Ep 22. BONE OF CONTENTION

Dr. Quinn Medicine Woman season 3 episode 22, titled "Bone of Contention," takes place in Colorado Springs in the late 1800s. The episode opens with a group of men digging a trench for a new irrigation system in town. While digging, they come across a human skeleton. Dr. Mike (Jane Seymour) is called in to examine the remains and determine the cause of death.

As Dr. Mike investigates, she discovers that the bones belong to a Native American woman who was murdered many years ago. The woman's people are still living in the area, and tensions between them and the white settlers are already high. Dr. Mike becomes determined to find out who killed the woman and bring the killer to justice.

Meanwhile, Sully (Joe Lando) is dealing with his own set of problems. He has been offered a job as a scout for the Army, which would require him to leave Colorado Springs and his family behind. Sully is torn between his sense of duty and his love for his family.

As Dr. Mike continues her investigation, she comes up against resistance from both the white settlers and the Native American tribe. It becomes clear that the two groups are deeply divided, and Dr. Mike's efforts to bring them together are met with hostility and suspicion.

As tensions rise, Sully is forced to intervene when a group of white settlers threaten to attack the Native American tribe. With the help of Dr. Mike and the local sheriff, Sully is able to defuse the situation and prevent violence.

In the end, Dr. Mike is able to solve the mystery of the murdered Native American woman. The killer is brought to justice, but the episode ends on a somber note as Dr. Mike reflects on the ongoing struggles between the white settlers and the Native people.

"Bone of Contention" is a thought-provoking episode that explores issues of race, justice, and cultural conflict in the American West. Through the character of Dr. Mike, viewers are reminded of the importance of empathy, understanding, and compassion in the face of division and hate.