here's this bug going around in the Jew-

Wednesday evening, to that now-

ish community. Its symptoms: Feelings

familiar harmonica theme music, Pr.

of emptiness, loneliness and nostalgia

Fleischman, perhaps the most complex

at 10 o'clock on Wednesday nights.

Jewish character ever on a television

Our favorite Jewish doctor has just

series, exited from prime time. The

left "Northern Exposure," the op ir[;/ and

departure came just in time for the Feb-

unconventional drama set in small-town

ruary ratings "sweeps," the all-important

Alaska.

period when networks beam their best

housecall to millions of viewers Wednes-

and longest-awaited programs in hopes

of drawing the most viewers.

day night, arrived in Cicely, Alaska, five

In recent episodes leading to Pr Fleisch-

years ago against his will. but, overtime

man's finale, actor Rob Morrow's char-

and over television seasons, he grew to

acter settled in a remote Alaskan village,

love the icy little outpost where moose

where he subsisted on hunting, fishing

roam the main streets.

and almost a total absence of creature

As the opening credits rolled

FEBRUAR Y

Dr. Joel Fleischman, who made his final

47

