Ep 7. The Bad Seed

The episode "The Bad Seed" from season 4 of Northern Exposure follows the residents of Cicely as they deal with the arrival of a troubled teenager. The episode begins as Dr. Joel Fleischman (Rob Morrow) and Maggie O'Connell (Janine Turner) are discussing their plans for Thanksgiving when they notice a young boy running through the streets of Cicely. They soon discover that the boy, Phillip (played by Giovanni Ribisi), is a troubled teenager who has been sent to live with his aunt and uncle in Cicely after being kicked out of his previous school.

As Phillip begins to cause trouble around town, the residents of Cicely are forced to confront their own fears and prejudices. Ed (Darren E. Burrows) takes Phillip under his wing, hoping to guide him towards a better path, while Chris (John Corbett) sees the potential for a new musician in town. However, when Philip's troubled past comes to the surface, the town is forced to decide how to handle the situation.

Meanwhile, Maggie is struggling with her own personal demons. After running into an old flame in town, she begins to question her own choices and fears that she has made a mess of her life. As she grapples with these feelings, she finds solace in the unexpected friendship of a local artist.

Throughout the episode, the themes of forgiveness and acceptance are explored as the characters come to terms with the difficulties of their own lives. The stunning Alaskan scenery and quirky characters of Cicely combine to create a heartwarming and thought-provoking episode of Northern Exposure.

As always, the writing and acting in "The Bad Seed" are top-notch, with the guest appearance of a young Giovanni Ribisi adding an extra layer of depth to the character of Phillip. The episode is a standout in the series, exploring complex issues with sensitivity and humor. Fans of Northern Exposure will not be disappointed by this engaging and emotional installment of the show.