs when she learns he secretly plans to sell his store and move away out of grief over the death of Marjorie. Sully is forced to draw on his own painful experiences and memories when trying to comfort Mike. Meanwhile, the town prepares for its annual "Sweethearts Dance," but melancholy seems to reign. Jake is torn over how to ask Teresa to marry him, and Sully offers support and advice to Robert E who is worried about Grace's continued drinking.

Writer:
Director: Bethany Rooney

15. Life in the Balance (4/4/98)

[Rating: 7.2 - Share: 14 - Rank: 57 - Viewers: 10.9]

Shooting Date: 11/14/97 - 11/24/97

Dr. Mike finds herself matching her medical skills against those of an elderly Cantonese herbalist (guest star Robert Ito) when many members of a large group of Chinese passing through Colorado Springs looking for work fall victim to fever. She becomes attached to the herbalist's young assistant (Yumi Iwama), whom he introduces as his grandson but who actually turns out to be his granddaughter. Both of them, and the rest of the Chinese community, are endangered by the actions of Hank, who tries to drive them from town because he fears they will cause an epidemic, is blamed for burning the Chinese encampment, forcing Daniel to arrest him, even though evidence wasn't 100% positive.

Wu Jing Yang (Ying Li) . . . . . . . .Yumi Iwama
Mr. Wu . . . . . . . . . . .Robert Ito
Mr. Zou. . . . . . . . . . . .Ron Yuan
Mrs. Zou. . . . . . . . . . .Lucy Lin
Zou Lo-Chiang. . . . .Leilani Murakami
Judge Barton . . . . . . .Kevin Cooney

Writer: Chris Abbott
Director: Gwen Arner

16. Happily Ever After (4/11/98)

[Rating: 6.9 - Share: 15 - Rank: 56 - Viewers: 10.4]

Shooting Date: 11/5/97 - 11/13/97

As Jake and Teresa look forward to their wedding day, Dr. Mike and Sully struggle to free Cloud Dancing, who was captured and put in prison for leaving the reservation. Dorothy contemplates helping him escape and fleeing with him into the wilderness. Teresa introduces Jake to her visiting aunt, Doña Verano, and her cousin, Carlos, a priest. The visit turns sour when the older woman takes an immediate dislike to Jake and tries to prevent the marriage.

Doña Verano. . . . . . . Carmen Zapata
Carlos . . . . . . . . . .Carlos Gomez

Writer: Rick Najera.
Director: James Keach

**************************BONUS*************************

Here is a translation of Doña Verano on Saturday's episode. I am sure this will help in understanding Teresa's aunt's problems with Jake, especially when you consider that Teresa and her family, as well as many of the other Mexicans, were very proud, Catholic, people, and do not take changes to their traditions very lightly.

{Introduction}
Jake - "Pleased to meet you."
Doña - "No es tu novio. Hasta que estemas de acuermos, que es tu novio."
(He is not your fiance. Until an agreement can be reached between us, then he will be your fiance.)

{In the Saloon}

Teresa - "Tia, Jake and Hank have worked very hard to make this place successful."
Doña - "¿Una hotel para borachos y prostitutas?"
(An hotel for drunks and prostitutes?)
-pause-
"Primero dejaste a Guillermo que te llenara la cabeza de fantasias y cargar contigo hasta America. America!!" - with disgust
(First, you allow Guillermo to fill your head with fantasies of carrying you away to America. America!!)
Hank - "Sounds like she don't care too much for this side of the border."
Doña - "Ahora, apenas hace un año fallecio Guillermo y ya te quieras casar con uno de ellos."
(Now, it's scarcely one year after Guillermo's death, and already you want to marry one of them. - speaking of an American)
Teresa - "Tia, Jake es un hombre muy bueno."
(Tia, Jake is a very good man.)
Doña - "Y tu eres una niña muy tonta."
(And you are a very stupid child.)

{At the Café, after Jake spoke with the Reverend about being the only one doing the adjusting}

Jake - "Teresa, Doña Verano, Carlos. I really think we should consider havin' the Reverend to do the wedding."
Doña - "Ya vez que poco te respeta..."
(Now, do you see how little he respects you...) - speaking to Teresa
Jake - "Can you please speak in English?"
Doña - "I would be happy to speak in English to you, Señor......"

From there, everything else is spoken in English. I hope this has helped you understand the episode a little better. I know once I heard what Doña Verano had to say, I understood why she was reacting the way she did.

***************************************************

** note **
The following episode was originally supposed to air 11/29/97, but was
pre-empted for an Angela Lansbury Christmas Special.

17. Birdman (4/18/98)

[Rating: 7.3 - Share: 15 - Rank: 50 - Viewers: 10.6]

Shooting Date: 10/7/97 - 10/15/97

Dr. Mike grapples with her fear for Brian's safety when the youngster befriends a seemingly harmless but eccentric fellow who thinks he's a bird and covers himself with feathers in an attempt to fly. Martin Von Hoffman, the birdman, not only tries to fly, but sleeps in a nest and literally pecks at his food when Dr. Mike invites him home for supper. To her alarm, Martin turns out to be an escapee from a New York insane asylum. She is torn between returning him to the asylum or allowing him to carry on his self-deception in peace. Meanwhile, Dr. Mike receives bad news from Oliver Wendell Holmes, the prominent attorney she has asked to help with Sully's defense.

Martin Von Hoffmann (Birdman) . . . . . Nick Tate
Dr. John Liberti . . . . . . Rod Britt

Director: Bethany Rooney
Writer: Joel Ziskin

18. Vengeance (aka Legend II) (4/25/98)

[Rating: 6.9 - Share: 14 - Rank: 56 - Viewers: 10.5]

Shooting Date: 1/27/98 - 2/5/98

Matthew defends lawman Elias Burch against charges that he murdered an unarmed ex-con. Daniel is forced to arrest Burch for killing Exner, an ex-con whom he had been pursuing. Rather than accept a traveling defense attorney with a drinking problem, Burch asks Matthew to defend him, claiming he was framed. But, a dime-novelist who had been traveling with Exner claims to be an eyewitness, having seen Burch shoot the man in cold blood. With Burch's life in the balance and little evidence to support his claim that Exner drew a gun on him, fledgling lawyer Matthew, with help from Dr. Mike, sets out to discover what actually happened between the two sworn enemies.

Marshall Elias Burch . . . Willie Nelson
Ned Springer . . . . . . Don McManus
Judge Blaisdale. . . .Nicolas Coster
Rudy Exner . . . . . Robert O'Reilly
Prosecutor Meadows . . . Steven Ford
Bret Calvert . . . . George "Buck" Flower
Circuit Defender Hardway . . . .C.J. Bau

Writer: Philip Gerson
Director: Jerry London

19. To Have and to Hold (5/2/98) - special two character episode

[Rating: 6.3 - Share: 13 - Rank: 72 - Viewers: 9.1]

Shooting Date: 1/23/98 & 1/26/98

While returning from a week long trip with Sully, Michaela stumbles and falls, sustaining a head injury. The couple takes refuge in an abandoned cabin where Sully must keep Michaela awake to prevent her from slipping into a coma. Together, they reminisce about the myriad of different experiences -- good and bad -- they've shared together and then make a pivotal decision about their future, which involves a little "enthusiasm".

** note - a clips episode

Writer: Chris Abbott
Director: Gwen Arner

20. The Fight (5/9/98)

[Rating: 6.2 - Share: 13 - Rank: 73 - Viewers: 8.7]

Shooting Date: 1/1/4/98 - 1/22/98

Robert E (Henry G. Sanders) releases anger over his separation from Grace and the loss of his son through his furious fists in the boxing ring, where he takes on an ailing champ who's on tour, surprising everyone by beating Barnes twice. But when Dr. Mike examines Barnes, she discovers that the champ is on the verge of losing his eyesight if he continues boxing and she implores him to retire. Choosing to reject the doctor's order, Barracuda goes into the ring with Robert E for what may be his last fight. Meanwhile, Sully's efforts to get Grace to reconsider the pending divorce from Robert E begin to pay off with help from baby Katie.

"Barracuda" Jim Barnes . . . . Richard Roundtree ("Shaft")

Writer: Eric Tuchman
Director: Steve Dubin

21. A New Beginning (5/16/98) [Season Finale]

[Rating: 6.7 - Share: 15 - Rank: 57 - Viewers: 10.2]

Shooting Date: 2/9/98 - 2/18/98

Dr. Mike's elation at Colleen's acceptance to medical school quickly turns to disappointment when Colleen chooses to marry Andrew instead. A bitter family argument erupts when Dr. Mike tells Colleen that she is less than overjoyed at her announcement and feels that the couple is rushing into marriage and should wait until Colleen completes medical school. Meanwhile, Robert E and Grace have wonderful news to share; the stock market crash hits Preston and the townsfolk hard; and Dorothy and Cloud Dancing reach a new level in their relationship.

As part of the Network's 50th Anniversary celebration, classic footage of James Arness as legendary Marshal Matt Dillon of "Gunsmoke" is digitally integrated into this episode. When Jake breaks the news to Hank that he's accepted Preston's offer to buy his share of the Golden Nugget that would make him partners with the despised Preston, James Arness, helps fuel Hank's anger.

Writer: Carl Binder
Director: James Keach


Suggested logical viewing order for season 6 by Karen Holp:
Reason to Believe, All That Matters, A Matter of Conscience, Comfort of Friends, Wave Goodbye, A Place Called Home, Lead Me Not, A Time to Heal, Birdman, Civil Wars, Safe Passage, Homecoming, 7 Kinds of Lonely, Seeds of Doubt, Happily Ever After, Life in the Balance, Point Blank, Vengeance, To Have and to Hold, The Fight, A New Beginning