> "Decision in the Ring" was the very first episode filmed after the pilot, and
I think the producers were still in the process of figuring out what Kimble
would and wouldn't do, what would work for the character and what would not
work.  I think it's important to keep that in mind when criticizing the first
dozen or so episodes especially.

This is actually the first of many episodes where Kimble gets to use his
physician's skills. It would have been much more effective for me if they had
emphasized more what Kimble has lost personally in losing his ability to use his
professional skills to help others. Mending a few cuts for someone who is
actively working at getting beaten up is a cruel parody. In later episodes, we
will often see him using his skills while having to disguise it. I did find it
interesting to see him encouraging someone else to take advantage of the
opportunity to become a doctor when they have the chance, something he can no
longer be.

That said, this was really a bold move in the 60's to present an articulate,
intelligent black family fighting the stereotypes of the day.