Dr Quinn Medicine Woman Season 1 DVD

I'm reviewing season 1 only here. My wife and I started watching this regularly. So part of the problem is that we were watching an episode every night. I like Jane Seymour and I really liked how they set up the series. A western series was a female lead. The fact that she had to prove herself in a male dominated world in the 19th century was very appropriate. The episodes are generally good watching. For me, the problem comes as the series progresses. It doesn't necessary to address every 21st century problem every week. It seemed to devolve into an issues platform over entertainment as it continued on. Loved the first season, but got tired of it by the 3rd. Read more

I remember thinking when I watched this years ago when it was on TV how the issues we wrestle with as a society hadn't changed much from the 1800's and now, as I view this series again, I'm struck by how it continues to be true. It's as though our attitudes and perspectives evolve with time and with each generation even as the issues remain the same. This show offers an enactment of a period in history which is always a more enjoyable way of learning history than a textbook. Therefore, it's a great show for kids. The other thing I didn't recognize yars ago when I watched it was the sweetness and open-heartedness that many of the characters have. I'm especially touched by many of the male characters attributes of kindness and authenticity (even though there's still that tough guy stigma we have today). I love the fierceness and passion the female characters (not just Dr. Quinn) carry. It's quite remarkable to see examples of how women we treated as property and the changing attitudes of the time. This is just a great show! You won't be disappointed if you're looking for clean entertainment with heartfelt writing and a terrific acting ensemble! Read more

What a wonderful series! Really enjoyed watching how the small towns of America developed. This first season did an excellent job of introducing all of the characters who would become such a stable force throughout the series. Only watched a few episodes when it was first released. Couldn't stand all the commercials. I was able to binge on the series and I have been pleasantly surprised that God was honored so often. Love the action, the various plots, and of course the performances by all of the cast members. Especially Jane Seymour whom I have followed and been a great fan of since her performance in "East of Eden". It was wonderful not to see any cell phones, computers, video games, television or any other type of electronics. Also no computer generated action of any kind, just stunt doubles, with filming totally on location. If you like the English language free of constant vulgarities and political rhetoric, this whole series is worth watching. If you are younger and use to violence, vampires, and Fantasy, you may find this series more entertaining In that it will leave you with positive feelings about life. Read more

Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman is a classic show about a female doctor in the late 1860s, who leaves her wealthy, cultured life in Boston in order to move to a small town on the Western frontier. The townsfolk are desperate for someone more skilled in medicine than the local barber, but they're distrustful of a woman doctor, so Dr. Mike has to fight to prove she's a skilled physician. Shortly after she arrives in Colorado, a dying woman begs Dr. Mike to take care of her three children, Matthew, Colleen, and Brian, so she inherits a ready-made family. There's a blossoming romance, too, between Dr. Mike and Sully, a man who adopted the ways of the Cheyenne indians after his wife and baby died. This is a family show, so it's on the wholesome side---meaning no foul language, explicit sex, or graphic violence---but that doesn't mean it's unrealistically clean. For example, the saloon owner smokes cigars and has several prostitutes working for him. Indeed, one of the secondary characters is a prostitute. The show doesn't shy away from hardcore issues, like racial prejudice, homosexualtiy, the brutal treatment of Native Americans, and so on. That said, it does tend to dilute history at times, at least in some episodes, with unrealistic portrayals of the integration between whites and ex-slaves. Some of the episodes in the first season appear to be aired out of order. For example, in the 11th or 12th episode, Matthew meets a young woman named Ingrid, and they introduce themselves to each other as if they've never met . . . even though in the 3rd or 4th episode, Matthew and Ingrid are courting. It's like the writers totally forgot that the characters were already well acquainted, or else the episodes were produced in the wrong order. This happens more than once, which can be confusing if you're watching for the first time. I loved this show when I was a teenager, and I still rewatch it every so often. However, my biggest peeve is the costuming. If I recall, the costume designer actually won an award for her work in this show, but the costumes are NOT historically accurate! It's set in the late 1860s, yet none of the women wear corsets or hoop skirts. The undergarments that are occasionally shown are all wrong for the time period. The dresses don't have the right silhouettes, or seams, or details. Some have obvious zippers down the back! On rare occasions, Dr. Mike dresses more formally, such as for a town dance, and these outfits tend to be a lot better than her everyday clothing, but there are still issues. Partway through the first season, for example, she dons a lovely pale blue gown, which is extremely detailed and fairly accurate . . . but the style is from the early to mid-1870s, not the 1860s! I'm sure that 99% of the people watching won't notice or care that the costumes aren't period-correct, but as a historical costumer, it's glaringly obvious to me. Despite the costuming issues, this is a great TV show. The storytelling is excellent and the episodes are usually well-written. The characters are interesting and have depth. There are some famous guest stars, like Johnny Cash. If you're looking for a show that's not filled with graphic sex and violence, but that doesn't shy away from serious issues, give Dr. Quinn a try. There's six seasons in all, plus two made-for-TV movies, and a bunch of novels. Read more