Sometimes I really feel like a hypocrite. In the past I’ve written rave reviews about shows like “Little House on the Prairie” and “Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman.” I would go on and on about how hard it is to find really good family shows. It would seem strange to most of my friends who were aware of my love of watching gory horror flicks and violent cop shows. But, being as well-rounded as I am, I also love good old fashioned family entertainment and constantly complain about the lack of it. Any chance I have to champion the cause of shows I can watch with my kids. Yet, when I first heard about the debut of the series “Doc” a few years back, my immediate reaction was to snub my nose and make all kinds of Billy Ray Cyrus ‘Achy Breaky’ jokes. I didn’t even give it a chance. What a jerk I was. Wait, let me look in the mirror. Yup… there it is…right on my forehead… HYPOCRITE. (Well, it’s backwards, being a mirror image and all. But I could still read it.) A few days ago I heard about the release of the 1st season of “Doc” and thought to myself that perhaps I should give the show a chance.

After all, it is one of those family shows I’m always looking for, plus its now in its 4th season on Pax and has won numerous awards and accolades. The main character, Dr. Clint Cassidy (Billy Ray Cyrus) has even made a crossover appearance on one of Pax’s other popular shows, “Sue Thomas: F.B. Eye.” With all this going for it, the show has to be good right? Right? Will I eat all those jokes I made a few years ago? Let’s find out shall we?

“Doc” follows the adventures of the aforementioned Dr. Clint Cassidy. The good doctor moves from the slow quiet pace of Montana and sets up shop in New York City. (Ahh, the things we do for the love of a woman…) He soon learns that the differences between living in the country and surviving in the big city are extremely diverse and often difficult to deal with. Because of his values and upbringing, Cassidy sees each patient as a person and not just another billable case. And because of the care that he shows his patients through his warm and friendly bedside manner, he often makes a difference in their lives. Unfortunately this also tends to cause conflicts with the other doctors, who are often too hurried to even remember a patient’s name.

After watching the first season’s 11 episodes, I had to prepare myself to eat crow. However I might feel about Billy Ray Cyrus as a country singer doesn’t even come into play as far as his abilities as an actor. This wasn’t evident right from the Pilot episode, as it was obvious that he was a little green at first. But within just a few episodes I could tell he was becoming more comfortable with the role and his natural demeanor started to win me over.

All of the stories in this 1st season were well-written and Cyrus’s performance is extremely earnest. And since there was no cussing, sex or bare body parts, I could easily sit down to watch it with my entire family. And though the show centers on Cyrus, he is surrounded by a top-notch ensemble cast. Derek McGrath is especially good in his role as Dr. Derek Herbert, the HMO doctor who is one of the few who defends Doc’s decisions. Of course, every show needs a good ‘villain’, and Ron Lea fills the bill as Dr. Oliver Crane. It would seem to be his goal in life to be rid of the good doctor.

The 3-disc set has fairly straightforward packaging. There are no slipcases and no box; it is simply a trifold disc holder with cover art on the front and back, and a listing of the episode synopses on the inside. There are a few extras including some never-before-seen trailers and a documentary tracing Cyrus’s journey from the music stage to the TV screen. The best is saved for last however with the inclusion of a Blooper Reel. What’s so great about this reel is not just the funny flubs and mistakes, but the general feeling that everyone involved with the series is having a good time.

I take back everything I’ve ever said in the past about Cyrus. So should anyone who’s ever made fun of the guy. His music might not be your cup of tea, and it wasn’t mine, but you shouldn’t let that stop you from checking out “Doc.” If you have a family and want to spend some good quality TV time with them, then this show fits the bill. I’m already looking forward to season 2.

Episodes:
Pilot, Part 1
Pilot, Part 2
Family Matters
All in a Day’s Work
The Ride
You Gotta Have Heart
Captain Supremo: Have Tights Will Travel
The Art of Medicine
You Say Goodbye, I Say Hello
Love or Money
The Face in the Mirror

Starring: Billy Ray Cyrus, Derek McGrath, Ron Lea, Andrea Robinson, Richard Leacock, Tracy Shreve, Tyler Garcia Posey, Ruth Marshall, Neil Dainard
Extras: Never Before Seen Trailers, Bloopers, Billy Ray Cyrus – From Music to Medicine
Specifications: Full Screen
Studio: Luck Media
Release Date: 2/3/2004
Region 1
MPAA Rating: NR
Website

We'll give Doc: Season 1 a B+.