Ep 1. The Bumpy Road to Love

As the third season of Northern Exposure begins, viewers are transported back to the tranquil town of Cicely, Alaska, where quirky but lovable characters form the backbone of the show. In episode 1, titled "The Bumpy Road to Love," we find Dr. Joel Fleischman, the New York city-slicker doctor who was forced to work in the small Alaskan town as part of his medical school scholarship, still grappling with his love life.

Fleischman, played by Rob Morrow, has had a tumultuous romantic history in Cicely. He’s had relationships with many women, including former fiancee Elaine, who left him standing at the altar, and Shelly, the bubbly blonde and waitress at The Brick, who he’s now married to.

The episode picks up with Shelly and Joel in bed, nursing post-coital hangovers from celebrating their summer and one-year anniversary. Joel is feeling particularly introspective about their relationship, noticing the quirks and odd-behaviors of his wife that he once found endearing now begin to drive him crazy. He contemplates whether he is falling out of love with her. Despite this, he is still eager to celebrate their anniversary together. In his quest to make a grand romantic gesture, he plans a scenic helicopter ride over the beautiful Alaskan landscape. Things quickly take a turn when the helicopter suffers a mechanical failure and the couple is stranded in the wilderness with no reception.

Meanwhile, Maurice Minnifield, Cicely’s richest and most opinionated resident, is dealing with his own issues. He is preparing to run for the mayor of Cicely and is campaigning on a tough-on-crime, family values platform. However, the arrival of his rebellious son Duk Won threatens to derail his campaign and his relationship with his son. He has no idea how to handle his son, causing tension between the two.

And elsewhere in town, Chris, the radio DJ, tackles the topic of love- both the good and the bad, interviewing a series of locals about their experiences with love - from the inebriated at The Brick to couples in long-term relationships.

The episode is a departure from the usual tone of the show, as it has a more serious vibe, touching on themes such as love, relationships, and reconciliation. However, it still manages to infuse the episode with the unique humor and charm that Northern Exposure is known for. The show does an excellent job of balancing the different plotlines, giving equal screen time to all the characters, and exploring their relationships with each other with great depth.

Ultimately, "The Bumpy Road to Love" is a poignant and entertaining episode that skillfully combines humor, romance, and conflict. It sets the stage for what promises to be an exciting third season full of twists, turns, and surprises.