Sam Byrd, the family's father, accepts a headmaster's position at a private school in Hawaii, which his children attend along with local students.

Originally doctor to Franny, the temperamental middle child who is the most obviously traumatized by her mother's death, Murray eventually treats Sam, the children's father who is also suffering from the loss of his wife.

A voice of reason who counsels his patients with an unconventional bedside manner, the doctor makes significant progress with Franny and Sam.

Variety television critic Tony Scott describes the series as a 'viable if familiar concept for family viewing' that 'plays comfortably and attractively.'

'[3] Jerry Schwartz of the Associated Press describes the series as 'an archipelago in a sea of earnestness' that does have 'an occasionally quirky sense of humor.