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.

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.

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.

The creators of Northern Exposure (NX) gave us a true viewing treat. While many shows tend to dumb down to the audience, NX asked you to wise up to it. With dialogue that in some cases you needed a dictionary for, you had a sense that this is how people should interact with one another. Although the characters were sometimes tough on each other, it was done lovingly. For example, Maurice and Joel never really liked each other, but would always be there to help each other out, out of respect. If only we lived in a world like this. With all that said, you sensed these characters were for real. As if you had been transplanted into Cicely, Alaska.

NX wasn't all mushy either. It picked its moments, and did so with perfect vigor. Intertwined were moments of humor, sometimes laugh out loud, sometimes feel-good with a smile. Joshua Brand and David Falsey found a way to work your emotions, tugging on them like a heartstring. You really fall in love with the characters. Never have I seen a show where you cared so much about what happened to them, with many elements of surprises. I found myself even weeping with Maurice (probably the coldest of the main characters) when he mourned his brother during a Kaddish that Joel was giving in remembrance to his Uncle Manny. You know why? Because you learned of his brother's passing and how it affected Maurice throughout the series. You really felt his pain. As well, I laughed out loud when Joel was being accused of being a Russian spy by the town when they were sick or when a recently squished Rick was brought in on the satellite that killed him during his funeral. I couldn't help but smile when after a picture was taken of everyone at Joel's house; they just scanned over it while Chris talked about being a community and what it means to be neighborly.

This show really taught me a lot, too. I learned of Shittake mushrooms, good French wines, Ingmar Bergman, tribal customs and stories, and clarified butter. I began watching this show in my mid-twenties when it was aired on A&E. I was just discovering the world around me and became a major influence on how I think and act now. I never knew a show that did as much research on things as this. They dig out obscure information that is true. They writers really did their homework and delivered with results. I wish there could be more creative writing in an era where reality shows and asinine sitcoms dominate the airwaves.

If you get the chance, do yourself a favor. Watch NX, and do it from the beginning. You'll be treated to hours of enjoyment. Especially Chris Steven's diatribes, which gave you moments of reflection. I have every episode on tape and watch it over and over. Everyone I've turned on to this show ends up loving it. One person even dreamt (in their sleep) about being there from time to time. I have shared that same experience. It usually comes when I haven't watched it in a while. I guess you can say I get withdrawal symptoms. Northern Exposure is addicting. A kind of drug I love being addicted to.

This show is so accurately written and filmed that all people can identify with the eclectic people of fictional Cicely, Alaska. There won't be any more intelligent and cinematic shows like this again! We are stuck watching bland sitcoms or turning off the TV(not a bad suggestion). I used to live in Alaska for 4yrs. and the people there are the most diverse and friendly that I have ever come across. Each episode draws us into the lives and problems and joys of the cast along with the beautiful scenery and Native Indian influences that are VERY accurate, such as the Tlingtit tribe and Athabaskans. A pure treasure that I will enjoy for years to come. Please watch and I dare you not to become attached to the quirky characters of "Northern Exposure". Joel, the displaced NY doctor who has to work off his college scholarship learns invaluable lessons of life from the wonderful people of Cicely. I wish they had made a lot more episodes! Brand and Falsey created a masterpiece that is still copied today but never come close to being as well written and filmed. I LOVE THIS SHOW!