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Chicago Hope: "Mummy Dearest"
Chicago Hope: "Mummy Dearest" (originally aired 12/9/1996 on CBS)... Bradford Wittle
Plot Synopsis: Chicago Hope's Dr. Diane Grad, fresh from an African aid excursion with her new (and possessive) boyfriend, is surprised to find that Brad has taken her up on her offer to do infectious disease research using his ice-mummy, Lupita. The two driven scientists find they've got a lot in common, much to her boyfriend's dismay.
Review:
You can imagine how startled and pleased I was when I sat down to
watch an episode of one of my favorite dramas, and discovered that my
favorite actor was making a guest appearance. CBS's (fine, but
under-rated) answer to E.R. has had some great cameo appearances over
the years, including Isabella Rossellini and Alan Arkin. The show,
overall, depends more on unique plot-lines and witty, intelligent
writing than E.R.'s brand of fast-paced ensemble drama, and this
episode is no exception. We start off with the new couple Drs. Grad
and Cronk arguing over whether or not to start living together, and
the show's high-powered brain-surgeon in an altercation over a
parking spot. Quickly we're in the middle of an armed show-down as
hospital staff try to sort out what to do with the army of guards
accompanying an unexpected visitor: Brad Wittle (Julian) and his
frozen Peruvian mummy, Lupita.
First
impressions aside, Grad and Wittle manage to convince the hospital
administration to let her continue her proposed research (despite
having lost her infectious disease research grant months previously).
As the two scientists work over the precious mummy, Diane's torn
between the jealous and insensitive boyfriend and the attractive and
understanding anthropologist. There's more at stake than just a
relationship when Brad suggests she follow him and Lupita to Peru to
continue her research.
This is only
one of several major plotlines in this episode, as the brain surgeon
is confronted by pancakes on his windshield and a patient with
amnesia who's forgotten he's divorced, and Yule-tide cheer tries to
make its presence felt in the recently purchased hospital.
The show lives
up to its usual high standards (though that high quality has lapsed
some since this show aired) and Julian puts in a fine performance as
the attractive and dedicated scientist devoted to the ancient
mummified girl. The rare television appearance is a must-see for any
Julian Sands fan.
Availability: never released on home-video; may be seen in re-run at some point on CBS or the Lifetime cable network, but don't count on it. (Lifetime re-ran the episode in early November 1998, and that may have been your one and only chance.)