TMC
12-07-2015, 02:50 AM
http://www.vulture.com/2015/12/stay-tuned-jessica-jones-scrubs-northern-exposure.html
Why doesn't Northern Exposure get the love it deserves? I never see or hear the show referenced anywhere, and it's not available anywhere to digitally stream or purchase (that I've seen). I know the DVDs are a bit of a bust for true fans, because they replaced much of the copyrighted music, but that's not a good enough reason to ignore the show. —Tracey
Well … that's the reason, Tracey: Not being obviously or widely available will certainly reduce a show's chances of being part of the conversation. But that's not the only reason. Northern Exposure doesn't have any clear descendants and never really did — it's a fantastic show, but it's not clear which present-day shows owe their vibe in part to Northern Exposure. Compare that to how many shows can and should tip their hats to, say, ER in terms of visual style or The X-Files, in terms of ongoing complicated mythology. I wish there were more shows aspiring to be the next Northern Exposure, because I love that style, but quirky fish-out-of-water dramedies are not currently a mainstay. (RIP, Hart of Dixie.) The show's creators didn't go on to create other similar shows — like, say, David E. Kelley — and its leads didn't go on to other major shows. (No, Numb3rs is not a major show.) John Corbett, not a lead on Northern, is probably the most present alum, and that's because of his role as Aidan on Sex and the City, not because of Chris in the Morning. The most famous writer alum is David Chase — and he'll always be cited as "the creator of The Sopranos," not as "a producer of Northern Exposure."
But I feel you, Tracey. I love Northern Exposure, and I wish it were more widely beloved. At least Sisters is finally on DVD? There is not enough love for those early-'90s shows. Come to me, Picket Fences devotees. Let's talk about I'll Fly Away and The Days and Nights of Molly Dodd, or Dream On. Where are my fellow Life Goes On people? Brooklyn Bridge? Homefront? I have enough British cop shows, Netflix. How about a subsection of "surprisingly excellent early-'90s television."
Why doesn't Northern Exposure get the love it deserves? I never see or hear the show referenced anywhere, and it's not available anywhere to digitally stream or purchase (that I've seen). I know the DVDs are a bit of a bust for true fans, because they replaced much of the copyrighted music, but that's not a good enough reason to ignore the show. —Tracey
Well … that's the reason, Tracey: Not being obviously or widely available will certainly reduce a show's chances of being part of the conversation. But that's not the only reason. Northern Exposure doesn't have any clear descendants and never really did — it's a fantastic show, but it's not clear which present-day shows owe their vibe in part to Northern Exposure. Compare that to how many shows can and should tip their hats to, say, ER in terms of visual style or The X-Files, in terms of ongoing complicated mythology. I wish there were more shows aspiring to be the next Northern Exposure, because I love that style, but quirky fish-out-of-water dramedies are not currently a mainstay. (RIP, Hart of Dixie.) The show's creators didn't go on to create other similar shows — like, say, David E. Kelley — and its leads didn't go on to other major shows. (No, Numb3rs is not a major show.) John Corbett, not a lead on Northern, is probably the most present alum, and that's because of his role as Aidan on Sex and the City, not because of Chris in the Morning. The most famous writer alum is David Chase — and he'll always be cited as "the creator of The Sopranos," not as "a producer of Northern Exposure."
But I feel you, Tracey. I love Northern Exposure, and I wish it were more widely beloved. At least Sisters is finally on DVD? There is not enough love for those early-'90s shows. Come to me, Picket Fences devotees. Let's talk about I'll Fly Away and The Days and Nights of Molly Dodd, or Dream On. Where are my fellow Life Goes On people? Brooklyn Bridge? Homefront? I have enough British cop shows, Netflix. How about a subsection of "surprisingly excellent early-'90s television."