Dr. Sydney "Syd" Hansen, a cosmetic surgeon, returns to her family in Providence, Rhode Island, for her pregnant sister's wedding, but the ceremony is ruined by their chain-smoking mother dropping dead. Syd returns to California to find her boyfriend cheating on her, and flies back to Providence again just in time to deliver her sister's baby. This time she decides to stay.
2
2
"Home Again"
Michael Fresco
John Masius
January 15, 1999 (1999-01-15)
63002
Sydney tries to help a battered mother (Ann Dowd) with her autistic child (Mika Boorem); Joanie names her baby; Kyle reenters Syd's life.
Sydney bonds with a young woman (Renée Humphrey) whose condition worsens, Jim sympathizes with a dog that lost its master, and Joanie meets a soap star (Charlene Blaine).
Joanie wants to marry her newborn child's father (Eric Bruskotter), while her older sister Sydney suppresses her doubts; Jim treats a mangy stray dog brought in by an equally scruffy street urchin.
Sydney's patient's (Beth Grant) husband (Michael Fairman) claims to have a brain tumor; Sydney and Joanie see that their father has been seeing another woman (Michelle Phillips); Robbie is smitten with an athletic coed.
8
8
"Blind Faith"
Michael Fresco
Robert De Laurentiis
February 26, 1999 (1999-02-26)
63008
Sydney's hospital job is jeopardized by a surly surgeon and a blind date with an offbeat person (Michael McKean) who gets struck by lightning; a flu-ridden Jim believes a seeing-eye dog (voiced by Jay Leno) can talk.
9
9
"Taste of Providence"
Joe Ann Fogle
Lance Gentile
March 12, 1999 (1999-03-12)
63009
Sydney helps a stripper (Nikita Ager) leave the business after requesting a breast reduction surgery, drawing fire from Dr. Marcus and the dancers angry lover; Joanie makes a splash at a cooking contest; Robbie gets involved with a bookie. Buddy Cianci guest stars.
10
10
"You Bet Your Life"
Ian Toynton
Nell Scovell
March 19, 1999 (1999-03-19)
63010
Sydney is staggered by the indecent proposal of an eccentric, elderly but lustful millionaire (Henry Gibson) who offers her cash-starved medical clinic a fortune if she'll spend 48-hours traveling with him; a debt-ridden Robbie gets in deeper when he urges his injured girlfriend (Lori Rom) not to play in a key college basketball game while he secretly bets against her team; Joanie begins cooking school and falls for a mysterious fellow student who admires her "aphrodisiacal" clam chowder; Jim hires a klutzy veterinary assistant at the clinic.
Sydney discovers Dr. Marcus' secret; a self-destructive teen patient (Nicki Aycox) isn't truthful with Sydney; Jim tries to save 400-pound pig from a luau roast.
Sydney's attempt to help a wayward teen complicates the girl's relationship with her new foster parents; Joanie gets a business offer to go to Japan.
13
13
"Family Tree"
Michael Fresco
Patty Holmes
April 23, 1999 (1999-04-23)
63013
Syd takes in Lilly after her foster parents (Patricia Gaul & Gary Bullock) return her without permission; Robbie offers his boss's establishment as a showcase for Joanie's chowder.
14
14
"Good Fellows"
Michael Fresco
Todd A. Kessler
April 30, 1999 (1999-04-30)
63014
Sydney treats an injured high-school runner whose coach/father drives him to win; the handsome son of a mob boss courts Sydney, as Jim treats the father's dog.
15
15
"Two to Tango"
Michael Fresco
Melissa Gould
May 7, 1999 (1999-05-07)
63015
Sydney discourages a romantic prospect who has mob connections; Joanie's boyfriend shows little interest in her daughter.
Sydney and Jim clash over her involvement with Paul when the District Attorney's office investigates Paul's alleged mob ties; Joanie films her own television ad for the Bakery.
17
17
"Heaven Can Wait"
Michael Fresco
Robert De Laurentis
May 21, 1999 (1999-05-21)
63017
Sydney reunites with Kyle who seeks her medical advice; a family celebration turns tragic when a friend from Lilly's past arrives.
Joanie gets an unpleasant surprise when Hannah's father comes to her birthday party with a new bride; Sydney offers the guest house to Kyle while he undergoes chemotherapy.
21
4
"You Can't Hurry Love"
Tony Wharmby
Dana Baratta
October 29, 1999 (1999-10-29)
63304
Kyle urges Sydney to camp with him in the Grand Canyon, but she focuses on the welfare of a homeless woman.
22
5
"He's Come Undone"
Ian Toynton
Antoinette Stella
November 5, 1999 (1999-11-05)
63305
Kyle fears he will lose his arm to an infection; Sydney learns a disturbing secret about a seemingly perfect doctor helping out in the clinic.
A recuperating Kyle decides to continue his recovery away from his friends and family; Jim gets replaced on the television vet show.
25
8
"Thank You Providence"
Michael Fresco
Story by : Robert DeLaurentis & John Masius Teleplay by : Robert DeLaurentis & Carol Barbee
November 26, 1999 (1999-11-26)
63307
26
9
Sydney's trip back from Los Angeles hits numerous snags, so she bonds with three wayward travelers who are also having trouble getting home for the holidays.
Sydney's trip back from Los Angeles hits numerous snags, so she bonds with three wayward travelers who are also having trouble getting home for the holidays.
Robbie gets caught in the middle of Heather's feud with her mother, who is against Heather's engagement.
32
15
"Sibling Rivalry"
Monica Wyatt
Elle Triedman
February 18, 2000 (2000-02-18)
63314
A patient considers radical surgery to decrease her chances of breast cancer; Sydney and Joanie become rivals in romance.
33
16
"Do the Right Thing"
Tony Wharmby
Carol Barbee
February 25, 2000 (2000-02-25)
63315
An embezzler tricks Sydney into believing he is an indigent; Heather and Charlie walk down the wedding aisle.
34
17
"The Storm"
Michael Fresco
Norman Morrill
March 17, 2000 (2000-03-17)
63316
A storm pounds Providence, while a state inspection threatens to close the clinic; Sydney works to save a pregnant Cambodian; a fallen tree traps Joanie.
35
18
"Don't Go Changin'"
Jeannot Szwarc
Rob Fresco
March 31, 2000 (2000-03-31)
63317
The Hansens celebrate Jim's 60th birthday; Sydney is asked to perform a ritual surgery; Robbie and Heather look at their relationship; Joanie gives Dog Boy confidence.
36
19
"Family Ties"
Rick Rosenthal
Mike Kelley & Eli Talbert
April 14, 2000 (2000-04-14)
63318
Sydney helps bring a broken family together during a crisis; Robbie fills in for Heather at the clinic; Dog Boy leaves Providence for good.
37
20
"Taking a Chance on Love"
Michael Fresco
Carol Barbee & Antoinette Stella
April 28, 2000 (2000-04-28)
63319
Jim starts spending time with Sydney's photojournalist friend; Robbie auditions to be a contestant on a game show.
38
21
"Love Is in the Air"
Rick Rosenthal
Elle Triedman
May 5, 2000 (2000-05-05)
63320
Things heat up between Jim and Monica; a firefighter rescues Joanie; Robbie continues his winning streak as a game show contestant.
Sydney returns home after battling encephalitis, but has doubts about her handsome physical therapist's treatment recommendations; Robbie is stalked by an angry producer.
As Halloween approaches, recovering Sydney misjudges and prescribes a dose that nearly kills a young girl; a game-show producer tries to blackmail Robbie.
Sydney worries about an elderly patient who refuses throat surgery in favor of singing in a Christmas concert; Robbie finds an unusual assistant for his charity shopping spree.
49
9
"Big Night"
Michael Fresco
Tim Kring
January 5, 2001 (2001-01-05)
63858
Memories Sydney would rather forget come flooding back when she tries to help an elderly patient survive long enough to reconcile with her daughter.
While Sydney is stranded with Graham in a lighthouse during a storm, she begins to understand where his terrible pain comes from.
53
13
"The Lion Sleeps Tonight"
Rick Rosenthal
Carol Barbee
February 16, 2001 (2001-02-16)
63862
Sydney tries to convince a recluse to undergo plastic surgery for his facial deformities; Joanie withdraws after her miscarriage.
54
14
"The Invisible Man"
Greg Beeman
Robert De Laurentis & Mike Kelley
February 23, 2001 (2001-02-23)
63863
Sydney convinces her reclusive lighthouse keeper to go out in public following his plastic surgery; Jim refuses to stop working while he is sick.
55
15
"Parenthood"
Monica Wyatt
Rob Fresco
March 2, 2001 (2001-03-02)
63864
Sydney applies for a grant and meets a man who claims to be her father; Robbie's romance with the mother of one of his youth hockey players heats up.
56
16
"Love Story"
Ian Toynton
Elle Triedman
March 16, 2001 (2001-03-16)
63865
Sydney learns that her new love interest has a congenital heart condition that will someday lead to sudden death.
57
17
"Exposure"
Rick Rosenthal
Carol Barbee
March 30, 2001 (2001-03-30)
63866
Sydney's clinic and the Hansen house are put under quarantine when a visiting physician shows signs of the deadly Ebola virus.
58
18
"Magician"
Ian Toynton
John Romano
April 20, 2001 (2001-04-20)
63867
Sydney, Joanie and Robbie are surprised by a visit from their wealthy grandfather, who makes them a suspicious offer.
59
19
"Meet Joe Connelly"
Michael Fresco
Mike Kelley
April 27, 2001 (2001-04-27)
63868
Sydney fights a pharmaceutical company in hopes of attaining a drug to save the life of a deathly ill infant; Joanie encourages Elliot to come out to his mother.
60
20
"Trial & Error"
John Patterson
Carol Barbee & Elle Triedman
May 4, 2001 (2001-05-04)
63869
Sydney urges a pharmaceutical company to continue testing a drug that could cure a deadly childhood disease.
61
21
"Rule Number One"
Tony Wharmby
Rob Fresco
May 11, 2001 (2001-05-11)
63870
Sydney fights attraction to a married congressman (Steven Eckholdt) when she goes to Washington to urge drug research.
62
22
"Falling"
Michael Fresco
Story by : Ray DeLaurentis Teleplay by : Robert DeLaurentis & Ray DeLaurentis
May 18, 2001 (2001-05-18)
63871
Revealing photos and an estranged wife threaten Sydney's relationship with a married congressman (Steven Eckholdt).
Sydney considers moving to Washington if Joe wins the election; a young patient must recover from an accident before he can donate bone marrow to his dying sister.
Sydney has second thoughts about seeing her new therapist; Jim helps a friend at the rehabilitation center who is making little progress in their recovery.
A hospital board member shadows Sydney in the wake of her malpractice suit; Tina seeks medical advice from Sydney regarding her ability to conceive a child.
75
13
"The Good Fight"
Michael Fresco
Jennifer Johnson
January 25, 2002 (2002-01-25)
64363
Sydney meets her defense attorney for the malpractice suit -- an attractive man (George Newbern) with a stronger will than her own.
Sydney tries to help a young man escape a street gang, but is mistakenly implicated in the crime when he is shot; Joanie re-examines her relationship with Phil.
77
15
"Act Naturally"
Monica Wyatt
Rob Fresco
March 22, 2002 (2002-03-22)
64365
While in Los Angeles, Sydney meets with her ex-boyfriend (Patrick Fabian), a hotshot at a television network, and Joanie joins the cast of a horror movie.
78
16
"Limbo"
Ian Toynton
John Masius Elle Triedman
March 29, 2002 (2002-03-29)
64366
Banned from practicing medicine, Sydney feels adrift and dreams she's being sold off at rock-bottom prices by a cable television shopping show host.
79
17
"The Whole Truth"
Michael Fresco
Jennifer Cecil
April 5, 2002 (2002-04-05)
64367
80
18
"Gotcha"
James Whitmore, Jr.
Carol Barbee
April 12, 2002 (2002-04-12)
64368
Owen coaxes stressed-out Sydney to participate in a water-pistol game; Joanie tries to fit in with younger culture as she returns to college.
81
19
"Great Expectations"
Ronald Victor Garcia
Rob Fresco nancy Won
April 19, 2002 (2002-04-19)
64369
Sydney debates with a deaf girl's estranged parents about getting the child a cochlear implant; a free-spirited woman (Marilu Henner) catches Jim's eye.
Romance blooms between Sydney and Owen (George Newbern); Jim must decide whether he would rather be with Georgia or with Meredith (Marcia Strassman).
83
21
"Smoke and Mirrors"
Ian Toynton
Jennifer Johnson & Mike Kelley
May 3, 2002 (2002-05-03)
64371
A dog show diva (Melissa Gilbert) brings her pooch to the Hansen clinic for emergency grooming; Sydney moves in with Owen for protection from a schizophrenic patient who has become obsessed with her.
84
22
"Out of Control"
Michael Fresco
Elle Triedman & Ann Hamilton
May 10, 2002 (2002-05-10)
64372
Sydney stays in Owen's apartment when her problems with Kevin persist; Tina has a medical emergency and gives birth prematurely.
Sydney starts to notice attractive men everywhere, including a globe-trotting doctor (Jeffrey Nordling).
87
3
"Cloak and Dagger"
Michael Fresco
Jennifer Johnson
October 18, 2002 (2002-10-18)
5003
Sydney meets Owen's enigmatic parents (Sally Kellerman, John Bennett Perry); Joanie tries to find out the identity of a flirtatious caller; Jim is arrested at a rally, making him late to Sydney and Owen's engagement party.
Bob Eubanks and Fabio appear in Sydney's dream about The Newlywed Game; Joanie interviews and animal expert on the radio.
89
5
"Things That Go Bump in the Night"
Tony Wharmby
Jennifer Cecil
November 1, 2002 (2002-11-01)
5005
Sydney misplaces her engagement ring, while Izzy says she does not want to leave the ER; Dr. Augustine mandates that Sydney work a double shift on Halloween night.
90
6
"The Heart of the Matter"
Kevin G. Cremin
Rob Fresco
November 8, 2002 (2002-11-08)
5006
Sydney tries to prevent a pregnant prisoner's (Lauren Holly) extradition to Florida; and an eccentric woman (Betty White) brings her flea-bitten dog to the clinic.
91
7
"Truth and Consequences"
Michael Fresco
Nancy Won
November 15, 2002 (2002-11-15)
5007
Sydney feels guilty about kissing Dr. Baylor (Jeffrey Nordling) as she heads to the county clerk's office with Owen to obtain a marriage license.
92
8
"Left-Overs"
James Quinn
Terrence Coli
November 22, 2002 (2002-11-22)
5008
Mayhem ensues when the dog gobbles up the Hansen's Thanksgiving turkey; Sydney works all weekend and misses her wedding show.
Owen rushes Sydney to the emergency room; Robbie signs up for dance lessons without consulting Tina; Rebecca Lynn Howard performs at the college.
94
10
"Eye of the Storm"
James Whitemore, Jr.
Carol Barbee Jennifer Cecil
December 13, 2002 (2002-12-13)
5010
Sydney responds to a tornado crisis in Tennessee; Joanie hires Owen to help fight a company that says it owns the rights to the name, "Joanie's Barkery."
95–96
11
"The Eleventh Hour"
Tony Wharmby
Elle Triedman
December 20, 2002 (2002-12-20)
5011
A shooting victim's father takes the emergency room hostage; a Chicago firm offers Owen a partnership; Sydney gets cold feet on the eve of her wedding.