Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman

(Writer's comments for "Point Blank") After an unusually long hiatus, the wait is over for the return of Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman! The episode, with which we return, "Point Blank," is based on an idea pitched by our medical advisor, Dr. Richard May. Working in the emergency room of the County USC Medical Center in Los Angeles, Dr. May was the victim of a vicious shooting that left him near death. After several months of arduous rehabilitation, Dr. May recovered from his wounds, but the lingering horror of the trauma he experienced remained with him. This terrifying ordeal, and the physical and emotional scarring that resulted from it, was the basis of "Point Blank." This was one of the most challenging and rewarding scripts for me to write, and I thank Dr. May's input, as well as James Keach's outstanding direction and, of course, Jane Seymour, who continues to amaze me with not only her considerable acting talent, but also her willingness to allow her character to explore the darker corners of the human psyche.