Northern Exposure: An Essay

Many years ago, when Northern Exposure was in its first run in the early- to mid-‘90s, I missed most of the first and second “seasons” (each under 10 episodes, as NoEx was originally a mid-season/summer replacement). I vaguely remember seeing some of the mid-series and later-series eps, but having missed out on the early seasons, I was not familiar with the character backgrounds and did not fully appreciate the brilliance of the series. Having rediscovered NoEx on DVD, I have a new appreciation for the show.

( Rambly thoughts behind the clicky. Some spoilers apply. )