Ep 2. The Big Kiss

In season 2 episode 2 of Northern Exposure titled "The Big Kiss," we find our quirky cast of characters in Cicely, Alaska, dealing with the universal experience of love and its complications.

The episode follows Dr. Joel Fleischman, a recent transplant to Cicely, as he navigates his relationship with Maggie O'Connell. Despite their initial dislike for each other, there has always been an undeniable chemistry between the two. In this episode, Joel finally sums up the courage to ask Maggie out on a date but is met with unexpected obstacles.

Meanwhile, Holling, the proprietor of the local bar, The Brick, is struggling to connect with his girlfriend Shelly. Worried that Shelly is losing interest in him, he tries to figure out what he can do to rekindle their romance. A surprise visit from an old flame, however, threatens to upend everything they’ve built together.

As always, the show's humor and heartwarming moments are on full display. We see Ed, the town's budding filmmaker, working on a documentary about a local artist. Chris, the radio DJ, shares his philosophical musings on love, while Maurice, the wealthy businessman, tries to hide his heartbreak after a failed relationship.

In this episode, the overarching theme is the complexity of love and relationships. We see characters grappling with fear, rejection, and the possibility of heartbreak. At the same time, we witness the undeniable bonds that hold the community of Cicely together, even in the face of difficulty.

Overall, "The Big Kiss" is an engaging and well-executed episode that showcases the strengths of Northern Exposure as a whole. The writing is sharp and funny, and the characters continue to be fully realized and multi-dimensional. The show's unique blend of humor, drama, and quirkiness make it a standout in the world of television. If you're a fan of shows that explore the human experience in all its complexity, Northern Exposure is a must-watch.