I didn't miss an episode when this series first came out, it was so fresh and different. Since then, the fish-out-of-water formula - outsider in a remote place filled with quirky characters - has reappeared many times (Doc Martin immediately comes to mind), but Northern Exposure was a great forerunner. Really wonderful off-the-wall and distinctive characters whose back stories continued to unfold in surprising ways. Intelligent, clever dialogue and chuckles. The storylines were really inventive and thought-provoking too. Watching it now, I believe the series holds up, with a few caveats. The fantasy/dream sequences became a bit "not again" for me. The gentle comedy is certainly more prevalent in the earlier seasons. Some of the story arcs become tired, such as the will-they-won't-they between Joel and Maggie, and Joel retaining all of his obnoxiousness with zero softening. And the last season is very hit or miss and pretty weird when the characters depart from what makes them who they are - episodes where moral, philosophical Chris becomes downright creepy, loveable Ed shows he can be mean, Shelley can be vindictive and sensible Ruth-Anne becomes love-addled. But, forget the last season - I definitely recommend a re-watch. May not be everyone's cup of tea, but for me, I loved the return to Cicely, Alaska.
Review of Northern Exposure
