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All good things must come to an end and the end of "Northern
Exposure" continued to be very good when the writing was
top notch. It's clear though that the series had run its
course as the energy level had sagged. Bringing on comedian/actor
Paul Provenza was an inspired bit of casting and he did
help reinvigorate the series at times. Provenza plays Dr.
Phil Capra who becomes the fish-out-of-water that Joel Fleischman
(Rob Morrow) was during the first season. Really this was
designed as a transitional season until the producers got
the word that they wouldn't be back for a seventh season
and, as such, it has all the earmarks of passing the baton.
The series finale wasn't designed as such until after the
producers discovered that their show wasn't going to be
back for season seven. A few reshoots and we had closure
for a series that was quirky, funny and often heart warming
in a genuine way. ***
Those unhappy with substituted music will be unhappy
here as well as it continues. The show continues to be good
but when music is as essential as it is here, substituting
music changes the entire feel of a show. I realize that
licensing issues prevented the inclusion of every song for
the series but at some point the right thing to do is to
pay the licensing fee. Yes, it eats into profits but you
want happy fans as they will buy other series from Universal
if they are treated right. This same issue dogged "Quantum
Leap" and damaged that set as well in particular during
some important episodes. Integrity is rare in the entertainment
business and continues to be elusive when it comes to doing
the right thing. ---
Image & Sound:
As with previous sets "Northern Exposure" looks quite
good. The images are occasionally a bit soft and there are
some minor compression artifacts that crop up from time
to time but overall the show looks and sounds quite good.
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