It’s another odd week for the residents of Cicely, Alaska with A Bolt from the Blue. Written by Jeff Melvoin, this episode was first broadcast on 24 January, 1994.

Joel (Rob Morrow) is called in by the local Forest Service to talk down one of their Park Rangers. It seems Stan (Jimmie Ray Weeks), the ranger in question, is upset to learn that his station has been retired, and he doesn’t want to come down. He thinks no one likes him.

Joel has to convince him otherwise. But Stan has sent so much time on his own, when he interacts with people he just talks and talks, and annoys everyone.

Maurice (Barry Corbin) is planning a fireworks celebration for Presidents’ Day.

Adam (Adam Arkin) shows up at Maurice’s and tells him that the firm he’s using for the fireworks are actually a cover for a group who betrayed the Sandinistas in Panama. He demands that Maurice get rid of them, but he’s intent on having a complete festive blowout, and Maurice wants Adam out of the way for his enjoyment.

Chris (John Corbett) and Ed (Darren E. Burrows) head out to fish instead. It sounds like a good idea, until Ed is struck by lightning.

He survives fine, but this brings a number of things into question for him. Is there a meaning behind the strike? To him, his life?

Everyone is looking for a bit of meaning to who they are, and a little understanding, and the occasional firework show! This one is a charmer.

Hello, I Love You first aired on 21 January, 1994. It was written by Robin Green and Mitchell Burgess.

Shelly’s (Cynthia Geary) pregnancy continues, in fact she’ was due two weeks ago. She’s big, she’s round, she’s ready. Joel has decided to induce birth the next day. Until then, Shelly is going to worry about who her child is, and why she hasn’t given birth yet. And every time she goes to the laundromat, she sees her new daughter at different ages.

Ruth-Anne (Peg Phillips) and Walt (Moultrie Patten) get stranded on a trip. And Walt reveals his true intentions to her. Things don’t go so well. At least not until the episode closes out.

And Joel and Maggie (Janine Turner) looking to spend some time together, decide to go to Marilyn’s (Elaine Miles) knitting class. In fact. their relationship seems to be developing nicely, even if they find themselves in competition with one another.

As the episode reaches its conclusion, Shelly is finally ready to give birth, having interacted with the version of her daughter in the laundromat. She knows she, Holling (John Cullum) and their baby will be okay.

They have a beautiful little girl, and Cicely grows by one. I love Shelly’s story in this one, and love how Chris is the conduit from the birth room above The Brick to the town residents in the bar below.

It’s a wonderful episode.