Review of Northern Exposure: Series 3

Introduction

Alaska was America`s 49th state, becoming so in 1959, but judging by the average US citizen`s opinion of it, you`d be forgiven for thinking that the cold territory was an entirely different country.

Of course, what is bizarre and scary in the real world is, for the most part, extremely profitable for the producers of TV and Film and so, complete with moose, indigenous people and `fish out of water New Yorker`, the first season of `Northern Exposure` arrived in 1990, and was followed by five more equally idiosyncratic yearly instalments.

`Northern Exposure` sees Dr Joel Fleischman (Rob Turner) take up residency in the fictional Alaskan town of Cicely, the State having funded his progression through medical school and, cleverly, included an (overlooked) impenetrable clause that means that he must practice medicine there for four years post-graduation. On the exterior, Fleischman (who is almost exclusively referred to by his surname) loathes the air of his prison town, remarking that he is, unfortunately, ``the one who is supposed to spend the next 4 years of his life in this Godforsaken hole in the wall pigsty with a bunch of dirty, psychotic rednecks!``. However, as time progresses and he becomes more at home in Cicely, Joel becomes not only a pillar of the community, but also very much one of the locals, much to his own (resentful) surprise.

Those already resident in the town include local pilot Maggie O`Connell (played by the frankly stunning Janine Turner) with whom Fleishman has a love hate relationship, which is duly reciprocated by O`Connell. Meanwhile, Local DJ and casual philosopher Chris (John Corbett of `Sex and the City` fame) provides a much needed voice of conscience and clarity to a town which is inhabited by intergenerational lovers (Local tavern landlord Holling, and the bimbo-esc Shelly), feckless but loveable film-obsessives (Ramones-look-alike Ed) and trigger happy ex- astronauts (Maurice).

Season three was the first of NE to feature what we now recognise as a standard number of episodes for a US comedy series, with 23 included here, compared to seasons 1 & 2 having only eight and seven episodes respectively. This allowed the writers to really expand the themes and relationships that had been touched on previously, and was reflected in the series winning a golden globe.

The third DVD instalment of the show sees the unlikely events of Fleischman giving respect to alternative forms of medicine, seeing his twin arrive in Cicely, learning the history of his `hole in the wall pigsty` and almost sleeping with O`Connell! The ever- contemplative Chris cuts his flowing locks and dons a suit in the name of `democracy` after flinging a piano in the superior name of `art`, and untouchably brilliant Chef and wise man Adam (Adam Arkin) makes several star-turns, including the marriage to his hypochondriac-extraordinaire beau Eve.

Video

The series is presented in its original 4:3 aspect ratio, and, to its detriment shows no signs of any great restoration project having been undertaken. On a more positive note, the flawed visual aspect only compounds the `gloomy yet likeable` aspect of the show, and so is not a great problem and definitely does nothing to detract from its appeal.

Must I always make excuses for DVD inadequacies?

Audio

Great theme tune meets an average soundtrack. The problem with the music chosen is without a doubt its eclecticism; there is no particular mood, other than it includes examples of `out there` music which happily deviates from anything approaching the pop charts of the time. Jazz, world music and Classical examples all rub shoulders, but never shake hands

The Dolby 2.0 audio quality is fair to good, but should not hamper your decision to purchase this Set.

Features

What we get:
Extended and deleted scenes for each and every one of the twenty-three episodes.

What we DON`T get: (the ones that I made up)
A documentary about Rosalyn, Washington - the real location of Cicely, `Being Fleishman` (Interview with Rob Turner)`, `Throwing the piano` … behind the scenes look at `Burning Down the House` episode, and `Indigenous and In the cold` - A documentary on the Alaskan natives.

Conclusion

Whereas we have `Royston Vasey` and `Dibley`, whose parent program bares more than a passing resemblance to `Northern Exposure` (Swap the doctor for a vicar and you`re away. That Richard Curtis is one cheeky fellow!), our friends across the pond had Cicely, Alaska and Twin Peaks. Yet, although we are not looking at a representation of the outer-limits of our society as the US audience did and continue to do on DVD, there is still much to enjoy.

In every way a product of its time and of its Country, the DVD of the third season of `Northern Exposure` nevertheless achieves a great balance of drama, comedy and intoxicating Alaskan charm. One thing is for sure, a show like this would not be possible these days - technological advances and `progress` (in all its dirty and magnificent glory) will have moved the Northern State closer to its countrymen, and away from the odd-ball retreat depicted on screen.

Fleishman`s New York, almost Woody Allen-like persona is a great relief from the town`s customs and ways. His deprecation and questioning brings the locals down to earth, and his lack of knowledge about his new hometown is a great tool for exploration into Cicely`s many nooks and crevices, both geographically and historically. On the occasion that it gets all spiritual `on yo ass`, then viewing becomes far from essential (relying on the pretentious rather more than it does on the earnest), but these moments are thankfully scarce.

Chris` quoting of the great thinkers and writers brings what many would agree is an intellectual element to the show. In the same manner as `Frasier`, constant reference to things of classic (as opposed to contemporary) import enhances this as a DVD, making it something which approaches timelessness.

In fact, this may be the key to the show`s enduring success. Whilst it is 1990s through and through, it seemingly has a longevity that will endure even longer than your DVD player will.

Stephen Moose.