Original subtitles

Do you think from Boston, finally? Oh, well, some of them.

But I will be at the clinic this afternoon, as we planned. Here you are,

Quinn. Thank you.

Well, it's been good having you back.

Katie and I really appreciate it.

Oh, it's wonderful to be back.

I love Boston, but I have to admit, I sure miss the peacefulness around here.

Oh, I know just what you mean.

When I went back to Boston, I couldn't get over how noisy everything seemed to

be. What's it matter what time it is?

Town charter says folks got to wait till noon to register to run for mayor.

Well, I guess a few more minutes ain't going to make any difference. I don't

a lot of folks waiting to throw their hats in the ring.

Quite a stiff autumn breeze, wouldn't you say, Mayor Slicker?

I do so enjoy the fall, the sense of change that it brings, the nip in the

the colors.

The elections?

Precisely, Michaela.

Our town should be thriving.

But it isn't managed properly.

I ain't heard no complaint.

Now, now, Jake.

It's not personal. This has to do with Colorado Springs.

Our town is at a critical juncture in its development.

And what we need is a mayor who will secure our future.

But let's face it.

Where does that future lie?

With our children.

Have you seen the textbooks that Mrs. Morales is reduced to using in our

They're out of date and pitiful condition.

The least I can do is help fund the purchase of new textbooks with this

for $100.

Books are all well and good.

But the first thing we gotta do is make sure this town is safe for law -abiding

citizens. I got you a sheriff while I was mayor.

And if re -elected, I promise you, I will get you deputies and I will put

on them so that they will stop crime before it happens.

Twelve o 'clock. You can register now.

So, Michaela, you ready to run for mayor again?

Not with Katie.

So much work at the clinic.

Then who are you going to vote for?

I suppose they both have their good points.

Such as?

Well, can I help you report the election, Miss Dorothy?

Well, of course you can.

You know, there are lots of sides to a story like this. You can talk to people,

find out what they're thinking.

Keep track of who's going to vote for who.

A poll.

Well, that is an excellent idea.

You know, maybe you and I can make a list.

It's wonderful, isn't it? He's so excited and involved.

This is an important event, Bully.

Whoever's elected will have great influence on this town.

They're going to appoint the town council, for one thing.

A choice between Jake or Preston isn't exactly a choice.

I suppose it comes down to who's the lesser of two evils.

Ain't it exciting, Dr. Quinn?

Who are you going to vote for?

Well, I'm not exactly sure.

You know which way to Palmer's Creek Reservation?

Northeast.

You don't look like he's from around here.

He's from the Pueblos, New Mexico territory.

He's supposed to be peaceful, but he's already tried to escape twice.

What'd he do?

He showed up in Colorado territory.

This will be the first time I get to vote.

Everyone counts.

Each one of us can make a difference. Isn't that right, Sully?

Nice sign, Jake.

What's up, boys?

Ha -ha!

Custody Lodge! The future's now!

The future's now. Good to see you again. Now, Jake, that's the sign.

Good to see you again. The future's now. Good to see you again.

Lodge for mayor.

Lodge for mayor.

Remember the time I took the widow Farnsworth for the great turnip festival

Soda Spring?

Oh, yeah.

Morning! Look at it this way.

Who do you think is going to be best for business in this town?

See your point.

I'm glad we can count on each other.

Now, when you say we can count on each other, you mean you're going to

the colored folks then?

Because I ain't the only one, you know.

Conditions in Santa Town are pretty bad. You ought to take a look. I'll do that.

And you'll never know what you're going to do about it, right?

Sometime before the election. You can count on it.

Oh. This is Farnsworth. Have you heard the elections are coming?

People lying and smiling.

There must be an election going on.

Maybe we can turn the tables on them.

Get them to commit themselves to making things better.

Think they're really going to do that?

We have to try.

You mean you've got to try?

You're going to vote, aren't you?

I don't really see the point.

You want to see this town run by some outsider with money or somebody you know

like me?

I know you pretty well, Jake.

We've been through this, Robert E. That was a long time ago. I guess what I want

to know is what's dipping now?

What a place in this town.

Glad to hear you say that.

What kind of place exactly?

Well, I'd, uh... I want to know how you feel about the problems we got.

Would you like to see us do about it? Oh, you want to hear from me?

Regular?

Sure, whenever you want.

Whenever I want.

I owe you two that.

You do that?

I don't think you understand.

Grace, I'm prepared to offer you a sizable percentage of all the profit the

dining room brings in.

Percentage? Your hotel's just starting up. I couldn't count on much.

I see we have something in common.

A love for business and profit.

How about a weekly salary applied against a percentage?

Well, I was thinking more like wages in addition to a percentage.

Donovan.

Thank you. You've got a hard bargain, Grace.

Not many people in town are as professional as we are.

We share many of the same interests, don't you think?

You know, you're right.

And it might help me to decide what is best for this town if we could come to

terms about the hotel before the election.

I thought we just did.

I'm talking to Chief Preston.

Put it in writing.

We'll talk to you. Michaela?

Sully?

I'm not going to insult your intelligence by pretending that we

differences of opinion.

But you have to agree that Jay can't help this town prosper the way I can.

And Sully, even you have to admit that prosperity is a good thing.

It all depends on who's prospering. Oh, yes.

Wicked prosperity.

We all know how much you despise prosperity.

It merely provides a better education for your children, a safer town, paved

street. Excuse me.

Be honest with me, Michaela.

Who do you think can better manage this town?

Well, these are issues that should be debated publicly.

A debate?

That's brilliant.

Ladies and gentlemen, may I have your attention for a brief moment?

Dr. Quinn has a wonderful idea.

A public debate on the issues which will impact the future of Colorado Springs.

Jake?

You beat Dr. Mike, you can beat... All

right.

Tomorrow.

His name is Strong River.

He needs his wormwood for his son who's sick.

He could not find it in New Mexico territory.

There's a drought.

That's why he came to Colorado.

Where the army captured him.

I thought the army was supposed to leave the Pueblos alone.

That's why he tried to escape.

If he can get out of Colorado territory, he will be safe.

You know how to get through the mountains here.

You can take him back to New Mexico territory.

How's he guarded?

His hands and feet are tied and the soldiers always watch.

It will be dangerous.

Is he willing to take the risk?

He must get this medicine back to his son.

But you have a family, too.

You cannot do this without considering them.

And you?

If we get caught, General Wooden's going to send you away.

And you to prison for treason.

They are keeping him in that tent.

We'll do it tomorrow after dark.

We need some kind of distraction.

Sonny, that's treason.

They shoot people for treason. He has family back in the New Mexico territory.

It's only going to take me a few days. And you have family here.

What if it was me?

What if I couldn't get back to you?

Well, there has to be another way.

We could apply to the government.

You know how long that takes.

His son could be dead by then. We don't know that.

Waiting is only going to make him more suspicious. They're going to put on more

of a guard and make it impossible to get him out of there after he's turned

down.

Well, naturally, I feel sorry for him, but it's far too dangerous.

You know, there was a time when you would have done anything to help a man

this.

Well, things have changed. We have a family now, a baby. That's got to live

the world that we make.

This is the right thing to do, Michaela. You know that.

I leave tomorrow.

Andrew, how's the boarding house? Comfortable?

Bed's a bit lumpy.

And those thin walls...

I recall the great pleasure of hearing the occupant of the next room

into his spittoon.

It's fine for the time being.

Precisely for the time being.

It's all very well for Michaela to be paid with chickens and preserves, but

needs, our needs are different. And there really isn't enough work at her

to support two doctors.

I told you I will give you an answer soon about working at your clinic.

Gross, Andrew.

The hotel, this town, it's all tied together.

The future here is unlimited. One can't expect Jake to lead us to the future.

Well, there's no question you're more qualified for the position.

Well, that's not for me to say.

However, I will need a definite answer about the clinic.

A doctor in Denver has expressed an interest, but of course, you are my

choice.

I appreciate that.

And your patient.

See what he's doing? Yeah.

He's buying votes is what he's doing.

Gotta get tough, Jake.

Well, what do you want me to do? I cannot spend them. Gotta hit him where

hurts. You used to know how to do that.

Point is to make people vote for me, not their home election day, because they

can't stand either one of us.

I'm gonna win this on the issues.

And on who supports me.

Well, live just on the issues.

For you, Dr. Light. Oh, thank you.

Now try to keep your arms still. The less movement, the better.

Thank you.

By the way, who are you going to vote for in the election?

Oh, I haven't really decided yet.

Well, when you decide, I'd really like to know what you're thinking.

Good day, Amos.

You aren't seriously considering voting for Jake.

Preston is so much more educated and knowledgeable.

I'm primarily concerned with helping himself.

How I would have described Jake.

Heard my name.

Hope you're doing good, thanks.

I have an errand to run. Excuse me.

Who, Jake?

What can I do for you?

More like, what can I do for you?

Pardon me?

I ain't gonna lie to you, Dr. Mike.

I want to get re -elected.

I ain't got Preston's money I can't buy my way in.

Besides, I figure it's best to do this clean.

Find out what I can do to help folks.

Well, if you really feel that way, Jake,

I'm the wrong person to ask.

My life is easy compared to most people here.

But let's face it, Dr. Mike, you've got influence.

The kind of influence I used to have before you got here.

Jake, I never meant... You're a better doctor than I could ever be.

But being mayor, that's something I'm good at. Maybe the only thing I'm good

And I want to get better.

Then you need to take advantage of this opportunity.

Listen to what people say.

at the debate this evening, for example, and then do everything that you can to

make their lives better.

You do that, and I'll happily support you.

It's fair.

So, are you going to vote for Preston or for Jake?

Preston.

You? Well, hello. Remember, a vote for Preston is a vote for you. Yep.

Dorothy.

Glad to see the Gazette is providing ample reportage of this event.

Now, don't you try to influence Brian's report, Preston.

Well, I assure you, I absolutely don't want any perception of favoritism.

I assume the Gazette will not be endorsing a candidate. That's correct.

Of course, it is very difficult for a writer to keep her personal feelings

creeping in.

Sometimes so subtly, the reader isn't even aware of it.

I will write an objective report.

Thank you, Tom.

I appreciate that.

Jake, remember what you said about wanting to hear my concerns?

I'm always available.

Well, I've been thinking the best way would be for me to have a seat on the

council.

Well, that's an interesting idea, Robert E., but you know we only got five

seats. I've been talking to some of the people in Shantytown, and they say they

ain't going to vote because they don't think anybody's going to do anything for

them.

There's a lot of votes there.

I'll give it some thought. I can deliver them for you.

You can.

I mean... Got a deal?

The deal.

You're gonna make a good councilman, Robert.

Right? You took my hand.

You ain't gonna vote for him, not after what he did for you.

I might.

Robert E.

The man was a part of a lynch mob. He tried to string you up.

The Holy Grail ain't gonna do any good.

I'm trying to make a better life.

Here

you

are, Gray.

I'll contract as requested in writing.

Preston just made a substantial contribution to the church.

Do you suppose he would have made that contribution if he wasn't running for

mayor? No, I doubt it.

But the fact is that he is in a position to be very helpful to this town.

Precisely. Why shouldn't that be a consideration in how we vote?

All my cards are on the table, Michaela. Can you say the same for Jake?

I suppose that's what we're here to find out.

Where's Sully?

I was hoping we might convince him to participate in the democratic process.

Now, two years' time, will Jake have the streets paved?

Will he bring business and prosperity to our town?

We've been doing just fine. That's right.

Just fine means you're satisfied with the way things are. Not striving to

improve the lives of the people of this town. Now, you know, when I say

something is going to get done, you know it's going to get done.

Perhaps we should discuss the town's concerns instead of attacking each

That's exactly what I've been thinking.

Seems he keeps telling us what we should do, instead of asking you what you

think needs to get done.

I get more and more strangers leaving my cafe without paying their bill. Now,

what you gonna do about that?

With growth and prosperity comes more crime.

And as mayor, I'll make sure our sheriff has plenty of deputies to help him

fight it. That's right, Jake.

There you go again, Jake.

It's odd, isn't it, that a man who tried to lynch Robert E. should be so

concerned with law and order.

It was a long time ago. Just like your drinking was a long time ago. Let's get

to the issues, Mr. Lodge.

Character is an issue.

It's the most important issue.

Now, I suppose Jake could try to come back at me, talk about how I chopped

the kissing tree.

But you know what?

That was a mistake, and I learned from it.

And I don't see how Jake has learned from any of his mistakes.

What are you talking about?

Character denigration is not an issue.

They're both the same.

They only want to make out for themselves.

Doesn't matter who you vote for. Yes.

Yes, it does matter.

Who are you going to vote for, Dr. Mike?

Well, everyone has to make up their own mind.

Well, what do you think?

Well, I have to say that I've come to believe that Jake really does care about

the people of this town.

And you have to consider that Jake hasn't used his office to profit

I think that Jake's presentation here tonight proves that he is the candidate

who is more concerned about discovering your needs than dictating them.

One, two, three, four.

thing under control?

I'll relieve you in a little while.

Time for bed.

I said goodnight.

Go on home.

Yes sir.

to what you said, Ma.

I think so.

Jake's leading now because of you.

32 more people said they were going to vote for him after the debate.

Hey, where's Sonny?

He said he might be out overnight hunting.

It's going to be awful hard for Mr. Lodge to catch up.

Good night. Good night.

He's been shot.

He lost a lot of blood.

He might be in an artery.

Did anyone follow you?

No. No.

Is he going to be all right?

Take a look.

He needs to remove the bullet and apply a ligature to the artery.

Did anyone see him?

I told you no.

Give him some chloroform.

I wouldn't have brought him here if he didn't need a doctor.

He wouldn't have needed a doctor if he'd waited and done it the right way.

The only way.

Don't worry, I'll get him out of here by first light.

I think he's well enough to travel.

What did you want me to do?

Let him die?

Heard about an Indian that escaped from the reservation last night?

No.

He was shot in the leg. If you see him, take him in. Let us know.

Yeah.

Well, what are we going to do about this?

We? You both have stakes in this.

As mayor, I can make the hotel much more profitable.

And your contracts are percentage deals.

I ain't signed any contracts yet. Preston, whether or not I run your

not dependent on you being mayor.

It seems to me you ought to look at what turned that vote around.

I'm in favor of law and order.

Is this Jake somehow managed to turn it into his personal issue?

That's not what I mean.

She's right.

It was Michaela who made the difference.

Then we'll be moving along. No.

No, he's too weak. He shouldn't be moving just yet.

Keeping him here is too dangerous.

What's going on?

I was trying to help him get home, and he got shot.

Who shot him?

The boulders.

They were keeping him captive at the reservation.

So you helped him escape?

Do you remember when your ma and me helped Cloud Dance escape from Custer?

And she hid Black Hill from Chivington?

That's what this is like.

Yes,

yes. You have a son, too?

Warm wood.

The Indians make the leaves into a tea. It helps cure bronchitis and pneumonia.

Wants you to keep some for Brian.

We'll go get some more soup.

It's a much better time.

Then don't take my word for it. Come see for yourself.

Whatever Michaela's done, I'm sure she had a reason. Then let's go hear those

reasons and print them in the Gazette.

Preston!

I hope I don't have to remind you that it is the editor who decides what's

newsworthy. I'm on my way to notify the army so they can arrest the fugitive

Indian and Michaela. Isn't that newsworthy enough for you?

Because she's an accomplice. You don't know that. All you saw was Michaela

treating an Indian. It doesn't mean he's the same Indian. You're editorializing,

Dorothy. Aren't you the one who keeps telling me it's your duty to report the

news objectively without favoritism?

You've got to beat him to the punch.

Get to the army first.

Tell them Dr.

Mike has their engine.

She supported me. Good point. She lifted you up. She can get you right back down

with her.

Do you want to stay mayor?

It's like you said, people judge you by who supports you.

Now, I'm just over my delivery.

There's a couple of soldiers over there picking up supplies.

This election is yours, Jim.

Go in or lose.

Beginner barn.

Now, it's not far from here.

If you hurry, you can make it. What is this?

Dorothy, you ought to know this. Now, God knows I don't want to get Michaela

any kind of trouble. Wait a minute. This is my story. Don't try and steal my

position. I'm the law and order candidate. This is absurd. I went out to

homestead. I saw Michaela with an Indian. Homestead is west out of town,

north of Twin Oaks. Oh, no.

Indians here. They're coming for both of you. They?

Soldiers. Only a couple of minutes behind me. Do they know Sully had

do with it?

They didn't talk about him.

I've got to get him out of here. Can you ride?

Dangerous, but he'll handle it better than walking.

I'll get the horses.

Matthew, you'd better get back to town. They'll take you to him in the morning.

Right.

All right, Dr. Quinn.

We know he's here.

Hal?

Where is he?

Where are you hiding him? I don't know what you're talking about.

We got fresh tracks outside.

Heading south.

Back toward New Mexico.

You follow him, bring him back. Sir.

Your husband have anything to do with this?

No, no. He's been away for a few days up in the mountains.

You're under arrest.

You can't do this to me.

I had to treat that man. I'm a doctor. I took an oath. Aiding and abetting the

enemy, that's treason. My baby.

I need to feed my baby.

You're going to have to feed her in jail.

Stupid.

She's not going to run away.

You have my word. If it's a trial, I'll be there.

You're staying put until I get instructions from General Wooden.

What's the Cooper poll say,

Brian? She's winning. Too close to call.

Since Jake turned you in.

She's sorry. You endorsed him now.

Any word, Sally?

It's at least a day's ride to the border.

Another day's back.

Just come right this way. Oh, you can sit right here.

And make sure you get the bars of the cell and the baby.

This gentleman is an artist for the Denver Post.

Come to cover the election, has he?

Preston Lodge, future mayor.

Actually, he's come to draw a likeness of Michaela for a report of mine that

they're printing about her arrest.

Well, well, Dorothy.

You surprised me.

You're going to have a report in the Denver Post?

With a picture of Ma?

That's right. It's quite newsworthy, Byron.

A doctor locked up in a jail cell with her baby, and only because she did her

duty, treating a wounded man.

Let's see what General Wooden has to say about that.

Thank you, Dorothy.

You call that objective reporting?

Sounds a bit like editorializing to me, wouldn't you say, Brian?

Editorials have their place in the paper, just so long as you tell folks

you're doing.

I don't care what you call it, as long as it gets Dr. Mike out of there. So,

me get this straight.

You're using the Denver Post to try to get Michaela out of jail.

For a crime even she admits she committed.

I'm only doing what's right.

I'll win that honor.

New Mexico territory.

As far as I go.

You keep them.

Keep them.

Yeah.

I promise each citizen will prosper with the growth I'll bring to town. I

promise better education for our children.

I promise municipal services.

I promise to get government off your back.

Better representation in Denver.

In government and business, as in life, you're known by the company you keep.

And that is why I turned Dr. Mike in. Now, we all like her, but she was

the law.

Then why did you seek and accept her support in the first place? Now, wait

a minute. As soon as I knew what was going on, I took care of it.

There's nothing more important than upholding the law.

And if you elect me mayor, I promise to do just that.

Are you all right? I'm fine.

Did you get him to the border?

He should be home and safe by now, thanks to you.

You did the right thing, Billy.

I love you.

So now you and Katie are paying for it.

Not for long.

Miss Dorothy gave me the phone on the way into town.

I should really embarrass General Wooden.

Polls are open.

Unfortunately, I'm unable to vote.

Never mind.

It's wonderful to have you back here safe and sound.

I gotta get going.

You just got back.

We heard what Matthew said.

Polls are open. I gotta go vote.

Dr. Mike, we was wondering, do you still support Jake, even after he turns you

in? You care what I think? Well, speaking for myself, I must say, you

up for your principles made me more interested in your endorsement.

Well, if I could vote, it would be for Jake.

Why?

Even after he turned you in?

So, Jake, I tell you it's going to be a landslide.

Brian, how's it looking?

Well, I didn't get to poll people after Mom made her announcement from jail.

Before, Preston was leading by about 14 votes.

You know, Preston, I've been thinking.

There's a lot to what you've been saying.

I was remarking... Ladies and gentlemen, we have a final count.

Jake Slicker, 172.

Preston A. Lodge III, 121.

Congratulations.

Telegram from General Wooden. Release Dr. Quinn immediately.

That's not the whole telegram.

Says to release her with a warning.

Being a doctor ain't no excuse for breaking the law.

You ought to know that.

If everybody decides for themselves what's right and wrong, where does that

leave us?

That was close.

The first thing I'm going to do is appoint a new town council.

Hank, would you rather take Horace or the Reverend?

Horace. My thoughts exactly.

Sounds like we're finally going to get to do things right.

I'm pleased to hear it.

Now,

Dr. Mike, I had to come down on the side of the law. I had to do it to win.

Now that I won...

We can do the things we talked about. Oh, you were right, Jake.

I am? Yes.

And now you can do all the things that you promised to do.

And I know you will.

Of course I will. The next edition of the Gazette will report your victory,

Jake. And it will also print a list of all the things that you promised to do.

And Dorothy's going to print that list every month.

And every time you fulfill one of your promises, I'm going to put a nice

checkmark beside it. And every time you don't, it'll be there in black and white

for everyone to see.

And as long as you're appointing the town council, perhaps that's an ideal

promise to begin with.

I don't follow.

Well, the folks in Shantytown are counting on you to do the right thing,

Welcome to the town council, Robert E.

That's just wonderful.

Congratulations, Robert E.

The Reverend's going to be awful disappointed.

It's going to be home, Katie, isn't it?

Aren't you coming, Brad?

You all right?

I was just thinking.

About what?

What that sergeant said.

Was breaking the law the right thing to do?

It isn't always black and white, Brian.

But if everybody just decided for themselves, broke the law... It would be

chaotic, I agree.

You always try to follow the law, Brian.

But sometimes, when you look real hard, you can see that some laws are wrong.

How do you decide which laws are right and wrong?

Unfortunately, it isn't very scientific. You have to listen to your conscience.

I'll be willing to pay the price, like your ma.

I just hope when that time comes, I'll know the right thing to do.

You'll know.