Watch Northern Exposure with me: Episode 1-5

"Russian Flu" introduced Fleischman's fiancee, Elaine, who sports some truly awesome 80s hair. I'd forgotten that this episode is so early into the series' run. Fifth ep in seems a bit too soon to bring in a piece of Joel's former New York life.

It's interesting to me that Joel and Elaine never confront the idea that Joel has already changed as a result of his stay in Cicely (or maybe he hadn't changed that much, yet). The only point of contention is Maggie, and whether or not she may be a threat to Elaine. Usually, this storyline would include that element of "you've changed," but it really doesn't here. If Joel sees the relationship in a different light, it's only because of his subconscious feelings for Maggie, as implied by the dream sequence, which is probably the most notable part of the episode (aside from the truly strange Twin Peaks homage near the end).

Strange beginning with a voiceover. It's not clear to whom Joel is speaking. Out of character and sloppy.

Now, about that New York dream sequence... this is something that pops up again with the season 6 premiere -- the premise of Joel imagining his Cicely peers in New York, although their roles are very different in each episode. Here, Joel meets Maurice and Chris on the street (with the latter filling in for Larry King!). Furthermore, he recognizes them all as their Cicely-selves, merely transplanted into a metropolis. Holling is a doorman (why? because he's in the hospitality business?) and Shelly is a high-priced call girl (huh?). Maddeningly, Marilyn is Joel's maid (much like the maid she plays in "Cicely" -- why - because she's not white??) Ed is the elevator operator (but he still has his famous filmmaker friends). Seriously, why is everyone in a servile position in this dream? Maybe it says something about Joel's subconscious. The important part is that Elaine becomes Joel's sister in the dream, dutifully making chicken soup and watching over his children. Maggie, naturally, plays some sort of Amelia Earhart sexpot, in a bomber jacket and bra. I find this sequence a little obvious, with few of the unexpected twists that would pop up in later episodes. It's a good precursor to later, more imaginative dream sequences.

The second "dreamy" sequence comes near the conclusion of the episode, when Holling offers to take Joel and Elaine to a scenic waterfall, which turns out to be covered in fog. There are a few clear references to Twin Peaks - cherry pie, the log lady, the music, snapping, etc. The cinematography is slightly Lynch-ian as well. It's fun, but really jarring - and unclear as to whether or not the scene is a fantasy or part of the reality of the episode.

P.S. - is "Red" Dr. Anspaugh from ER?