Ep 18. Fish Story

In the 18th episode of the fifth season of Northern Exposure, titled "Fish Story," the townsfolk of Cicely come together to compete in a fishing derby. The competition is spurred by the arrival of a wealthy businessman, Arthur P. Smith, who has promised to donate a large sum of money to the town if they can catch a particular rare fish, the "Grayling."

The citizens of Cicely form teams and set out to catch the elusive fish, but things don't go as planned. Joel ends up getting injured and is forced to sit out, while Chris falls victim to his own superstitions and sabotages his team's chances. Meanwhile, Maggie struggles with her feelings for Mike, who she realizes she has fallen in love with.

As the derby progresses, tensions rise and the competition becomes more cutthroat. Ruth-Anne's team goes to great lengths to cheat by using a high-tech fishing rod, while Ed and Marilyn team up to catch the Grayling by using traditional Native American fishing methods. In the end, it all comes down to a showdown between the two teams.

Amid the fishing frenzy, Arthur P. Smith makes a surprise appearance and it becomes clear that he has ulterior motives for the derby. As the truth is revealed, the townsfolk are forced to confront their own desires and motivations.

With its mix of drama, comedy, and quirky characters, "Fish Story" is a standout episode of Northern Exposure. The fishing derby serves as a backdrop for exploring deeper themes of community, identity, and human nature. As always, the show deftly blends humor with heartfelt moments, leaving viewers with a satisfying and thought-provoking experience.