Okay, okay, I’m sure some of you may be wondering why the heck a guy is writing about what is sometimes considered a ‘woman’s’ TV series. Well, let me tell you. I grew up in a time when TV was a bit simpler, and family values were really important. Now, I may still enjoy some of today’s TV shows, many of which are raunchy, provocative or fantastic. But there are times I really enjoy a series that is devoid of these things, times that I can sit back and take pleasure in watching a show geared to watched by the entire family. “Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman” is just such a show. It is a show like this that really makes me appreciate the advent of DVD, and many studios’ decision to make them available in this format. “Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman” came out during a time when I wasn’t watching much TV, and I missed quite a few quality shows. When A&E Home Video released the DVD set of the 1st season last year, it finally gave me the opportunity to find out what a fine series it was.

The series debuted in 1993 and due to the high quality production value and stories, was a mainstay in primetime until 1998. It gained such popularity as to warrant two follow-up TV movies, and there is talk of a third. Websites and fan clubs abound.

“Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman” was an hour-long western family adventure series much like “Little House on the Prairie.” Taking place during the 1860’s, it followed Dr. Michaela “Mike” Quinn as she moves her practice from the upper-crust world of Boston to a small town in Colorado. After arriving she soon finds herself the surrogate mother to three children whose real mother passes away, befriends a lone mountain man by the name of Sully, and soon finds her ‘dignified’ ideals at odds with that of the local townspeople.

Having very much enjoyed the first 3 seasons that have already been released, I looked forward to seeing the 4th. I received the set (which is an immense 8-disc set, by the way) last week and have taken the time to watch most of the episodes and I am finding the show to continue to be wonderfully written and terrifically acted. There still no imperceptible drop in quality, which is hard to find in many shows that lasted this long. It reminded me so much of “Little House…” as far as just what a good family show it was. Many episodes went beyond just being good stories, as there were those that found a way to deal with issues that are as relevant today as they were to the people of the time. It was a series based on morals and ethics without being overly preachy or losing its entertainment value, definitely the type of show we need more of today.

One of the other surprising aspects of the continued success of the series was that it was able to survive the consummation of the romance between Dr. Quinn and Sully. Most television shows that have lead characters attracted to each other, tend to keep them apart. This is supposed to keep the show interesting, because if they get together, it is believed that people will no longer have the ‘will they, or won’t they’ reason to watch. In truth, this is more a case of bad writing. Those who can write well are more than able to keep the drama alive, even after a consummation. Such was the case with “Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman.” Even after the wedding that ended the third season, the series continued for another three seasons. I can’t vouch for the quality of the 5th and 6th (I haven’t seen them yet), but the 4th was terrific.

Part of the popularity of the series has to be attributed to the casting. Everyone in the series was perfectly cast. After watching it, I don’t think anyone could have filled the role of Dr. Quinn better than the beautiful and enigmatic Jane Seymour. It’s actually quite amazing the career Seymour has had, both in film and on TV, most notably (at least to me) having been in “Somewhere in Time.” I know… I know, that’s not the kind of movie a guy is supposed to like, but let me tell you it’s on my list of all-time favorite films. If you want a good cry, this is the one.

Also well cast was the part of Byron Sully, the mountain man who eventually wins Michaela’s heart. He plays the role with a combination of strength and sentiment, and was able to do so without making him a sappy character. Which again, is a large part of the show’s charm.

The 8-disc 4th season collection being released by A&E Home Video is a handsome box set, with each disc separately packaged, all fitting into a single cardboard slipcase. My only disappointment comes with the lack of extra features available on this set. The first couple of sets offered up some nice features, but here there is just a small video montage.

Again, I’ll mention that there just aren’t enough shows in recent memory that make all around great family viewing, but “Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman” more than fits the bill. And anyone who thinks the term ‘quality family show’ doesn’t equate with good entertainment, hasn’t seen this series. I’ll definitely be keeping my eye out for subsequent seasons.

Episodes:
A New Life
Travelling All-Stars
Mothers & Daughters
Brother’s Keeper
Halloween III
Dorothy’s Book
Promises, Promises
The Expedition, Part 1
The Expedition, Part 2
One Touch of Nature
Hell on Wheels
Fifi’s First Christmas
Change of Heart
Tin Star
If You Love Someone
The Ice Man Cometh
Dead or Alive, Part 1
Dead or Alive, Part 2
Deal with the Devil
Eye for an Eye
Hearts and Minds
Reunion
Woman of the Year
Last Chance
Fear Itself
One Nation
When a Child is Born, Part 1
When a Child is Born, Part 2

Starring: Jane Seymour, Joe Lando
Extras: Bonus Featurette “Favorites”
Specifications: Full Screen
Studio: A&E / New Video
Release Date: 10/26/2003
Region 1
MPAA Rating: NR
Website

We'll give Dr Quinn Medicine Woman: Season 4 a B.