Ep 8. Aurora Borealis: A Fairy Tale for Big People

In Northern Exposure season 1 episode 8, titled "Aurora Borealis: A Fairy Tale for Big People," the residents of Cicely, Alaska experience a natural phenomenon that sets the stage for some introspection and self-discovery.

As the episode opens, the town prepares for the aurora borealis, a stunning light show in the sky that is a rare occurrence in the lower 48 states. The residents of the town gather together to watch the spectacle, including Joel Fleischman (played by Rob Morrow), an uptight doctor who has recently moved to Cicely from New York City, and Maurice Minnifield (played by Barry Corbin), a wealthy former astronaut who owns most of the businesses in town.

As they watch the aurora borealis, the residents of Cicely are struck by its beauty, and their thoughts turn inward. In particular, Joel is forced to confront his own lack of connection to the world around him. A neurotic, anxious man who is more comfortable with hospitals and medical textbooks than nature, he struggles to make sense of the majesty of the aurora borealis.

Meanwhile, Chris Stevens (played by John Corbett), the town's quirky DJ and philosopher, tells a story over the radio about the origins of the aurora borealis. The story is a fairy tale about two Eskimo children named Kiviok and his little sister, who are caught in a blizzard while hunting. Lost and afraid, they are visited by the Goddess of the Northern Lights, who takes them on a magical journey through the wilderness and teaches them about the interconnectedness of all things.

As Chris narrates the story, the residents of Cicely find themselves drawn into its spell. They are moved by the simple beauty of the story and the wisdom it imparts about the natural world and our place within it. Even Joel, who is normally resistant to such fanciful tales, is moved by the story's message.

Throughout the episode, the aurora borealis serves as a metaphor for the interconnectedness of all things. It reminds the residents of Cicely that they are not alone in the world, and that their actions have ripple effects that extend far beyond their own lives and experiences.

In the end, "Aurora Borealis: A Fairy Tale for Big People" is a moving exploration of the power of nature to inspire awe and wonder in us all. It is a reminder that even in our most isolated moments, we are part of something much larger than ourselves, and that the natural world has the power to transform us in ways we cannot even imagine.