"Where the Heart Is: Part 1" is the sixth episode of season 2 of Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman.
Dr. Mike is called to Boston by telegram when her mother Elizabeth (Georgann Johnson) falls ill. Matthew doesn't want to leave Ingrid, but Dr. Mike insists. Without thinking, Dr. Mike later takes out her stress and worry on the children, while they are packing and breaks down, crying. Sully reveals to her where he was born, how his parents died and coming out West. On arrival, one of Dr. Mike's sisters, Marjorie, is disdainful to her husband Everett of the children and Dr. Mike's insistence on seeing their ailing mother. Mrs. Quinn has two physicians: one is older (Dr. Hansen) and believes women should not be doctors while the other is much younger (Dr. Burke), smitten with Michaela, and believes she has the cure. After examining her mother, herself, Dr. Mike ends up curing her mother, diagnosing hepatitis, and earning Dr. Burke's esteem, despite arguing with Dr. Hansen. Elizabeth tells Dr. Mike to get out. Dr. Mike wires Sully to send her journals about tea to cure hepatitis. Colleen, Brian, and Matthew attempt to make friends without success. Elizabeth gives permission for her daughter to use the tea. When Dr. Hansen finds out what has happened, he fires Dr. Burke. Brian is entranced by a candy and ice cream shop. Dr. Burke invites Dr. Mike, Matthew, Colleen, and Brian to dinner. In the meantime, Cloud Dancing and Sully talk, and Sully confides to him that he dreams about being in Boston, and sets out to join the four. Meanwhile, Elizabeth arrives home to great joy and celebration. Later, while everyone is at dinner, they are shocked and surprised to see Sully walk in.
This episode provides examples of:
- Multi-Part Episode: "Where the Heart Is: Part 1" is followed by "Where the Heart Is: Part 2".
- Romantic False Lead: Dr. Burke is instantly smitten with Michaela and she with him.
