Northern Exposure is really finding its groove, and embracing all the eccentric personalities that make up the small town of Cicely, Alaska. Sadly, however, we are coming to the end of the first, incredibly short season.

A Kodiak Moment serves as the penultimate episode of the series’ inaugural season. It was written by Steve Wasserman and Jessica Klein, this one was first broadcast on 23 August, 1990.

Maurice (Barry Corbin) receives news that his brother has died, and now there’s no one to carry on the Minnifield name. So he decides that perhaps Chris (John Corbett) would be the best choice. Chris, between radio broadcasts, is happy to take on the idea, and the pair get along really well. That is until Maurice insists they play, and enjoy croquet, and here, any familial connection that they may have been fostered is squandered. They go their separate ways, though Chris makes a couple of good suggestions for Maurice’s legacy.

Meanwhile, Ed (Darren E. Burrow) brings news to Holling (John Cullum) that a bear that he has been hunting for years is passing through the area again, and the two head out to bag him, Ed with his camera, Holling with his rifle. Shelly (Cynthia Geary) insists on coming along, and consequently, she and Holling end up otherwise occupied throughout the course of the hunt.

Finally, Joel (Rob Morrow) and Maggie (Janine Turner) end up flying to a remote town so that Joel can give what he thinks is a talk on hygiene, it ends up being a pregnancy coaching class, something that Maggie insists he treats properly and respectfully. And it’s a good thing too, because one of the women is due… now.

It’s a fun episode, it’s delightful and has a lot of fun throughout. And Marilyn (Elaine Miles) seems to be able to steal any scene just with her presence.

Aurora Borealis: A Fairy Tale for Big People wraps up the first season and it goes out on a wonderful high note. Written by Charles Rosin, the premier season closed out on 30 August, 1990.

After discovering a giant footprint in the ground, Ed hints to Joel about someone or something named Adam. Joel doesn’t quite panic, but he’s all about getting as much security as he can. Is it Bigfoot? He’s not sure, but he’s not going to take any chances.

When he is forced to spend the night in his car following a house call, he encounters Adam (Adam Arkin), a Vietnam vet who stays out in the wilderness alone.

In other news, the full moon is taking its toll on the town, they are tired and behaving oddly. Chris cites a lot of Jungian analysis on dreams to help people out, but is also using the time to work on his new sculpture inspired by the Aurora Borealis. Still, when he returns to town, he encounters a lost biker, Bernard (Richard Cummings Jr), who seems to have some very familiar traits.

The pair are practically inseparable and it makes for some wonderful moments, moments that are echoed in Joel’s interactions with Adam. There is so much to love in this episode, and everything works perfectly.

There’s so much fun with Bernard and Chris, and the Adam story is brilliant. So good.

This is a fantastic episode, has some great moments, and really leans into the wonderful characters and writing that are going to be a hallmark of the series. Next time, it’s on to season two!