Ep 18. Northern Lights

In Northern Exposure season 4 episode 18, titled "Northern Lights," the residents of the quirky Alaskan town of Cicely prepare for the annual spring thaw. As the snow melts and the days grow longer, they start to reflect on what the future holds.

Chris, the town's philosophical radio DJ, is particularly affected by the coming of spring. As he watches the Northern Lights dance across the sky, he contemplates the meaning of life and his own place in the world. Meanwhile, Shelly, the bubbly blonde waitress at the town's diner, nervously anticipates the arrival of her husband's ex-girlfriend.

Joel, the town's resident doctor, is also feeling restless. He begins to wonder if he's made the right choice in settling down in Cicely and if it's time for him to move on. This internal conflict only intensifies after he has a bizarre dream about a woman who claims to be his long-lost sister.

Maggie, the feisty bush pilot, is also dealing with her own issues. After nearly crashing her plane, she's forced to confront her fear of dying and the impact it could have on her relationships with those around her.

As the thaw continues, old wounds are reopened, and new opportunities arise. The residents of Cicely must navigate the challenges ahead and decide what path they want to take.

"Northern Lights" is a poignant episode that explores some of the deeper themes of the series. It's a reminder that even in small towns, big issues can arise, and that everyone must eventually face their own mortality. With its stunning visuals and thought-provoking dialogue, this episode is a standout in an already impressive season.