Medicine Woman

They should have just called it "Martha Welby, M.D."Because in "Dr. Quinn: Medicine Woman," Jane Seymour is your basic whirling medical dervish and miracle worker. She's Dr. Michaela "Mike" Quinn, a Welbyesque wonder and a politically correct frontier feminist to boot.And, yes, you'd better pass that rubber brick real fast. I feel like hurling."Dr. Quinn: Medicine Woman" debuts with a two-hour episode at tonight on WBAL (Channel 11) before moving into its regular weekly time slot at 8 p.m. Saturday.

Emily Hammond Wilson, When Emily Hammond Wilson was a young country doctor in the 1930s, she traveled southern Anne Arundel County on horseback to visit patients in their homes and deliver babies, toting a black bag made of alligator skin. Payments for her services came in all forms: oysters, turkeys, homemade bourbon or a day's work. Wilson was at the forefront of female doctors in Anne Arundel County - and someone who treated both black and white patients, even as the county's main hospital refused to admit black women into the maternity ward.

The two big trends this season are characters in comas ("Beverly Hills 90210," "The X-Files," etc.), and skaters on ice. After two live prime-time specials on CBS comes tonight's two-hour live special on NBC. They're competing for $1 million in cash. CBS is also offersing cash -- Johnny and June Carter Cash, that is, as guests on "Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman."* "The Gold Championship." (8-10 p.m., WMAR, Channel 2) -- The good news about this competition is that it's between only those skaters who already have won Olympic gold medals -- which means no Nancy Kerrigan, no Tonya Harding, no distractions.

Did I miss something in article "Cardiac aid gets handyman fired" (Dec. 27)?As I understand the situation, Ted Robinson, a survivor of a heart attack, saved the life of Rochelle Wilkins and was fired for his efforts. Ms. Wilkins, also a heart attack survivor, whose supply of nitroglycerin was depleted, took one of Mr. Robinson's pills. This, according to medical personnel, possibly saved her life.The article noted that she and Mr. Robinson were acquaintances. They may have even shared knowledge of their similar conditions.

A lot of weekly series -- including "Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman," "Nurses" and "Cafe Americain" -- provide new holiday episodes tonight, but the one not to miss is an hourlong episode of HBO's "Dream On," which climaxes with a pregnant woman in a manger in a town called Bethlehem. Pennsylvania, that is.* "Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman" (8-9 p.m., WBAL, Channel 11) -- Diane Ladd guest-stars tonight in a ghostly role as an ethereal guide, taking Mike (Jane Seymour) on a tour of Christmases past, present and future.

Saturday night fixture "Empty Nest" says so long forever (not counting the reruns that we'll see for a good long time), with a satisfying two-part finale. "Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman" dabbles history, and a Disney hit film of the '70s gets a new treatment.* "Empty Nest" (8 p.m.-9 p.m., WBAL, Channel 11) -- After seven seasons, the series ends its run with a double episode that includes the return of Kristy McNichol, who did four seasons as the daughter of Dr. Weston (Richard Mulligan). A double wedding is in the offing, for both Carol (Dinah Manoff)

The second jewel in the Triple Crown takes over a whole television station today. And tonight, "Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman," gets herself hitched.* "Preakness Day" (9 a.m.-6 p.m., WMAR, Channel 2) -- The celebrated horse race itself, from Pimlico Race Course, is not scheduled until around 5:30 p.m., on "ABC's Wide World of Sports" (beginning at 4:30 p.m.). But through the day, Channel 2 offers its own features, interviews and even live coverage of earlier races.* "Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman" (8 p.m.-10 p.m., WJZ, Channel 13)

It's an animated evening for kids on ABC, while U.S. history gets some attention -- semi-fictional on "Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman" and rigidly factual on a new cable documentary about the American Revolution.* "ABC's Wide World of Sports" (4:30 p.m.-6 p.m., WMAR, Channel 2) -- Although not deemed a favorite to win the overall title, rising U.S. rider Lance Armstrong could make his mark in individual stages of the Tour de France bicycle race. "Wide World of Sports" will devote three weekends of same-day coverage to the event, which begins today.

Put on your Navy blues tonight, in honor of the premiere of the new NBC series "JAG" and a cable screening of a super submarine movie, "Run Silent, Run Deep." In addition, "Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman" and "Sisters" offer season premieres.* "Ryder Cup Golf" (8 a.m.-12:30 p.m.; 4 p.m.-6:30 p.m., WBAL, Channel 11) -- Analyst Johnny Miller, who played in the U.S. vs. Europe team tournament in 1975 and 1981, heads the coverage team from Oak Hill Country Club in Rochester, N.Y. Final round is 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. tomorrow.

A local boy and his dummy make it to the Grand Ole Opry tonight."U.S. Figure Skating Championships" (8 p.m.-11 p.m., WMAR, Channel 2) -- Watch the men and women who duke it out to represent the United States. Tonight, it's the women's and pairs finals, live from Nashville, with Michelle Kwan aiming to duplicate last year's success and Jenni Meno and Todd Sand aiming for a fourth straight title. ABC."Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman" (8 p.m.-10 p.m., WJZ, Channel 13) -- Will Sully's best friend fall for Dr. Quinn while her husband's away?

Does every season of "Dr. Quinn" end with poor Sully in grave peril? Or is it just my imagination?"Clear and Present Danger" (8 p.m.-11 p.m., WMAR, Channel 2) -- CIA agent Jack Ryan (Harrison Ford) finds himself on the wrong side of some Colombian drug dealers. Good slam-bang action, with Ford's solid performance keeping everything and everyone grounded. ABC."Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman" (8 p.m.-9 p.m., WJZ, Channel 13) -- In the conclusion of a two-part season-ender, everybody but Dr. Mike assumes Sully is dead when he disappears after a fight with that nasty Sgt. O'Connor (Patrick Kilpatrick)

Tonight there's pretty standard Saturday night stuff, meaning it's a good night to spend out on the town. There is a good flick on USA, but that's not the place you should watch it."Lifepoints: A Woman's Guide to Health" (7: 30 p.m.-8 p.m., WMAR, Channel 2) -- Mary Beth Marsden and Sherry Jones are the hosts of this look at women's health issues, produced in co-operation with St. Joseph Medical Center."The World's Wildest Magic" (8 p.m.-9 p.m., WBAL, Channel 11) -- Set yourself up for a night of illusions, prestidigitation and just plain trickery, thanks to Penn and Teller, the Amazing Jonathan and a host of other magicians.

A local boy and his dummy make it to the Grand Ole Opry tonight."U.S. Figure Skating Championships" (8 p.m.-11 p.m., WMAR, Channel 2) -- Watch the men and women who duke it out to represent the United States. Tonight, it's the women's and pairs finals, live from Nashville, with Michelle Kwan aiming to duplicate last year's success and Jenni Meno and Todd Sand aiming for a fourth straight title. ABC."Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman" (8 p.m.-10 p.m., WJZ, Channel 13) -- Will Sully's best friend fall for Dr. Quinn while her husband's away?

A local building makes good on A&E."The Firm" (8 p.m.-11 p.m., WMAR, Channel 2) -- Tom Cruise is a hot-shot young lawyer who's recruited by a prestigious Southern law firm. Problem is, the law firm is more than a little crooked, and it's up to young Tom to do what's right. Nicely done, with a good supporting turn from Holly Hunter as Cruise's mole. ABC."Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman" (8 p.m.-9 p.m., WJZ, Channel 13) -- It's a sort of "Dr. Quinn's Greatest Hits," as Dr. Mike recounts some of her more memorable experiences for Colleen, who's writing a term paper.

For those of you not watching Game 6 of the World Series tonight (did someone tell the real Braves to take the rest of the year off after Game 2?), here are a few suggestions"Dumbo" (2 p.m.-4 p.m., WNUV, Channel 54) -- Classic Disney, this story of the traumatized baby elephant with the huge ears is one of the best. But parents be warned: What happens to Dumbo's mother isn't pretty."Carreras, Domingo, Pavarotti with Levine: The Three Tenors in Concert 1996" (8 p.m.-9: 30 p.m.) -- Those three deep-toned voices are back, performing this time with the help of the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, under the direction of James Levine.

There's a local boy making good on CBS tonight."Second Noah" (8 p.m.-9 p.m., WMAR, Channel 2) -- From the ABC press release: "Ben's first experience in pre-school gets him in trouble with his teacher and his new girlfriend's parents." Sounds like he must have kissed her; I say let's throw the kid in jail. ABC."Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman" (8 p.m.-9 p.m., WJZ, Channel 13) -- Towson State alum Joseph Dean Vachon is among the guest cast tonight, as a baby dies while under Dr. Quinn's care and the parents threaten to sue. Vachon plays the father.

On this first night of Olympic competition, don't you feel sorry for the non-NBC networks?"The Bottom Line" (11 a.m.-noon, WBAL, Channel 11) -- Baltimore's own Jada Pinkett, who co-stars with Eddie Murphy in "The Nutty Professor," is among the guests celebrating sisterhood on today's show. NAACP President Kweisi Mfume is the host."Project A.L.F." (8 p.m.-10 p.m., WMAR, Channel 2) -- Far more cuddly than Ray Walston and far less dangerous than the bugs from "Independence Day," Earth's favorite fur-coated resident alien returns in a movie from last year, in which he's trying to escape an Air Force officer who wants him terminated.

A local building makes good on A&E."The Firm" (8 p.m.-11 p.m., WMAR, Channel 2) -- Tom Cruise is a hot-shot young lawyer who's recruited by a prestigious Southern law firm. Problem is, the law firm is more than a little crooked, and it's up to young Tom to do what's right. Nicely done, with a good supporting turn from Holly Hunter as Cruise's mole. ABC."Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman" (8 p.m.-9 p.m., WJZ, Channel 13) -- It's a sort of "Dr. Quinn's Greatest Hits," as Dr. Mike recounts some of her more memorable experiences for Colleen, who's writing a term paper.

On this first night of Olympic competition, don't you feel sorry for the non-NBC networks?"The Bottom Line" (11 a.m.-noon, WBAL, Channel 11) -- Baltimore's own Jada Pinkett, who co-stars with Eddie Murphy in "The Nutty Professor," is among the guests celebrating sisterhood on today's show. NAACP President Kweisi Mfume is the host."Project A.L.F." (8 p.m.-10 p.m., WMAR, Channel 2) -- Far more cuddly than Ray Walston and far less dangerous than the bugs from "Independence Day," Earth's favorite fur-coated resident alien returns in a movie from last year, in which he's trying to escape an Air Force officer who wants him terminated.

Things are kinda lean today, folks, as the networks struggle to catch their breath after sweeps month. A couple of gems show up on cable, though."Baywatch Nights" (7 p.m.-8 p.m., WBAL, Channel 11) -- Caroline (Yasmine Bleeth) talks a guy out of committing suicide. Nice move. So he begins stalking her. Bummer. NBC."Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman" (8 p.m.-9 p.m., WJZ, Channel 13) -- Dog bites man is not news, unless it's a rabid dog taking a bite out of someone's fiancee on prime-time TV. Let's see what Dr. Quinn has to say about this one. CBS."