Northern Exposure

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.

No matter where you hear about this show it is obvious even here that people can only say good things about it. I decided to comment on it based on my belief that the series contained some of the greatest television writing that I can remember. The scripts were excellently compelling and intriguing. Just when you thought that you could label a character and prophesize what they were to do next their personalities were stretched. Over the course of the shows six seasons they characters acted out brilliantly by the likes of John Corbett, Janine Turner, and Rob Morrow created what I and many others would select as the best hour-long program to ever hit the tube.

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.

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'm not much of a "TV series" watcher. Most of them are extremely shallow or violent or forced funny. The very few I have really enjoyed over the years are MASH, TAXI, and Northern Exposure. That's not many, in over 40 years of viewing.

All 3 of the series I've enjoyed have common threads - they are set in unique locations, have a broad array of quirky characters, are extremely well-written and acted, are genuinely funny in just the right places, and most of all, leave you with a really genuine "message" about life and relationships. Without fail.

Of the 3 I mention, Northern Exposure is the best, in my opinion. My favorite is the episode where Maggie and Maurice go half-and-half to buy and build a small airplane, have a falling out that ends up just perfect, and the final scene, with the airplane flying during the funeral was so emotional that it brings tears to my eyes every time I see it.

Unfortunately, when Rob Morrow left the show, it was never the same. I suspect the same would have happened if any of the 5 or 6 key characters had departed. After 5 years it was probably time anyway. But it lives on via DVD sets.

In a completely unexpected way I was able to meet Barry Corbin who created the memorable character Maurice. He was in the cast of a TV movie called "A Face To Kill for", being filmed near my home in August of 1998. My wife and I were extras for a week at the horse track and during the set up for an inside scene Corbin sat with me at a small table. We chatted for a couple of minutes as the sound man got things sorted, he was very gracious and kind. So I have an extra special memory of "Northern Exposure."

Update January 2024: The seasons are now available streaming on Prime, I have been enjoying re-watching them from season one, episode one. It is like seeing old friends after a long absence.