The series has begun stumbling towards its now seemingly inevitable end. The stories have become less and less engaging, though there are some great character bits.

The character bits that stand out in this episode are very much Ruth-Anne’s (Peg Phillips). She has become a bit of a radio storyteller, and it’s a great new addition to her character. Chris (John Corbett) praises her thematic use, which she claims wasn’t intentional, and Marilyn (Elaine Miles) wants something more humorous.

Capra (Paul Provenza) and Michelle (Teri Polo) are delighted to find a little corner of Cicely known as Little Italy, with a hidden restaurant tucked away in a basement. But the restaurateur is feuding with one of his patients, and that patient now moves the feud onto Capra as well.

Holling (John Cullum) is having issues with technology, the new interac machine. And there’s a bit of a domestic dispute arising between Holling and Shelly (Cynthia Geary) because of this and other things. They’re going to have to bring in Mayor Maggie (Janine Turner) to settle the issue.

Little Italy was written by Jeff Melvoin and it was first broadcast 15 March, 1995. It’s not horrible, but it is by no means on par with earlier seasons. It likes the sparkle and joy of those that went before it. Ruth-Anne’s story is the only story arc working in this episode, the rest of it it is sort of bland.

Sorry, but maybe it’s time to end this one. In fact, they should have ended it before this. But sometimes people and corporations don’t want to let go of things.

Balls was also written by Melvoin and first aired on 4 June, 1995, over two months since the previous episode.

Cicely is getting ready for it’s famed mixed-double bowling tournament, and it seems Michelle may be their star player. Unfortunately, she and Capra are having problems and she consequently settles into The Brick for a time.

It seems he’s a little put out that Michelle is getting the attention, and that she’s really good at something that he fumbles with. It’s not a good arc for Capra at all.

To add to the silliness, Chris and Maggie begin to realize that yes, they do have a bit of a romantic connection, and they may decide to pursue it.

Ed’s (Darren E. Burrows) romance with Heather (Charmaine Craig) continues, and her father, Lester (Apesanahkwat) expresses interest in his script – is Ed going to be able to make a feature film? Maurice (Barry Corbin) is trying to be protective of Ed, but he phrases everything wrong when he suggests that Heather and Ed will never end up together.

Or is Maurice right, and Lester offering to finance the film, with changes, have something to do with Heather?

So there are relationship arcs explored and there’s realization and heartbreak to be had, throughout. And while stronger than the previous episode, this one still suffers from the impending end of the series.