Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman: The Complete Season Four

This review refers to "Dr Quinn Medicine Woman - The complete Season 4" (A&E).

Season 4 of Dr. Quinn brings change to Colorado Springs in more ways than one. The railroad now passes through town and brings new people and new stories. The train brings everyone from a professional baseball team to challenge the townsfolk to a "friendly game"("Travelilng All Stars), to a woman with Leprosy, that has Dr. Mike questioning her own ethics as a Doctor in the moving epsiode "Fear Itself".

Mike and Sully return from their honeymoon to find the town growing up in other ways. Preston Lodge, a banker has opened the first bank in Colorado Springs, and the town gets a quick lesson in borrowing money with interest. Preston is Scrooge-like, but after a few episodes, we see a little something in him that makes him very much a part of the community.

Sully is still an Indian Agent, but is having a difficult time following the laws set down by the Government, and what he knows is right for the reservation, and in several episodes he and Cloud Dancing must fight the Army to preserve their way of life. "One Nation" is a most moving story as Cloud Dancing confesses to a shooting, he did not do, just to try and bring peace among the tribes.

Matthew has tremendous character growth, and becomes the focus of several episodes as Ingrid gets a fatal bite from Brian's rabid wolf in "Brother's Keeper", and shuts himself off from the world. Later he becomes the town's new Sheriff("Tin Star"), and we now get a look at him as a grown man with a open mind and a big heart.

Several episodes have the woman of the town, asserting themselves and growing in character. In "Expedition". Mike, Dorothy, Myra, and Grace(against the wishes of the men folk) decide to climb Pike's Pike. In one episode they even form their own rescue party when Mike and Sully turn up missing.

Hank is missing from the first few episodes, and I missed him. But he returns in true form by the fourth show, and he goes through many changes during this season as well. It may surprise you how you feel for him towards the end. In "Dorothy"s Book", everyone finds themselves as part of her story, and they don't like what they read.

The Reverend, Loren, Jake, Grace and Robert E. ,Colleen and Brian, all have wonderful stories that have them growing as well, but of course the big event of the season is the birth of Mike and Sully's baby. Many of the stories revolve around her pregnancy and the final episode will have you laughing and crying at the same time.

These are just a few of the highlights. There are 27 heartwarming episodes, including the great holiday stories, about 22 hours to spend with Dr Mike, Sully, and the rest of Colorado Springs. The DVD set has eight volumes this time, and Volume 8 includes Bios and a featurette, "Favorites", where some of the cast members discuss their favorite episodes and moments. The picture quality is beautiful and the sound is great. However, even though the buying info here says there are captions, there are still none(none that I could find), and I still think it's a shame that not more fans of this quality TV series are not able to enjoy it. So I STILL must go with only 4 stars.

The price may seem high, but, this is a series that will be enjoyed over and over. Some of the subject matter may seem adult themed but always done in a most tasteful way. There are some great history lessons to be learned as well. It's one to share with future generations. I found the best way to go is too look for a good deal from an established outside seller. I have saved quite a bit on the first 4 seasons.

Enjoy Season 4.....Laurie

more classic tv on dvd:
M*A*S*H Seasons 1-4 (Collector's Editions)

Little House on the Prairie: The Lord is My Shepherd

Alfred Hitchcock Presents (Poison, The Perfect Crime, Dip in the Pool, One More Mile to Go)

Dr. Quinn is a wonderful family show set in the Old West. It is a show that you can watch with the entire family, which also brings lots of history to life for kids. Our entire family, adults and children, ages 11-19) loves it and we have spent many enjoyable hours watching it together. I would highly recommend this series for anyone who is looking for good TV drama for the family.

I love this show, but I bought the full season new from Amazon. Season 4 dvd was fine until last disk, United Nation and the first baby part 1....dvd was bad and couldn't watch all of United Nation, and none of baby part 1..the dvd was flawed, and just froze up....could not get it to move.....very disappointed, considering all seasons up till 4 had been great...

› Go to Amazon.com to see all 22 reviews  4.6 out of 5 stars