"Rites of Passage" is the fourteenth episode of season 1 of Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman.
After Dr. Mike catches Matthew and Ingrid kissing in the barn, Ingrid has an asthma attack. Michaela worries that Matthew might do something he'll regret and they are at odds over his future. Matthew sets out to prove to others and himself that he is a grown man ready to take on life. He gets a shave at Jakes's barber shop then a drink at Hank's saloon, and he is caught by Dr. Mike coming out of the saloon from seeing Myra. He says he wants to marry Ingrid but Dr. Mike forbids it, telling him he's too young. Matthew storms off, frustrated by her over-protectiveness and his desire for independence. After talking with Sully, Matthew undertakes a vision quest, a Cheyenne ceremony in which a man searches for direction. Sully reminds Dr. Mike that she became a doctor and came out to Colorado Springs despite her mother's disapproval. Matthew decides he is going to save money and build a house before marrying Ingrid. Dr. Mike gives him the engagement ring her fiancé, a doctor who died in the Civil War, gave her.
This episode provides examples of:
- Asthma Peril: Ingrid has an asthma attack when Michaela catches her with Matthew.
- Heirloom Engagement Ring: Michaela gives Matthew the engagement ring her fiancé, a doctor who died in the Civil War, gave her.
- "Not So Different" Remark: Sully reminds Dr. Mike her mother's disapproval did not stop her from becoming a doctor or moving to Colorado Springs, and that her disapproval is not going to stop Matthew from pursuing the life he wants with Ingrid.
- Rite of Passage: To prove that he is a grown man ready to take on life, Matthew gets a shave at Jakes's barber shop then a drink at Hank's saloon. Later, after talking with Matthew, he undertakes a Cheyenne vision quest.
- The Talk: Sully awkwardly tries to talk to Matthew about sex.
