Northern Exposure

I've read the reviews. You either get it or you don't. Perhaps the finest American show ever. Most tv shows are easy to follow because there's little subtext. It isn't always what you see, it's what you don't see in this gem. Quirky characters with quirky story lines. Rugged individualism, community, a sense of belonging. The love of these disparate characters thrown together makes magic. Native Americans and transplants alike. People with a love of the outdoors, young folks and older folks making a life in a small town and thriving. I suspect some of the poor reviews are from individuals who don't like the political underpinnings. The show can be downright subversive. An American astronaut who can be bigoted but you like him anyway. A Jewish doctor who is a republican. A women bush pilot from Grosse Point Michigan who is a democrat. Today in a tv show or movie these characters would be mocked. It dares to use stereotypes and treat differences with respect. These people love one another because of their differences. Each episode gives you just enough to keep you coming back for more.. I hadn't seen the show in thirty years and because of work schedules and missed most episodes. The cast of this show may be the finest ever. Please take a look.

Was a big fan of Northern Exposure when it started back in 1990. Always wondered if it would hold up and why it wasn't streaming. Fortunately Northern Exposure is now available (I saw it free on Amazon Prime) and indeed holds up close to 34 years later. I'm pretty sure I'm enjoying Northern Exposure as much now, an old man, as I did then. The stories are still good and the characters are like old friends. Ed is my favorite, then Ruth Ann, then Chris-who has the best job in the world. Yeah, Joel is still annoying...but it's key to the character. The age difference between Shelly and Holling is odd, but was 34 years ago as well. Forgot how good the music was also.

Dr. Joel Fleischman (Rob Morrow) graduates from medical school expecting to fulfill his scholarship obligations in Anchorage. Instead, ex-NASA astronaut and town big wig Maurice J. Minnifield (Barry Corbin) forces him to be the new doctor in the remote small town of Cicely, Alaska for three years. It is an eccentric town filled with eccentric characters. Maggie O'Connell (Janine Turner) is the beautiful pilot. Holling Vincoeur (John Cullum) runs the diner with his child-bride Shelly Marie Tambo (Cynthia Geary). Marilyn Whirlwind (Elaine Miles) is his quiet assistant and Ed Chigliak (Darren E. Burrows) is the film-geek sidekick. Chris Stevens (John Corbett) is the philosophical radio DJ.

It was in the dead of winter out in the cold backwaters of Manitoba as a bunch of us mostly college kids on a 3 month job stint sitting around watching Northern Exposure. For some reason, it was fitting. And it was the first time I saw a trebuchet. This has a fun cast with Fleischman as the fish out of water character. It could have gone much longer, but Rob Morrow often disappeared in the later years. It wasn't the same show without him.

I loved this show and it's quirky ensemble. The stories were clever and there will never be another show quite like this one. I loved each and everyone of the characters. I also loved how they used some of the psychological aspects of the episodes. My favorite epys include episodes involving Shelly during her pregnancy particularly one where she sees the phases of her daughters life as though seeing the future of her child. Another are the episodes with the Rabbi and Joel Fleischman; Maggie and the Bear who magically transform into a handsome man in order to be with her for a few days is one of the most romantic and classic Northern Exposure episodes. I miss this show, but thank God for reruns.

I love this series. With the current state of affairs, it seems like a nostalgic glimpse into Americana that, for the most part, no longer seems to exist. The first season has its ups and downs but as it continues the characters develop as a wonderful ensemble.

The story revolves around a doctor just graduating from medical school, Joel Fleischman (Rob Morrow). Lacking the funds to pay for medical school outright, Dr. Fleischman agrees to practice in the state of Alaska in exchange for financial support. Expecting to practice in a larger city, Dr. Fleischman ends up in the small town or village of Cicely. He longs to return to New York but begins to learn how to adapt to small town life. Along the way he becomes a part of fabric of his community.

Having aired over thirty years ago there may be some moments that would be questioned now but not many. The fictional Cicely and its inhabitants are now a throwback to a time where everyone knew almost everything about anyone in the town but without the anger, outrage, talk of vengeance or desire to seek retribution that floods the collective American experience today. The writing in the series is superb and the breadth of humanity in the episodes is a treasure. Maybe I am wrong that it is not a white-washed version of the 1950s but instead a more hopeful exploration of the potential of life well lived in the United States of America.