Heartbeat

We're talking late-80s era California medical clinic for women. They have everything, and everyone. The rich the poor, the greedy the non. Somewhere between Eve's rolled, taught blonde hair and Joanne's big glasses, they've got it pegged. It was truly something you'd expect to see were you to walk into a west-coast women's clinic in 1987. It also had the classics faced by true businesses and associates, from the openly lesbian Marilyn and her partner Patty, to the rough and tumble pro-choice of Eve and pro-life of Joanne. And than, it was trumped by Clooney and his cast in ER. (no REAL complaints, he was gorgeous, but this.... this one I miss).

Heartbeat was a short lived drama about the drama behind the scenes at a Women's Health clinic headed up by Kate Mulgrew. Story lines included her relationship with fellow doctor on staff, Leo as well as the lives of the other physicians as taking place within the clinic. Kudos to Laura Johnson for her role as a no-nonsense female physician. One of her most memorable quotes: "Take a picture, it'll last longer" directed at a crew of lazy construction workers taking a timeout for a catcall. At it's core, Heartbeat was a reminder of the miracle of life, as almost every episode played out scenes of the miracles of giving birth and bringing new life into the world.

...and I really enjoyed it. Which is probably why it got cancelled so quickly. It was the precursor to the ensemble cast medical shows like "ER" and "Chicago Hope." Rather than being set in a hospital, "Heartbeat" took place in a women's OB-GYN clinic. It had all of the requisite situations; pregnancy, infertility, abortion, rape, lesbians, sexual tension between the doctors, you name it. Kate Mulgrew was excellent, as usual, with her take-no-prisoners attitude that has served her well in just about every role she has played. Lynn Whitfield was a gem, as was Laura Johnson and Gail Strickland. If, for some odd, remote chance, this ever pops up on TV, give it a look. It will probably seem a little dated now, but it was an excellent show for its time.

This series was way ahead of it's time . . . Not only were there mostly women doctors in the practice (headed up by Kate Mulgrew and Laura Johnson to name a few . . . ) But Gail Strickland and Gina Hecht played a wonderful lesbian couple !!! I was still very deep in the closet and was shocked to see women in a relationship that was working. This was pre-Ellen . . . This was the first time I remember lesbians being part of an ensemble cast. I thought they were brilliant for having the story revolve around a Women's Clinic. Having so many stories to choose from.

There has been so little information out there on this series. I really wish someone would come forward and release the DVD's !!! Maybe time has caught up with the series ??? Hint, Hint Hint !!! :-) :-)