TEASER
FADE IN:
INT. GENERAL STORE - DAY ONE 1
LOREN is stocking infant food on a shelf (beside some baby
bottles designed to look like turtles). As he stocks, he casts
a frustrated glance over at:
EMMA, who sits at her sewing machine, bored, having no work to
do. She gazes off, deep in thought, until MIKE enters toting
KATIE in the Cheyenne sling Sully made, and carrying an armful
of her pregnancy dresses. As she passes Loren:
MIKE
Good morning, Loren.
LOREN
Mornin', Dr. Mike.
(to Katie)
And a good mornin' to you,
sweetie.
(to Mike, holds up
infant food)
Got a new brand of infant food.
Just come in.
(to Katie, rubbing
his stomach)
Mmm...
MIKE
(smiles)
We're going to hold off on that
for a few more months, Loren,
until Katie's ready.
(continuing to Emma)
Emma, I'd like to hire you to do
some more work for me.
Loren takes note of this, as Mike sets the load of dresses in
front of Emma.
MIKE
My pregnancy dresses. They need
to be taken in.
(beat)
A lot.
EMMA
(brightening)
Sure.
LOREN
(also brightening)
Oughta keep her busy for awhile.
(CONTINUED)
2.
CONTINUED: 1
The moment is interrupted by DOROTHY, who hurries in,
concerned.
DOROTHY
Michaela, that new couple from
Denver -- the lawyer and his wife
-- just pulled up in front of the
clinic. Their baby's sick.
Mike reacts, hurries out with Dorothy.
EXT. CLINIC - CONTINUOUS - DAY ONE 2
As Mike and Dorothy rush over to the clinic:
DOROTHY
I checked inside -- Andrew's not
there.
MIKE
He rode out to look in on Mrs.
Borman.
They arrive at the clinic, as a frantic MR. and MRS. NORRIS
(well off) hold their swaddled, crying BABY (about ten months
old). As Mike steps up to them:
MR. NORRIS
(to Dorothy)
I thought you were getting the
doctor?
MIKE
I'm Dr. Quinn.
Instantly all business, Mike starts looking at the baby.
MRS. NORRIS
He has diarrhea, it's getting
worse...
Mike feels the baby's forehead.
MIKE
What's his name?
MRS. NORRIS
Michael.
MIKE
He doesn't seem to have a fever --
let's go inside, Mrs...?
(CONTINUED)
3.
CONTINUED: 2
MR. NORRIS
(before she can
respond)
Norris.
DOROTHY
I'll look after Katie.
MIKE
Thank you, Dorothy.
As Mike hands Katie to Dorothy:
MR. NORRIS
(to Dorothy)
You said there was a real doctor
in town.
Mike ignores this as she holds the clinic door open for Mr. and
Mrs. Norris.
MIKE
Please come inside.
Mrs. Norris carries the baby in. Mr. Norris hesitates a beat,
then follows.
INT. CLINIC - MOMENTS LATER - DAY ONE 3
Mike examines the baby, as Mr. and Mrs. Norris look on.
MRS. NORRIS
(quietly, to Mr.
Norris)
This is just why I didn't want to
move here -- no hospital, no
doctor we know --
MIKE
How long has Michael had the
diarrhea?
MR. NORRIS
A few days.
MIKE
Have you been nursing him?
MRS. NORRIS
No. We've been weaning him the
last month, feeding him milk from
our cow --
(CONTINUED)
4.
CONTINUED: 3
MR. NORRIS
(to the point)
What's wrong with him?
MIKE
It's most likely gastroenteritis,
which often occurs in babies,
especially during weaning. But I
don't think there's anything to be
too worried about.
The Norris' relief is huge, immediate.
MIKE
I'd like you to withhold the cow's
milk for the next day or so.
We'll give him some water and weak
tea. There are some Cheyenne
herbs that are particularly
effective --
MR. NORRIS
Cheyenne? You don't mean Indian?
MIKE
I've used them on my own baby.
The herbs are actually gentler on
their stomachs than most
medicines.
Mrs. Norris looks at her husband, who hesitates a moment before
turning back to Mike, still wary:
MR. NORRIS
You're the doctor.
Off Mike, trying not to let Mr. Norris' tone get to her...
EXT. CLINIC - DAY ONE 4
Mr. Norris stands near the door, struggling with feelings of
guilt, as Mrs. Norris sits, worrying:
MRS. NORRIS
In Denver, we could've taken him
to a proper hospital --
MR. NORRIS
(cutting her off)
We've been over this. There are
too many other lawyers in Denver.
Here I can be the only one.
(CONTINUED)
5.
CONTINUED: 4
MRS. NORRIS
(beat, very quietly)
Business... always business.
Mike comes out; they spring to attention.
MIKE
Michael's sleeping comfortably, I
think he's over the worst of it.
Mrs. Norris shuts her eyes with relief.
MIKE
But I'd like to keep him here
overnight and observe him, just to
make sure. You may stay with him
if you'd like.
Mr. and Mrs. Norris exchange a look, then Mr. Norris looks back
at Mike and nods.
INT. NURSERY/RECOVERY ROOM - NIGHT ONE 5
Katie (offscreen) sleeps in her bassinet. Mike is sleeping in
the bed. All is quiet for a moment... then suddenly, a baby's
piercing SCREAMS startle Mike awake.
MIKE
(disoriented)
Katie...
She jumps out of bed and rushes to the bassinet to discover
Katie sleeping soundly. The baby's SCREAMS continue, and Mike
now realizes it's coming from the other recovery room -- from
Michael.
INT. RECOVERY ROOM - NIGHT ONE 6
Mike bursts into the room (this should all feel fast and
panicked); Mr. Norris watches helplessly as Mrs. Norris cradles
the baby, desperate. The baby's WAILS are weakening from
exhaustion.
MRS. NORRIS
He's worse -- !
MIKE
(feeling forehead)
He has a fever --
MR. NORRIS
I thought you said he was going to
be fine...
(CONTINUED)
6.
CONTINUED: 6
Mike takes the baby and lays him on the bed, checking his
respiration. Mrs. Norris hovers:
MRS. NORRIS
He won't stop crying...
MR. NORRIS
What's wrong with him!?
Mike notices a baby bottle on the bed. It's the same kind
(with the turtle design) Loren has stocked in his store (though
we don't need to draw much attention to it).
MIKE
Have you been feeding him?
MRS. NORRIS
He was hungry --
MR. NORRIS
She had to. He wouldn't drink any
more of that Indian tea.
MRS. NORRIS
I didn't know what else to do...
The baby's constant SCREAMS and deteriorating condition are
getting to Mike. This is one very sick baby. She unwraps the
swaddling blanket and lifts him in her arms.
MIKE
We need to bring down the fever...
Mike carries the baby out of the room --
INT. CLINIC - CONTINUOUS - NIGHT ONE 7
-- and rushes into the darkened clinic, followed by Mr. and
Mrs. Norris. She lays the baby on the examination table. The
baby's CRIES are barely audible now, as Mike unbuttons his
sleeper and removes it. She hurries over to the wash basin and
pours in cool water. Mike realizes the gravity of Michael's
condition and struggles to maintain her composure, as she dips
a cloth into the water.
MRS. NORRIS
(desperate)
He's not crying so much anymore.
Is he getting better...?
Mike takes the wet cloth and presses it to the baby, trying to
cool the fever. She dips the cloth in the water again, but
when she turns back to the baby, she suddenly reacts with
alarm. She leans in, examining the now silent baby.
(CONTINUED)
7.
CONTINUED: 7
A tortured look crosses Mike's face as she checks for a pulse,
but finds nothing. Mr. and Mrs. Norris watch in horror as Mike
closes her eyes for an agonizing moment. She turns to them in
shock, barely able to speak.
MIKE
I... I'm so very sorry...
Mrs. Norris looks at Mike, dumbfounded. What can she mean?
She rushes to the baby:
MRS. NORRIS
No! No...
She gathers the baby in her arms, and wails:
MRS. NORRIS
No no no...
Mr. Norris hurries to his wife's side, holding her and the baby
tightly. Mike can't watch. She looks away, tears welling in
her eyes as we:
FADE OUT.
END OF TEASER
8.
ACT ONE
FADE IN:
EXT. HOMESTEAD PORCH - DAY TWO 8
Mike, exhausted, sits under the oak tree on this warm
afternoon, holding a sleeping Katie in her arms. Mike stares
down at her baby, her expression one of deep anguish. SULLY
comes out of the house, crouches beside her.
SULLY
(gently)
Why don't you go lay her down?
You need to get some sleep.
But Mike isn't about to let go of her baby.
MIKE
(quiet)
In a minute.
Mike continues to gaze at Katie. After a moment:
MIKE
(still trying to
figure out what
killed the baby)
Perhaps it was cholera infantum...
SULLY
(concerned)
Cholera?
MIKE
No... it's not actually related to
Asiatic cholera. It's a severe,
inflammatory diarrhea, occurring
mainly in infants.
(beat, quiet)
It strikes suddenly... oftentimes
fatal...
Mike falls silent for a moment, struggling with emotions that
are becoming increasingly difficult to suppress.
MIKE
It's not the first time I've lost
a patient... It's not even the
first time I've lost a baby...
SULLY
(understanding)
First time since we got our own.
(CONTINUED)
9.
CONTINUED: 8
Mike quiets, nods. Sully watches her a moment, reading the
pain in her eyes.
SULLY
Michaela...
(she looks at him)
You did everythin' you could.
Mike holds his look a moment, then gazes back down at Katie.
MIKE
I can't imagine what those parents
must be feeling...
Sully quiets -- he knows exactly what they're feeling.
INT. CLINIC - DAY TWO 9
Mike's at her desk, studying a medical text, as ANDREW leans
in, observing over her shoulder.
MIKE
It appeared to be a simple
gastrointestinal catarrh. But
then the baby developed a sudden
fever. His pulse was quick and
small, respiration distressed --
ANDREW
Cholera infantum?
MIKE
I believe so. The frightening
thing is that the baby appeared to
be recovering. After I
administered the tea, he was able
to sleep comfortably --
ANDREW
Tea?
MIKE
A Cheyenne drink, made from the
roots of a wild geranium plant.
ANDREW
(intrigued)
Another Indian remedy?
MIKE
It's a very effective astringent.
Andrew considers this a moment, impressed.
(CONTINUED)
10.
CONTINUED: 9
ANDREW
Wild geranium... interesting.
MIKE
Cholera infantum is usually
brought on by eating improper
foods...
ANDREW
Or poor living conditions.
MIKE
The parents seem well-off. It was
more likely the food. They were
in the midst of weaning the child
-- In fact, the mother had just
fed him some milk before the final
attack.
ANDREW
The milk was probably bad.
Mike nods, then hesitates a moment. She knows what she must
now do, but it's very difficult for her.
MIKE
I should go check. I'll drop
Katie off with Becky and ride out
to the Norris' homestead.
Mike stands, starts for the side door (to go up to the nursery
and get Katie). Andrew sees how uneasy she is and volunteers:
ANDREW
I can go if you'd like.
Mike stops at the door, looks back at him appreciatively:
MIKE
No... I should do this. I haven't
spoken with them since... since it
happened.
Andrew nods quietly, as Mike goes out.
EXT. NORRIS HOUSE - DAY TWO 10
Mike rides up on FLASH and dismounts. She pauses a moment,
takes a deep breath, then starts over to Mrs. Norris, who
numbly takes laundry down from the clothesline.
MIKE
Mrs. Norris...?
(CONTINUED)
11.
CONTINUED: 10
Mrs. Norris takes down some baby clothes from the line. Mike
tears her eyes away from the baby's clothes:
MIKE
I... I can't tell you how sorry I
am. I feel...
But nothing she can say will suffice. She falls silent, as
Mrs. Norris looks at her a moment, then continues folding the
baby clothes mechanically. Mike doesn't know what to say; this
is even harder than she thought it was going to be.
MIKE
(very delicate)
We need to find out what happened
to Michael...
MRS. NORRIS
(barely audible)
We know what happened...
MIKE
Yes, but... we need to discover
the cause. The milk you had been
feeding him -- was it drawn from
only one cow?
MRS. NORRIS
You'd better go home.
MIKE
I will... I'd just... I'd like to
take a small sample of the milk,
to see if there are any
impurities. And if I could see
the room where Michael slept --
MR. NORRIS (O.S.)
Are you implying we didn't take
care of our son?
Mike turns to discover Mr. Norris approaching from the house,
dazed and tired and deeply hurt.
MIKE
No... no, of course not. We just
need to find out what caused
Michael's illness.
(back to Mrs. Norris)
Did you feed him anything else
besides the milk?
(CONTINUED)
12.
CONTINUED: (2) 10
MRS. NORRIS
No...
(her grief overcomes
her)
Excuse me...
She hurries inside the house. Mr. Norris watches her go, then
turns back to Mike, his sadness turning to anger:
MR. NORRIS
The only thing we fed him was your
damn Indian plants.
MIKE
They couldn't have hurt him --
MR. NORRIS
(figuring it out)
In fact, that's all he ate before
he got worse --
MIKE
Well, actually, your wife also fed
him more milk, which is why I need
--
MR. NORRIS
What you need is to leave.
He starts to go inside.
MIKE
Mr. Norris please, all I want to
do is --
MR. NORRIS
You've done enough. My son's dead
because of your incompetence.
He goes in and slams the door, leaving Mike stunned. As she
looks down, sees the baby's clothes left in the basket --
EXT. GRACE'S CAFE - DAY THREE 11
Sully is at a table with BRIAN, MATTHEW and Emma, finishing
lunch.
EMMA
Finished two of 'em... but I still
got three more dresses to take in.
BRIAN
All from Ma?
(CONTINUED)
13.
CONTINUED: 11
MATTHEW
(smiling to Brian)
She was pregnant a long time,
remember?
As Matthew and Brian share a smile:
SULLY
(to Emma)
You enjoyin' workin' in the store?
EMMA
It's all right. Just wish
business would pick up.
MATTHEW
What're you talkin' about? You
got five dresses to work on.
EMMA
(pointedly)
From one customer... and it's Dr.
Mike.
Matthew shuts up, seeing the building frustration on her face.
After a beat:
EMMA
I better get goin'.
Emma stands and starts off. Matthew looks at Sully, who puts
an encouraging hand on his shoulder as he stands.
SULLY
Give it time. Folks'll come
around.
Matthew nods, as Sully starts out of the cafe (toward the
meadow).
+NEW ANGLE - AT THE ROAD 12
Sully stops in his tracks, reacting to something he sees at the
edge of the trees:
+HIS POV 13
of CLOUD DANCING, watching him, looking much better than the
last time we saw him.
14.
+BACK TO SULLY 14
as he starts over, pleased to see his friend. The two meet and
grasp arms, smiling.
CLOUD DANCING
Ha-ho.
SULLY
Ha-ho. You got a day pass?
Cloud Dancing holds up his pass.
CLOUD DANCING
I have followed the new Agent's
rules, and so I have earned his
trust.
Sully sees the deep sadness in Cloud Dancing's expression.
SULLY
They makin' you live in the wood
houses?
CLOUD DANCING
(nods)
I am no longer allowed to speak my
language or use my medicine.
SULLY
Ain't gonna stop 'til they change
your whole way a life.
CLOUD DANCING
But they cannot change who I am.
I will be the same man I have
always been...
Sully nods, quieting.
CLOUD DANCING
And so will you.
On Sully, absorbing this in troubled silence...
EXT. CLINIC - DAY THREE 15
Mike leads GRACE out of the clinic, followed by Andrew.
Grace's hand is wrapped in a bandage.
MIKE
The cut should heal in a few days.
GRACE
Thanks, Dr. Mike.
(CONTINUED)
15.
CONTINUED: 15
ANDREW
And next time, try sneezing after
you've finished washing the
knives.
GRACE
(smiles)
I'll remember that.
Grace starts off, pausing to coo at Katie, who is carried
toward the clinic by BECKY. Becky continues over to Mike.
BECKY
She's gettin' hungry again, Dr.
Mike.
Mike takes Katie from her and gives the baby a sweet smile:
MIKE
You have the most voracious
appetite...
Mike starts to carry Katie into the clinic, but before she can
close the door:
MR. NORRIS (O.S.)
Dr. Quinn...
Mike, Andrew and Becky turn to see Mr. Norris walking up from
the direction of the telegraph office, tense and tight-jawed.
MIKE
Mr. Norris...
Mr. Norris pauses a moment, seeing Katie in Mike's arms. He
steels himself, fighting back his emotions as he hands a piece
of paper to Mike.
MIKE
What's this?
Sully comes around the corner (from direction of the meadow) in
time to hear:
MR. NORRIS
It's a restraining order, issued
by Circuit Court Judge Frederick
Webster in Denver.
MIKE
A restraining order...?
MR. NORRIS
It's a legal document prohibiting
you from practicing medicine until
he hears this case.
(CONTINUED)
16.
CONTINUED: (2) 15
SULLY
(stepping in)
What case?
A crowd starts to gather (including ROBERT E, Dorothy from the
Gazette, among other TOWNSFOLK). Mr. Norris struggles to keep
his emotions in check, but his anger is getting away from him.
MR. NORRIS
I'm suing you for malpractice in
the treatment of my son -- and I'm
seeking restitution for his death.
ANDREW
Malpractice?
MR. NORRIS
(to Andrew)
This woman killed my son with her
Indian medicine.
Now Sully's getting angry.
SULLY
She tried to save him --
DOROTHY
'Course she did --
Katie, hungry, starts to cry. Mr. Norris looks at her, which
only fuels his fire. Mike pulls Katie close to her, rocking
her as:
MIKE
Please, Mr. Norris, I understand
you're upset --
MR. NORRIS
Understand this: that is a legal
document. If you practice
medicine, you'll be thrown in
jail.
MIKE
But I have patients --
DOROTHY
This town needs her --
The crowd AGREES. Mr. Norris raises his voice to them:
MR. NORRIS
We needed her, too! She told me
my son was going to be fine.
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
17.
CONTINUED: (3) 15
MR. NORRIS (CONT'D)
(his grief
overwhelming him)
We listened to her, did what she
told us... and within hours he was
dead...
(but he won't give
into sorrow:)
I'm doing you all a favor.
MIKE
Mr. Norris, please believe me, I
did everything I could --
MR. NORRIS
You did everything wrong -- and
I'm going to make sure you never
do it again.
He strides off, leaving behind a confused town, and a very
worried Mike, as we:
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT ONE
18.
ACT TWO
FADE IN:
EXT. CAFE - DAY THREE 16
Mike (with Katie in her carriage) and Sully sit at a table,
looking over the restraining order, surrounded by Townsfolk
(including Matthew, Andrew, Loren, Robert E, Grace, and
Dorothy).
GRACE
Can he really make you stop
practicin', Dr. Mike?
LOREN
The man's a lawyer. They're
always foulin' things up.
DOROTHY
(to Loren)
But Michaela did her best, it
wasn't her fault --
MATTHEW
I can't believe he's doin' this.
MIKE
(quietly)
He's very upset. He's lost his
child.
This quiets everyone. Sully looks at Mike.
SULLY
Still... it don't mean he's got a
right to keep you from doctorin'.
DOROTHY
What're you gonna do, Michaela?
Mike looks at the restraining order in her hand -- she's not
quite sure.
MIKE
It'll be all right. Andrew is
here to watch the clinic.
Andrew nods.
LOREN
Yeah, 'til he gets sued like you.
Andrew reacts to this, suddenly uneasy.
(CONTINUED)
19.
CONTINUED: 16
ROBERT E
(to Mike)
You're not gonna stop bein' a
doctor, are you?
Mike doesn't know what to say.
MIKE
I... I can't break the law --
SULLY
It's only for a few days -- just
'til this hearin's over.
(to Mike)
Judge'll come out, see this for
what it is -- a man upset 'bout
losin' his son.
Mike meets his look, hoping this will prove true...
EXT. CEMETERY - DAY THREE 17
Mr. Norris kneels solemnly before a fresh grave, placing
flowers in front of the wooden headstone, which reads simply:
MICHAEL NORRIS -- 1870 - 1871. He bows his head, struggling
with his overpowering grief.
After a moment he looks up, sees Sully standing not far off,
watching him. Mr. Norris collects himself and stands, putting
on his hat as he starts out of the cemetery. As he passes
Sully:
SULLY
Mr. Norris... I'm real sorry 'bout
your boy --
MR. NORRIS
(quiet, sullen)
Please. I know you're only here
on your wife's behalf, so you
might as well save your breath --
SULLY
I know how you feel --
MR. NORRIS
(sudden, angry)
No. Don't you dare... don't you
dare condescend to me. You can't
possibly know what it's like to
lose a child.
Sully holds his look for a moment, then:
(CONTINUED)
20.
CONTINUED: 17
SULLY
I was mad at everythin' for a long
time after my daughter Hannah
died...
Mr. Norris is caught off-guard by this. He watches as Sully
walks a few steps to another grave, crouching before it.
SULLY
Passed away in childbirth, along
with my wife.
(beat, looks back at
Mr. Norris)
It ain't the same, I know that --
everybody hurts different. But
bein' angry didn't change
anythin'...
(looks back at the
grave)
Didn't bring her back.
That touches Mr. Norris' grief; for a moment, he seems about to
connect. But then:
MR. NORRIS
This isn't about Michael... or me.
(beat)
It's about protecting the good
people of this town from a
doctor's incompetence.
He walks off. Sully watches him go in silence.
EXT. HOMESTEAD - NIGHT THREE - ESTABLISHING (STOCK) 18
INT. HOMESTEAD - CONTINUOUS - NIGHT THREE 19
Brian finishes setting the table for dinner as Mike and Sully
carry in food.
BRIAN
Feels strange settin' the table
for just three people.
MIKE
I know. Colleen's only been gone
a week, and already I miss her.
(as they sit)
But perhaps it's best she's not
here. I'm sure this malpractice
case would be very upsetting to
her.
(CONTINUED)
21.
CONTINUED: 19
BRIAN
What's it mean when somebody sues
you for malpractice?
Mike and Sully exchange a quiet look, then:
MIKE
Mr. and Mrs. Norris feel that I
didn't do my job properly... that
the Cheyenne tea I gave their son
wasn't the correct treatment.
BRIAN
But you'd never do anythin' to
hurt somebody.
SULLY
Judge is gonna come out and decide
for himself.
BRIAN
An' 'til then you can't be a
doctor?
Mike nods quietly.
BRIAN
That ain't fair.
MIKE
It's a precautionary measure,
Brian. When doctors are perceived
to have made an error, the safest
course is to prevent them from
practicing medicine until their
case is settled.
Sully gives Mike a sympathetic look, then turns back to Brian:
SULLY
Doctors ain't like the rest of us,
Brian. They ain't allowed to make
mistakes.
MIKE
Sometimes it's necessary to...
weed out the bad. There was a
doctor in Boston -- an excellent
surgeon, but he was frequently
intoxicated. He was found guilty
of malpractice, and they were
right to do it -- he shouldn't
have been practicing.
SULLY
That ain't the same...
(CONTINUED)
22.
CONTINUED: (2) 19
MIKE
It is to Mr. Norris.
(then)
Since medicine's become more
scientific, people expect
scientific results.
BRIAN
So what happens if the Judge finds
you guilty?
SULLY
He won't.
MIKE
If he does, he'll take away my
license... and I won't be allowed
to practice medicine again.
All three fall silent, not eating, absorbing the weight of
this.
INT. GENERAL STORE - DAY FOUR 20
Mike (carrying Katie in the Cheyenne sling), stands by the
counter (near the front door), holding up one of the dresses
Emma has finished for her. She looks pleased with the result.
MIKE
It looks wonderful, Emma.
EMMA
I should have the rest done by
Friday, if that's all right.
MIKE
Friday is fine.
A WOMAN enters, gives Emma a cool look before proceeding to the
back of the store. Emma tries to brush this off, turns back to
Mike, who's noticed this exchange.
MIKE
I know it's been difficult for
you.
EMMA
Yeah...
(beat)
Been wantin' to be a dress maker
all my life...
Emma quiets a moment as the woman moves past them, heading back
out the door. As Emma and Mike watch the woman go out:
(CONTINUED)
23.
CONTINUED: 20
EMMA
It's tough when people won't let
you do what you love...
Mike starts to nod, then something outside catches her eye:
+MIKE'S POV 21
of Andrew, stepping out of the clinic with a PATIENT whose arm
is in a sling. He sends the man off with a reassuring pat on
the back, then goes back into the clinic and shuts the door.
+BACK TO MIKE 22
watching this.
MIKE
I know exactly what you mean,
Emma.
Mike looks at Emma, and the two connect in a silent
understanding.
MIKE
But I'm sure it'll all work out
for the best... for both of us.
Emma nods, wanting to believe this.
EXT. CHURCH - DAY FOUR 23
Several townsfolk, including Loren, Dorothy, Andrew, Robert E,
Grace and Emma surround Mike, Sully, Brian and Matthew.
Everyone is waiting, trying to give Mike their support.
GRACE
We're all behind you, Dr. Mike.
ROBERT E
We'll tell that Judge what kinda
doctor you are.
SULLY
(looking off)
Here they come.
All eyes turn to see:
24.
+MR. NORRIS 24
approaching from the town with Mrs. Norris and two
distinguished-looking men, JUDGE WEBSTER and DR. CASSIDY.
Judge Webster is a gruff, impatient old man who likes to cut to
the chase. Mr. Norris gestures to Mike, and the Judge steps
forward.
JUDGE WEBSTER
Dr. Quinn?
MIKE
Yes.
JUDGE WEBSTER
(extending his hand)
Judge Frederick Webster.
Mike shakes his hand.
JUDGE WEBSTER
I understand you already know Dr.
Cassidy.
MIKE
(uneasy)
Yes... I do.
DR. CASSIDY
(tipping his hat)
Good to see you again, Dr. Quinn.
JUDGE WEBSTER
He'll be offering medical
testimony.
Mike reacts uncomfortably to this. Dr. Cassidy just smiles.
JUDGE WEBSTER
(fast, hoping to get
this over with soon)
Dr. Quinn, only the Medical Review
Board has the right to revoke your
license. The purpose of this
hearing is to evaluate whether you
should be allowed to keep
practicing prior to their
determination of your competence.
MIKE
I understand, your honor.
JUDGE WEBSTER
(gesturing to the
townsfolk)
And who are all these people?
(CONTINUED)
25.
CONTINUED: 24
LOREN
We're her patients.
DOROTHY
We wanna speak on her behalf.
The Judge sighs -- this looks like it's going to take longer
than he had hoped.
JUDGE WEBSTER
Fine, then.
(gesturing to the
church)
Shall we?
The crowd starts into the church. Sully holds Mike and Brian
back a moment.
SULLY
(to Mike)
You go on inside. We'll be along
shortly.
MIKE
What are you going to do?
SULLY
(re: Dr. Cassidy)
They got their expert witness,
we're gonna get ours.
(to Brian)
C'mon.
Mike reacts, confused, as Sully and Brian start off toward
town. She then continues into the church.
EXT. ROAD IN COUNTRYSIDE - DAY FOUR 25
Sully and Brian ride along on their horses, until Sully pulls
to a stop.
SULLY
This is as far as I can go. You
ride on into the reservation, find
Cloud Dancing. I'll wait here.
BRIAN
All right.
Brian rides on.
26.
INT. CHURCH - DAY FOUR 26
The church has been set up for what looks like a trial. Judge
Webster sits up front at a table; Mike sits at a table with
Matthew. Across from them sits Mrs. Norris. The townsfolk
(including Dorothy, Loren, Andrew, Robert E, Grace and Emma)
sit behind them.
Mr. Norris stands questioning Dr. Cassidy, who sits in a chair
next to the Judge.
MR. NORRIS
Dr. Cassidy, would you ever use
Indian potions to treat diarrhea?
DR. CASSIDY
Absolutely not -- there are many
scientifically proven modern
medications available...
MR. NORRIS
Would you ever use Indian potions
to treat any malady?
DR. CASSIDY
No.
Judge Webster gets to the point:
JUDGE WEBSTER
How would you have treated this
patient?
DR. CASSIDY
Without having examined the child,
it's difficult to say precisely.
But there are any number of
scientific remedies for
gastrointestinal catarrh --
arsenicum, calcara, mercurius --
JUDGE WEBSTER
Is it not possible that here, in a
rural setting, a doctor might not
be familiar with this information?
DR. CASSIDY
(looking right at
Mike)
It's the responsibility of every
doctor to stay current -- with
medical journals and periodicals.
The Judge turns to Mike, who realizes this is going badly for
her.
(CONTINUED)
27.
CONTINUED: 26
JUDGE WEBSTER
Were you aware of these
medications, Dr. Quinn?
MIKE
Yes, but in this instance --
JUDGE WEBSTER
And did you have them available in
your clinic?
MIKE
Yes, but I used a treatment with
which I've had successful personal
experience -- many times.
JUDGE WEBSTER
Then why was it not successful
this time?
MIKE
It was successful.
This quiets the room. Mike casts a glance at Mrs. Norris,
hesitating a moment -- she knows that what she's about to say
will not go over well:
MIKE
The baby's condition was
improving. It wasn't until the
child was fed milk that I now
believe was impure --
MR. NORRIS
(getting angry)
You now believe?! Now that our
son is dead!
JUDGE WEBSTER
Mr. Norris --
MR. NORRIS
This is how you cover your
mistakes, by shifting the blame to
us --
JUDGE WEBSTER
(firm)
Mr. Norris.
MR. NORRIS
(to the Judge)
She fed our son poison, Judge. A
lethal Indian drink that killed
him --
(CONTINUED)
28.
CONTINUED: (2) 26
SULLY (O.S.)
It ain't poison.
All eyes turn to see Sully standing inside the doorway with
Brian and Cloud Dancing.
JUDGE WEBSTER
(re: Cloud Dancing)
Who is this?
SULLY
This man is a respected healer.
He knows the treatments she used.
He oughta be allowed to talk.
DR. CASSIDY
This is nonsense.
DOROTHY
No, it ain't. Cloud Dancin's
helped a lotta people with his
medicine.
Other townsfolk chime their agreement.
MR. NORRIS
Judge, I must strongly object to
this --
JUDGE WEBSTER
Overruled. I'll allow him to
speak.
TIME CUT TO:
INT. CHURCH - A SHORT TIME LATER - DAY FOUR 27
Cloud Dancing now sits in the chair next to the Judge. Dr.
Cassidy sits beside Mrs. Norris, appalled that this Indian is
being allowed to speak.
MR. NORRIS
And just how do you know this
"tea" is safe?
CLOUD DANCING
Wild geranium has been used by our
people for many years. It has
never harmed anyone.
JUDGE WEBSTER
Well obviously something went
wrong this time.
(CONTINUED)
29.
CONTINUED: 27
CLOUD DANCING
The Great Spirit sometimes takes
his child back. Then there is
nothing we can do.
DR. CASSIDY
(to Cloud Dancing)
We do not have such a cavalier
attitude towards medicine as you
do. We keep trying, we do not
accept defeat.
CLOUD DANCING
Then your patients always live?
MURMURS from the crowd.
DR. CASSIDY
I'm not on trial here --
(to the Judge)
And I will not be lectured to
regarding professional conduct by
an Indian.
MR. NORRIS
The very fact that Dr. Quinn took
medical lessons from him in itself
proves her incompetence.
Mike tries to get this back on course:
MIKE
Your honor, may I ask Dr. Cassidy
a question?
The Judge nods. Mike turns to Dr. Cassidy.
MIKE
If in fact the milk that was fed
to the baby was impure, could that
lead to cholera infantum?
DR. CASSIDY
If you believed the milk to be
impure, why didn't you test it
when the baby was first brought to
you?
MIKE
I wasn't aware of the severity --
(CONTINUED)
30.
CONTINUED: (2) 27
MR. NORRIS
(interrupting)
I'll tell you why -- negligence.
(to the Judge)
There was nothing wrong with that
milk. If Dr. Quinn would've just
followed the methods Dr. Cassidy
spoke of, Michael would still be
alive.
Mike struggles to maintain her composure.
MIKE
Your honor, it's understandable
that Mr. Norris wants to strike
out at me. His loss is... tragic
and incomprehensible.
(to Mr. Norris)
But we can't be sure, even if I'd
used Dr. Cassidy's methods, that
Michael would have lived.
The townsfolk mutter their agreement. Mr. Norris takes that
in, then turns to the Judge:
MR. NORRIS
Perhaps we should get another
doctor's opinion.
(turns to Andrew)
Dr. Cook?
As Andrew reacts, stunned --
TIME CUT TO:
INT. CHURCH - A SHORT TIME LATER - DAY FOUR 28
Andrew now sits next to the Judge, answering Mr. Norris'
questions. Andrew is extremely uneasy, wanting very much to
help Mike.
MR. NORRIS
You've only worked with Dr. Quinn
for a short time.
ANDREW
Yes, that's correct, but in that
time, I've found Dr. Quinn to be
exceedingly professional and
diligent. I have the utmost
respect for her --
(CONTINUED)
31.
CONTINUED: 28
MR. NORRIS
(cutting him off)
Have you ever found yourself
questioning her judgment?
Andrew looks at Mike.
ANDREW
Yes... once.
(back to Mr. Norris)
But I was proven wrong. I've
learned a great deal from her.
MR. NORRIS
What about in this instance?
Would you have given my child an
Indian "tea"?
Andrew hesitates a moment.
ANDREW
Well... I'm not yet familiar with
the various herbs --
MR. NORRIS
Given the choice between the
scientifically proven medicines
Dr. Quinn has available in her
clinic, and an ancient Indian
potion, which would you prescribe?
ANDREW
Again, this is hard for me to --
JUDGE WEBSTER
Just answer the question, son.
Andrew quiets, feeling terrible. But he finally must admit the
truth:
ANDREW
I would prescribe the medicines
Dr. Cassidy spoke of.
The crowd MURMURS uneasily. Andrew wilts in his chair, unable
to meet Mike's look. The Judge seems satisfied and quiets the
crowd.
JUDGE WEBSTER
All right, let's have it quiet in
here.
(then, to Mike)
Dr. Quinn, you are obviously a
well-meaning woman.
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
32.
CONTINUED: (2) 28
JUDGE WEBSTER (CONT'D)
Yet the evidence demands that I
suspend your license, pending the
determination of the Medical
Review Board. Until that time,
you are forbidden to practice
medicine, under penalty of law.
Mike looks down. Sully puts his arm around her. The family
and the townsfolk are all very upset.
JUDGE WEBSTER
Furthermore, I find that the
ordinary care, expertise and
diligence required of doctors in
such cases were not exercised in a
proper manner, thus causing
irreparable loss.
The townsfolk mutter, confused... what does this mean?
JUDGE WEBSTER
I therefore find for the
plaintiff, and order you, Dr.
Michaela Quinn, to pay damages to
Mr. and Mrs. Elliot Norris in the
sum of two thousand dollars.
Mike is stunned.
MIKE
But I... I don't have two thousand
dollars.
JUDGE WEBSTER
Then you must get it.
Mike is overwhelmed -- she looks at Sully, who shakes his head.
On their shared fear, we:
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT TWO
33.
ACT THREE
FADE IN:
INT. GENERAL STORE - DAY FIVE 29
Robert E and Grace enter to find Dorothy and Emma at the front
counter. Emma is signing a petition, as Loren watches.
LOREN
What's that?
DOROTHY
It's a petition, Loren, tellin'
the Medical Review Board we know
from personal experience that
Michaela's an excellent doctor.
GRACE
Still can't believe that Judge.
Didn't even give us a chance to
speak.
DOROTHY
(turning to her)
Well, now you can let your voice
be heard, by signin' the petition.
Dorothy holds out the pencil, and Grace takes it, signing the
petition.
ROBERT E
I'll sign it, too.
Dorothy turns to Loren.
DOROTHY
Loren?
LOREN
Might as well, though I don't know
what good it's gonna do.
As Loren moves in to sign:
ANDREW (O.S.)
I'd like to sign it as well.
Everyone turns to discover Andrew standing in the doorway, an
uneasy look on his face. But the townsfolk are not angry with
him -- they understand his predicament and feel for him.
(CONTINUED)
34.
CONTINUED: 29
DOROTHY
(holding out the
pencil to him)
Of course, Andrew.
Andrew takes the pencil and signs his name, feeling a sense of
relief.
INT. HOMESTEAD - KITCHEN - NIGHT FIVE 30
It's late; the fire has almost gone out. Mike sits in her
nightgown at the kitchen table, adding up some figures on a
tablet, struggling to keep her emotions in check. Sully comes
downstairs, puts an arm on her shoulder:
SULLY
Katie's asleep.
(beat)
What'cha doin'?
MIKE
I'm just figuring out how much I
could sell my medical equipment
for...
Sully is very surprised. He sits next to her.
MIKE
It's... it's not nearly enough to
pay the restitution, but I --
SULLY
Ain't you gonna fight this?
MIKE
What can I do? The Judge said I
have to pay it. And I don't want
to ask my mother for anymore
money.
(beat)
We may have to think about taking
Colleen out of college.
SULLY
You can go to a higher court --
they'll have to listen to you
after you win at the Medical
Review Board.
MIKE
If I win.
(CONTINUED)
34A.
CONTINUED: 30
SULLY
What do you mean? You said
yourself the milk was prob'ly
impure.
(CONTINUED)
35.
CONTINUED: (2) 30
MIKE
Unfortunately, we may never know
for sure.
(beat)
Sully... I have to prepare myself
for any possibility... including
not being able to practice
medicine anymore.
She falls silent, deeply troubled. Sully sees that she needs
to face this, and figure it out:
SULLY
Alright. What if that's what
happens? What're you gonna do?
MIKE
(struggling with it)
I don't know... Being a doctor --
it isn't just what I do, it's who
I am.
This reminds Sully of Cloud Dancing's plight (and his as well),
and the words Cloud Dancing spoke to him earlier:
SULLY
You'll still be the same person
you've always been -- somebody who
cares 'bout people and helps 'em.
They can't take that away from
you.
Mike looks at him, absorbing these words in silence. She leans
into him as he puts his arms around her, holding her close.
EXT. [STREET/GENERAL STORE - MORNING - DAY SIX 30A
Loren exits Grace's cafe (from between the clinic and Gazette),
holding a cup of coffee. As he makes his way toward the store,
Emma, coming out of the Gazette, sees him and catches up with
him.
EMMA
Mornin', Loren.
LOREN
Mornin'.
(as they walk to the
store)
What were you doin' at the
Gazette?
(CONTINUED)
35A.
CONTINUED: 30A
EMMA
Talkin' to Dorothy about placin'
an ad in next week's paper. Maybe
that'll help get things started
for me.
LOREN
(under his breath)
Let's hope so.
EMMA
(after a beat)
Loren... I was thinkin' 'bout the
agreement we made -- the fifty
percent split? With the work I've
been doin' for Dr. Mike --
LOREN
I ain't givin' you more, if that's
where you're headin'.
EMMA
No. I was thinkin' a givin' you
sixty percent, like you wanted,
seein' as how your business has
been slowin' down cause a me.
Loren pauses a moment, affected by this.
LOREN
You sure about that?
EMMA
(nods)
Just wanna do what's fair.
Loren quiets a moment, then nods. He should be happy about
this, but he isn't, and it troubles him. They continue
walking, arriving at the store. Loren unlocks the door and
opens it, but as Emma starts inside:
LOREN
Wait a minute...
She stops, looks back at him.
LOREN
It ain't your fault people don't
wanna buy from you. I seen your
work. It's good. So we'll just
keep our agreement the way it is -
- fifty fifty.
EMMA
Loren, you don't --
(CONTINUED)
35B.
CONTINUED: (2) 30A
LOREN
(firm, final)
A deal's a deal.
And with that, he goes inside the store, leaving Emma in the
doorway, deep in thought.]
EXT. NORRIS HOUSE - MORNING - DAY SIX 31
Mr. Norris climbs up into his carriage and rides away from the
homestead passing by:
Sully, who stands hidden behind some trees. Draped at his side
is a small canteen. Once Mr. Norris is out of sight, Sully
moves around behind the house.
INT. CLINIC - DAY SIX 32
Mike is at her desk, poring over some medical texts, as the
door swings open, revealing Sully, holding the canteen.
MIKE
(confused)
Sully...?
(CONTINUED)
36.
CONTINUED: 32
He steps over to her, sets the canteen in front of her.
SULLY
Milk from the Norris' cow. Now
you can be sure.
Mike takes the canteen and fetches a tall narrow glass vessel.
She pours some of the milk into the vessel and sniffs it,
before looking at it against the light. She's not happy about
what she sees:
MIKE
It appears normal.
SULLY
What're you lookin' for?
During the following, Mike swabs some of the milk onto a glass
slide and places it under the microscope:
MIKE
Pure cow's milk is perfectly
white, with no deposits or any
discernible smell. If the milk is
bad...
Mike suddenly stops short (before looking through the
microscope), as something catches her eye:
It's Andrew, standing in the doorway with his medical bag,
looking very uneasy and nervous.
ANDREW
I, uh... I thought you weren't
going to be working...
Mike also feels uncomfortable. After a brief, strained
silence:
MIKE
Sully managed to obtain a sample
of the milk from Mr. Norris's cow.
ANDREW
(sincere)
That's good.
(to Sully)
I can't believe he gave you
permission.
SULLY
He didn't.
(CONTINUED)
37.
CONTINUED: (2) 32
Andrew quiets, nods. He steps tentatively toward Mike as she
looks through the microscope.
ANDREW
How does it look?
MIKE
(not good news)
Globules are fairly uniform in
size... moving freely...
Mike pulls back from the microscope, distraught, and motions
silently for Andrew to look. As he does:
SULLY
What's that mean?
Andrew pulls back from the microscope.
ANDREW
The milk is pure.
He looks at Mike, feeling for her.
ANDREW
I'm sorry...
Mike is rocked by this discovery, struggling to figure out what
went wrong:
MIKE
Perhaps... perhaps I did overlook
something.
(starts back to her
books)
Perhaps the tea wasn't the proper
--
SULLY
No.
(insistent)
You didn't do anythin' wrong.
(to Andrew)
Tell her that.
But Andrew can't find the words. He just stands there,
watching as Mike feels her world crumbling around her. And
then suddenly:
Robert E carries in an unconscious MAN with a bullet wound to
his stomach.
ROBERT E
Dr. Mike!
(CONTINUED)
38.
CONTINUED: (3) 32
Andrew and Sully hurry to help Robert E as he lays the man on
the examining table. Mike instinctively goes to work on the
man...
ROBERT E
Told me his gun misfired while he
was cleanin' it. Managed to ride
into town 'fore he passed out...
MIKE
(fast)
No exit wound. The bullet's still
inside him. He appears to be
bleeding internally --
... and then suddenly, she freezes. She looks up at Sully,
hesitating.
MIKE
What should I do?
She looks at Andrew.
ANDREW
I've never operated to remove a
bullet before.
SULLY
(to Mike)
But you have.
Mike looks down at the man, then:
MIKE
(to Andrew)
We'll need to prepare him for
surgery.
And as they rush to do so --
EXT. GAZETTE - A SHORT TIME LATER - DAY SIX 32A
Mr. Norris approaches Dorothy, who is just leaving the Gazette.
MR. NORRIS
Excuse me, Miss Jennings? I want
to place an ad in the Gazette --
I'm selling my house.
It's surprising, but not unwelcome news to Dorothy:
(CONTINUED)
38A.
CONTINUED: 32A
DOROTHY
Perhaps it's for the best --
(then, not wanting to
be unkind)
I'm sure it has unhappy memories.
(CONTINUED)
39.
CONTINUED: (2) 32A
Mr. Norris nods quietly... and then he notices something:
+HIS POV 33
of Sully and Robert E coming out of the clinic with concerned
looks on their faces. They walk off up the street, talking to
each other. As they disappear around the corner:
+MR. NORRIS 34
reacts, suspicious.
MR. NORRIS
What was he doing at the clinic?
Before Dorothy can respond, Mr. Norris walks over, peering in
the clinic window. What he sees makes him furious.
INT. CLINIC - CONTINUOUS - DAY SIX 35
Mike and Andrew are preparing to operate on the man with the
bullet wound. But before Mike can begin, Mr. Norris barges in,
with Dorothy right behind him.
MR. NORRIS
What are you doing?
MIKE
This man has been shot. I need to
remove the bullet.
MR. NORRIS
You're not doing anything --
MIKE
He's bleeding internally. We
can't wait any longer --
MR. NORRIS
If you touch that man, I'll have
you thrown in jail --
MIKE
(angry)
He'll die if I don't operate!
MR. NORRIS
He'll die if you do!
Mike is stung by this, visibly shaken. Mr. Norris turns to
Andrew.
(CONTINUED)
40.
CONTINUED: 35
MR. NORRIS
You're a doctor -- you remove the
bullet.
ANDREW
I've never actually performed this
kind of procedure --
MR. NORRIS
But you are familiar with it.
ANDREW
Yes. But I really think --
MR. NORRIS
Then you'd better go to work.
Andrew looks at Mike.
MIKE
(quiet)
You can do it, Andrew.
ANDREW
I'll need assistance.
MR. NORRIS
(re: Mike)
Not from her.
DOROTHY
(to Andrew)
I'll assist you.
Satisfied, Mr. Norris moves to the door, gesturing for Mike to
leave. Andrew looks at Mike, clearly worried.
MIKE
It's all right. First locate the
bleeders and tie them off. Then
look for the bullet.
MR. NORRIS
Dr. Quinn.
Mike hesitates a moment... then goes out. Mr. Norris starts to
follow her, but Dorothy's voice stops him:
DOROTHY
Mr. Norris...
(he looks back at
her)
If anythin' goes wrong in here,
this time we'll know whose fault
it is.
He hadn't thought about that, and it gives him pause.
(CONTINUED)
41.
CONTINUED: (2) 35
ANDREW
(firm)
And I'll be sure to offer
testimony.
Mr. Norris holds Andrew's look for moment, then he turns and
goes out, as Andrew begins the operation.
EXT. CAFE - DAY SIX 36
Mike sits with Sully and PRESTON at a table. During the
following, Mike keeps looking off toward the clinic.
PRESTON
I really do think a loan may be
your best way to deal with this
unfortunate -- and may I say,
totally unfounded -- judgment.
Mike looks at Sully to see what he thinks. He looks away,
clearly doesn't like this.
PRESTON
And that's why I'm prepared to
offer you a preferential rate.
SULLY
(to Mike)
This ain't a good idea.
MIKE
I don't know that we really have a
choice.
PRESTON
Precisely -- so why not borrow it
discreetly from someone who knows
you and trusts you.
MIKE
What would we need to do?
PRESTON
You'll need to arrange some
collateral. What could you offer?
MIKE
Well, there's my medical and
laboratory equipment...
PRESTON
I'm afraid that probably wouldn't
suffice.
(CONTINUED)
42.
CONTINUED: 36
SULLY
(restraining his
anger)
Thought you said you trusted us.
PRESTON
(smiles)
Of course I do, Sully. But
unfortunately, my investors have
strict requirements.
MIKE
I can't think of anything else we
own that has any real monetary
value...
PRESTON
(too casually)
Except your homestead...
They both look at him sharply:
MIKE
The homestead?
SULLY
No.
PRESTON
We're not talking about giving
anything up -- it's merely pro
forma.
SULLY
(standing)
Meetin's over.
Sully leads Mike away from the table. Preston calls after
them:
PRESTON
If you change your mind, you know
where to find me.
+ON MIKE AND SULLY 37
as they are about to leave the cafe, when Andrew comes in. He
looks shaken.
MIKE
How did it go?
(CONTINUED)
43.
CONTINUED: 37
ANDREW
I removed the bullet. It missed
the major organs, but lacerated a
branch of his hepatic artery. I
applied a ligature, stopped the
bleeding.
MIKE
Good. How's the patient?
ANDREW
He's... he's fine.
Mike looks relieved. But Andrew is still troubled. Mike
notices this.
MIKE
What is it? Were there any
complications...?
ANDREW
No... His color's returning, pulse
steady...
(beat)
It's just that... During the
operation, I could barely move my
hands. I was constantly second-
guessing myself, terrified of
making a mistake...
MIKE
(reassuring)
But you didn't.
ANDREW
Not this time.
Mike looks at him, understanding his fear. After a beat:
ANDREW
I'd better go check on him.
Mike and Sully exchange a troubled look as Andrew goes out.
EXT. STREET NEAR CLINIC - DAY SIX 38
Matthew helps Sully hitch the wagon, preparing to ride out, as
Mike walks up, now holding Katie.
SULLY
All set?
Mike nods, but hesitates a moment before climbing up onto the
wagon. She's looking over at something offscreen:
44.
+HER POV 39
of Mr. Norris, standing just outside the saloon door, drink in
hand, watching her intently. He appears drunk.
+BACK TO MIKE 40
as Sully and Matthew also look over at Mr. Norris.
MATTHEW
He's been at the saloon all
afternoon.
(to Mike)
Told me to keep an eye on you.
(looking back over)
Gettin' angrier with each drink.
SULLY
Stayin' angry keeps him from
feelin' the hurt.
Mike looks at Sully, realizing he knows what this man is
feeling. After a beat:
SULLY
C'mon, let's go home.
Mike hands Katie over to Matthew, as Sully helps her up onto
the wagon.
+A WOMAN (PATRICIA) 41
rushes up to them, carrying her WAILING BABY (ten months old).
PATRICIA
Dr. Mike, you gotta help me.
She's got diarrhea real bad...
Mike stares down at the crying baby, torn.
SULLY
(to Mike)
S'pose it's the same thing the
other baby had?
MIKE
Perhaps...
(to the woman)
Patricia, my license has been
suspended. But Dr. Cook is in the
clinic --
MATTHEW
No he ain't. Just rode outta
town, takin' his patient back
home.
(CONTINUED)
45.
CONTINUED: 41
PATRICIA
Please, Dr. Mike, you gotta help
her.
Mike looks at the crying baby -- how can she not help her? She
looks at Sully and Matthew, then over at:
+MR. NORRIS 42
who sees what's happening and is already starting over.
+BACK TO MIKE 43
as she makes her decision -- the only decision. She climbs
down from the wagon and takes Patricia's baby in her arms.
Patricia breathes a sigh of relief.
MIKE
Let's take her to the clinic --
MR. NORRIS
Stop!
Mike ignores him, starting toward the clinic. Mr. Norris turns
to Matthew.
MR. NORRIS
Sheriff, arrest her!
Matthew tries to head him off by taking him by the arm:
MATTHEW
Take it easy, Mr. Norris --
MR. NORRIS
She's breaking the law! I demand
you arrest her!
MATTHEW
I'm not arrestin' her! That baby
needs help --
Mr. Norris shakes himself free:
MR. NORRIS
I won't let her kill that child
the way she did mine --
Mr. Norris lunges at Mike, trying to stop her, but Sully is
quickly on him, shoving his arm up behind his back to
immobilize him. Mike and Patricia continue into the clinic.
(CONTINUED)
46.
CONTINUED: 43
Sully lets go of Mr. Norris, but stays between him and the
clinic, making sure he doesn't go in. Mr. Norris stares hard
at Sully and Matthew.
MR. NORRIS
I'm wiring the Marshall... All
three of you are going to jail.
He starts off toward the telegraph office. Sully and Matthew
look at each other -- they know this has just gotten a lot
worse, as we:
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT THREE
47.
ACT FOUR
FADE IN:
INT. CLINIC - RECOVERY ROOM - NIGHT SIX 44
It's dark now, as Mike checks on the baby, who is no longer
crying. Patricia looks on, still somewhat worried.
MIKE
Her pain appears to be easing.
She's falling asleep.
(looks up at
Patricia)
How long has she had the diarrhea?
PATRICIA
Few days, off an' on. But it's
been gettin' worse...
MIKE
Have you been nursing her?
PATRICIA
No, she just started takin' milk
from a bottle.
Mike pauses a moment, considering this.
MIKE
Patricia, I must warn you.
Emily's condition is very similar
to the baby who died. I'll need
to keep her under close
observation.
PATRICIA
(frightened again)
What's wrong with her?
MIKE
I can't be certain, yet. But it's
vital that we not feed her any
milk for a day or so. Just water
for now.
(Patricia nods)
I'd also like to get a sample of
the milk to examine it.
PATRICIA
I have her bottle here -- she was
feedin' from it when she got the
attack. But the milk's fresh...
(CONTINUED)
48.
CONTINUED: 44
Patricia reaches into her bag and takes out a baby bottle.
It's another turtle bottle, identical to the one that Mrs.
Norris had. Mike sees it and reacts.
MIKE
That bottle...
PATRICIA
What about it?
MIKE
Where did you get it?
PATRICIA
Mr. Bray just started carryin'
'em in his store.
Patricia hands the bottle to Mike, who studies it a moment, the
wheels turning.
She then quickly begins disassembling it.
INT. CLINIC - NIGHT SIX 45
Andrew watches as Mike takes a knife and cuts off the end of
the curved rubber tube that draws the milk from the bottle to
the rubber nipple.
MIKE
Could you please bring me the
microscope?
As Andrew brings it over:
MIKE
This bottle is exactly the same as
the one Mrs. Norris was using...
She scrapes dried milk from the inside of the tube with the tip
of the knife, then wipes the milk onto a glass slide and looks
at it through the microscope:
MIKE
If the problem wasn't the milk --
She pulls back, looks at him. Andrew leans in, takes a look.
ANDREW
(confirming)
-- Then it must be the bottle.
Off Mike's look of relief...
48A.
EXT. STREET/GENERAL STORE - DAY SEVEN 46
Mr. Norris walks with Judge Webster, Dr. Cassidy and TWO OTHER
DENVER DOCTORS (male, fifties-up). The train on which they
just arrived can be seen in the b.g. The mood is rushed,
urgent:
(CONTINUED)
49.
CONTINUED: 46
MR. NORRIS
I'm sorry to call you out here on
such short notice, but the
Marshall couldn't come, and this
woman is a real menace --
JUDGE WEBSTER
(angry)
I can't believe she's practicing
medicine in violation of my order.
MR. NORRIS
On babies, no less.
DR. CASSIDY
We won't wait for the Medical
Review Board to meet formally --
(Re: himself and the
other two doctors)
The three of us form a quorum and
can revoke her license on the
spot.
JUDGE WEBSTER
Where is she -- at the clinic?
MR. NORRIS
(leads them to the
store)
No, in here...
INT. GENERAL STORE - CONTINUOUS - DAY SEVEN 47
The men come in to discover Mike, Emma and Andrew watching as
Sully and Loren take the turtle baby bottles off the shelf and
pack them in a box.
JUDGE WEBSTER
Dr. Quinn...
Mike turns, sees the men:
MIKE
Judge Webster -- thank goodness
you're here.
As the Judge and Doctors react with surprise --
EXT. CLINIC - DAY SEVEN 48
A small crowd, including Andrew, Matthew, Brian (with Katie in
the baby carriage), Loren, Emma, Dorothy, Robert E and Grace
watches as Sully peers through the door, which is open a crack.
(CONTINUED)
50.
CONTINUED: 48
LOREN
Anythin' yet?
Sully looks back at them, shakes his head:
SULLY
Doc Cassidy's still lookin'
through the microscope.
INT. CLINIC - CONTINUOUS - DAY SEVEN 49
Dr. Cassidy looks into the microscope as Mike explains to Judge
Webster and the two other Doctors, who are inspecting the
turtle bottle. Mr. and Mrs. Norris stand inside the doorway.
MIKE
As you can see, the design of the
bottle makes it impossible to keep
the tube clean. When the babies
drank, they injested the bad milk
residue along with he fresh milk,
and that's what caused the
infection.
Dr. Cassidy looks up from the microscope; as much as he hates
to admit it:
DR. CASSIDY
She's right.
Mr. and Mrs. Norris react, stunned by this revelation.
MRS. NORRIS
(quietly, to herself)
Then it was our fault...
MIKE
No, you can't blame yourself. It
was the bottle -- you couldn't
possibly know it was dangerous.
DR. CASSIDY
I'll make certain the manufacturer
is notified.
(beat, looking to the
other Doctors)
I'm sure we agree that Dr. Quinn's
medical license should be
reinstated -- and that the
malpractice judgment be dismissed.
The other doctors nod their agreement. Judge Webster looks
over at Mr. Norris.
(CONTINUED)
51.
CONTINUED: 49
JUDGE WEBSTER
Any argument, Mr. Norris?
Mr. Norris, looking shell-shocked, shakes his head, no.
JUDGE WEBSTER
In that case, the restitution
order is rescinded.
A CHEER erupts from outside as Mike closes her eyes, a wave of
immense relief washing over her.
EXT. CLINIC - CONTINUOUS - DAY SEVEN 50
The crowd parts for the Judge, the Norris' and Doctors as they
come out and walk off. Everyone then moves in on Mike,
greeting her warmly as she steps out.
DOROTHY
Congratulations... Dr. Quinn.
GRACE
We never lost faith in you.
MIKE
Thank you.
Sully gives Mike a hug as the crowd begins dispersing.
SULLY
You did good.
MIKE
I feel as if an enormous weight
has been lifted.
Mike turns to discover Andrew standing nearby, bolstered by her
victory.
ANDREW
For a moment there, I was
beginning to wonder if it was all
worth it. I was questioning my
decision to become a doctor. But
seeing you fight to do what you
love has inspired me.
(conviction building)
And that's why I'm going back to
Boston... and I'm going to tell my
Uncle I won't be joining his
practice...
Mike reacts to this, confused. Andrew smiles, gesturing to
Mike's clinic.
(CONTINUED)
52.
CONTINUED: 50
ANDREW
I've found a new home.
Andrew goes inside, leaving Mike to absorb this in silence.
INT. GENERAL STORE - DAY EIGHT 51
Emma lays Mike's finished dresses on the counter, as Mike (with
Katie in the sling) pays for them. Matthew and Loren look on,
pleased.
MIKE
Thank you, Emma. You've done a
wonderful job with these.
EMMA
My pleasure.
MIKE
(for Loren to hear)
This town is very fortunate to
have a seamstress with your
talents working here.
Emma nods, managing a smile. But as Mike takes the dresses and
starts out, Emma's smile fades.
MATTHEW
(Re: the money)
Look at that. It's a start.
Word's gonna spread --
EMMA
But if it don't...
This quiets Matthew. Emma looks at him, her resolve building.
EMMA
I been doin' some thinkin'.
Figure I've waited long enough for
folks in town to come around.
Ain't good for me, or Loren.
(beat)
So I'll give it another two weeks.
Things don't change for me, I'll
go someplace I can start fresh...
where people don't know me.
Matthew looks at her -- he understands her frustration, but
can't help feeling deeply hurt.
53.
EXT. GENERAL STORE - DAY EIGHT 52
Mike has already loaded the dresses into the wagon and is
preparing to ride home. But before she can load Katie into her
traveling seat:
MR. NORRIS (O.S.)
Dr. Quinn.
Mike turns to discover Mr. and Mrs. Norris stepping up, dressed
for travel. A brief, uncomfortable silence, as they notice
Katie, then:
MR. NORRIS
We only have a moment -- our train
will be leaving soon. But...
(difficult)
I feel I owe you an apology.
MIKE
No... you don't.
He looks at her, surprised.
MIKE
You've suffered a terrible loss.
MR. NORRIS
(after a beat)
I just... I only wanted to prevent
it from happening again, to
someone else.
MIKE
I understand.
Mr. Norris has been working on an idea -- and as he states it,
it makes him stronger, more purposeful:
MR. NORRIS
That's why I'm going to find the
manufacturer of that bottle -- and
make him pay for his mistake.
Mike reacts, surprised, as they walk off, heading for the train
station.
INT. HOMESTEAD - MIKE AND SULLY'S BEDROOM - NIGHT EIGHT 53
Sully stares thoughtfully down at Katie, who lies sleeping in
her crib. After a beat he steps over to the bed, where Mike
sits, reviewing some patient charts.
SULLY
Finally fell asleep.
(CONTINUED)
54.
CONTINUED: 53
MIKE
Good.
SULLY
Gettin' late. We should turn in,
too.
MIKE
I just want to finish reviewing
this last patient chart.
Sully sits beside her, watches her a moment.
SULLY
Bein' a doctor ain't so simple
anymore. Not just about
medicine...
Mike looks up at him.
MIKE
But it doesn't mean I should stop
trying. We do our best -- it's
all anyone can ask for.
Sully nods, kisses her, then takes the chart out of her hands.
SULLY
C'mon, you need to sleep...
(smiles)
You gotta go to work tomorrow.
Mike returns the smile, and the two kiss again as we: