All the component parts are here: the quirky characters, the original story ideas and, of course, Morrow's wonderfully, miserable and bitter Dr Fleischman. But, for some reason, the parts don't gel as seamlessly as in other episodes of this fine series. Not that it's a bad episode at all (and Northern Exposure, unfortunately, has plenty of those), just one that feels a bit lacking. Though, compared to most television fare on offer in the early 90s (and even today, for that matter), it's still some pretty enjoyable television.
The feud between Maurice and Chris is probably the best storyline of the three, but as it's relegated to a "B" story, it doesn't get a lot of screen time. Joel and Maggie's acrimonious early "courtship", while fun at times, can get a bit tedious. And even the main plot-line of Joel helping a local Indian healer, feels a little directionless at times. Still a solid episode though, just not up to the insanely high levels the series would reach in future shows.
The feud between Maurice and Chris is probably the best storyline of the three, but as it's relegated to a "B" story, it doesn't get a lot of screen time. Joel and Maggie's acrimonious early "courtship", while fun at times, can get a bit tedious. And even the main plot-line of Joel helping a local Indian healer, feels a little directionless at times. Still a solid episode though, just not up to the insanely high levels the series would reach in future shows.