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