Reviews (4)

How the town of Cicely came to be named for Cicely
"Cicely" (Season 3-Episode 23, May 18, 1992) finds Joel encountering Ned Svenborg (Robert Blossom), a 108-year-old man who tells him the story of how the little Alaskan town of Cicely came to be back in 1909. It seems way back when the community was a cultural mecca known as "the Paris of the North," established by a free-thinker named Cicely (Yvonne Suhor) and her companion Roslyn (Jo Anderson). As Ned tells his story, Joel imagines the town's present citizens as the characters in Ned's tale: Ed becomes the young Ned, Maurice is the power hungry Mace Mobrey, Chris is his hired gun Kit, Shelly is the young harlot Sally, Holling is Abe the man who loves her, and Maggie is missionary woman Mary OKeefe. Joel, of course, is Franz Kafka, who is struggling with an idea for a story about metamorphosis. As Ned tells the tale of how Cicely was intended to be a utopian paradise and her tragic fate, Joel appears to have some appreciation for what a special little town he is stuck in by a simple twist of fate. Of all the Cicely history episodes, this one is definitely the best. The final episode of the third season, "Cicely" was written by Diane Frolov and Andrew Schneider, this episode was directed by Rob Thompson. Did you know?: In Italy "Northern Exposure" was known as "Un medico tra gli orsi," which translates as "A doctor between the bears."

INCREDIBLE
If I hadn't been a Northern Exposure fan already, I certainly would have become one while watching this episode. I found it to be incredibly moving in so many respects. It can really stand alone as a marvelous piece of historical fiction. Put in the context of the series,however, it marks a true turning point. None of Cicely's residents will be able to look at their town in quite the same way, least of all Joel. Setting the much-awaited Cicely history lesson aside, the last scene of the epsode says it all for me. Joel can finally see past the snow, the mud and the miles between himself and New York City to see the heart and soul of a little town on the cusp of the new Alaskan Riviera.

Possibly one of the best things I've seen on TV.
This was the episode that made me fall in love with Northern Exposure. I found this episode to be incredibly moving, tender, and touching. Even if you've never seen the show, I still think it's worth seeing because it's so good.

An absolute "must-have" for any Northern Exposure fan.
"Cicely" answers many of the important questions about the town of Cicely. How it got it's name, who lived there first, etc. No one can claim to be a true NE fan and not own this episode... END ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Maggie, Maurice and Marilyn take stock of their lives
The fourth season of "Northern Exposure" opened with "Northwest Passage" (September 28, 1992), which refers to Maggie's depression over her 30th birthday as she becomes obsessed with the idea she is growing old and is missing out on life. Joel, of course, provides no comfort whatsoever, so by way of a solution Maggie enacts an Indian ritual to put her past to rest. Meanwhile, Maurice has commenced working on his memoirs and Marilyn has asked poor Chris to teach her how to drive. Written by Robin Green, "Northwest Passage" was directed by Dean Parisot. Nothing spectacular happens in this episode, which makes it an interesting choice for inclusion in this video collection, but it does give a nice character study of the M characters of Maggie, Maurice and Marilyn, which, obviously, is the point. This one is for true fans of "Northern Exposure," and not the casual viewer.

Maggie Reaches a Crossroad
This episode is so important to those who are dealing with the inevitable "sands of the hourglass" reaches certain years of our lives. Maggie is turning the big "3-0" and wants to have closure with her past dead boyfriends and sets out alone to purge them only to find, in a fever- induced hallucination, that they all blame her for their downfall! Meanwhile, back in Cicely, the ever pompous Maurice is driving everyone crazy recording his memoirs and Chris ends up literally driving Marilynne crazy as she takes driving lessons from him. Marilyne decides to walk and Joel saves Maggie and tenderly stays with her in the hospital with a kiss on the forehead. A sweet glimpse of things to come.....

it is great
like it so much but my cable company take out the chanel where I see i ... Read more

Amazon.com

The best Christmas material from two-and-a-half decades of Saturday Night Live is collected in this video, which gets off to a raucous start by presenting Chevy Chase's (literally) unbalanced rendition of President Gerald Ford decorating the White House Christmas tree.A number of memorable Christmas satires appear, including Eddie Murphy's spoof of Mr. Rodgers, Ana Gasteyer appearing in the "Martha Stewart Topless Christmas Special," and even Adam Sandler's "Hanukkah Song."Some of the best material is from the show's early freewheeling years: a classic bit with guest Candice Bergen, playing an uptight newswoman, being suitably offended while interviewing an irresponsible and utterly sleazy toy manufacturer (Dan Ackroyd); John Belushi doing a silent yet brilliant turn as a hard-drinking department store Santa; and the entire original cast taking part in an elaborate (by the show's early standards) production number.Also appearing in the video compilation are cast members Bill Murray, Jane Curtin, Phil Hartman, Mike Myers, and Dana Carvey, as well as guests Steve Martin, Danny DeVito, Paul Simon, William Shatner, and Alec Baldwin (who visits the NPR ladies to deliver a wickedly deadpan talk about his Christmas balls).Saturday Night Live has been notoriously uneven over the years, but this video is a full stocking of consistently inspired writing and performances. --Robert J. McNamara ... Read more

Reviews (9)

Prettty good mix of old and new
I'm a pretty big SNL fan. I don't get to watch as much as I'd like to anymore, but it's the most consistent funny show on tv. The SNL Christmas special is a great DVD.

It does have some notable skits. I love the skit with Alec Baldwin and the NPR ladies. It's so funny because all of them play being so serious so well. I laugh so hard every time I see this skit.

I liked the Martha Stewart topless christmas. She is such an easy target to make fun of and they do it great in this skit. Martha Stewart is annoying because of the way she talks and the way she presents herself. They spoof it so well in topless christmas. It's one of the better skits on the dvd.

All the skits with old SNL members are great. Dan Akroyd is one of the funniest guys to live and his skits as the toliet paper saleman and the toymaker are great.

Are two favorite SNL drunks Farley and Belushi both have some good stuff there fans should like.

Adam Sandler does the Hannakuh song. It's not the best version of the song, but it is the original and what a funny song it is.

I love this DVD. It's one of the better best of's they've made and I'm glad it's part of my collection.

SNL XMAS PAST AND PRESENT. a little more past please!
A good look at the best xmas skits from SNL, except they forgot
Hannakuh Harry & Gumby's X-Mas Special. It was great though to see Chevy Chase (as President Ford) open the collection, with other appearences by the BEST & ORIGINAL Not Ready For Prime Time Players Dan Aykroyd, John Belushi, Jane Curtain, Garrett Morris, Gilda Radner and Second Season replacement Bill Murray.
Why Wont Lorne Micheals release SNL Season by season? It would be great to catch ALL the great performances, like the 1st season,PLEASE! Hail Chevy Chase!
Also Recommend:
UNDER THE RAINBOW-Chevy Chase
CADDYSHACK-Chevy Chase, Bill Murray
N.L. CHRISTMAS VACATION-Chevy Chase
SNL-Halloween
SNL-25 Years Of Laughs

Funny, but no Hanukah Harry!
This video was pretty funny. It had mostly newer stuff. I would have liked to have seen stuff from the earlier years. Also, a sticker on the package advertises that the Hanukah Harry skit with Jon Lovitz is on the video, but mysteriously it is nowhere to be found! I am certain there is more material they could have put on this 65 minute video.

Not worth purchasing
I'm a big fan of SNL, but most of the skits on this video weren't that funny. Adam Sandler singing the Hanukkah Song, and Chris Farley as Santa were the only two skits that made me laugh. I bought this as a gift for my father-in-law and I wish I hadn't! Maybe next year I'll buy him the Best of Chris Farley.

WELL BALANCED MIX
THIS 65 MINUTE TAPE IS A WELL BALANCED MIX OF OLD SCHOOL AND RECENT SNL CHRISTMAS SKETCHES. ADD THIS TO THE SNL HALLOWEEN VIDEO AND YOU'RE SET FOR LAUGHS OVER THE HOLIDAYS. I SERIOUSLY HOPE THAT THEY ARE HARD AT WORK ON VOLUME 2. THEY'VE CERTAINLY GOT PLENTY OF MATERIAL. I PRAY THE NEXT TAPE INCLUDES THE SANTA THE TERMINATOR SKIT (DECEMBER '84). EVERYONE I DESCRIBE IT TO THINKS I'M MAKING IT UP. ... Read more

Amazon.com

One of the major breakout stars to come out of the first years ofSaturday Night Live was not one of the original Not Ready for Prime TimePlayers, but was instead born from a bit of clay and the creative mind of WalterWilliams.

The 18 shorts that comprise The Best of Saturday Night Live: The Mr. BillCollection exemplify the humor and outrageousness that we have come toexpect from Mr. Bill, Spot, Mr. Hands, and of course, Sluggo. The plots, andbudget, may have been simple and at some times poorly executed, but they remaina catalyst of laughter and bring back memories of staying up late just to seewhat troubles would cause Bill to utter his famous phrase: "Ohh, nooo!!!" We aretreated to classic Mr. Bill exploits, such as "Mr. Bill's Christmas Special,""Mr. Bill Goes to New York," and the inappropriately named "Mr. Bill StrikesBack," as well as a bonus "Public Service Announcement" relating to highwayeducation.

Although the quality of the film is not always the best, the humor remainsintact. In 50 minutes, The Best of Saturday Night Live: The Mr. BillCollection illustrates how he was one of the show's brightest stars, all thewhile keeping his unkempt, independent charm. --Zachary Lively ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Not as fun as when I was ten
I think if they had included the studio audience laugh track, it would be more fun to watch (kind of creepy without it). The later shorts do include the laugh track, which must have come from the SNL broadcasts.

so what
can't rewind a one minute film? Who cares? You DVD nerds are the worst.
The menu is cute.

Classic hilarity, abominable DVD
The "Mr. Bill" short films are as bizarrely endearing as ever, but the DVD is a disaster. (Note that all the earlier reviews are for the VHS tape.)

Here's the rub: ***ALL*** scanning and skipping functions are disabled throughout the entire disc! Want to go to the next film? Don't press the skip button; it won't work. You have to go back to the tedious menu and arrow your way slowly to the episode you want. Want to back up or fast forward a little in the film you're watching? Sorry, but there's no way AT ALL to do that.

This disc is a cruel joke and should be withdrawn. It cannot be recommended at all as issued, though I found it impossible to give poor Mr. Bill only one star....

Classic and hilarious
You may feel bad laughing at the sufferings of the benevolent, upbeat Mr. Bill, but you can't help it. This is as funny as anything ever seen on SNL. Although the video is less than an hour long, it packs more laughs than some of the best comedy movies. I highly, highly recommend this.

If you like Mr. Bill (or the Pizza Head commercials) get it!
This Mr. Bill video is very funny I believe. And what makes it so great, of course, is how "cheap" it's done. No one but Mr. Hands ever moves, and Mr. Bill just has to "stand" for anything Mr. Hands does to him, or anything Sluggo, a guy who hates Mr. Bill, tells Mr. Hands to do to him. Hilarious I believe! ... Read more

Reviews (10)

Follow-up Info
The "light stealing" episode of Northern Exposure is "Northern Lights" which is also available on VHS. "Northern Lights" and "Aurora Borealis" are 2 different episodes of the show....

Chris meets Bernard, but Joel runs into Adam...
"Aurora Borealis" (Season 1-Episode 8, August 30, 1990), is sub-titled "A Fairy Tale for Grown-Ups." Strange things are happening in Cicely, especially for Chris and Joel. Chris (John Corbett) is working on a sculpture but is drawn to a stranger in town, Bernard (Richard Cummings, Jr.). After talking about Jung and the collective unconscious Chris and Bernard start acting alike and end up talking alike. When Chris encounters Bernard, and Jung, in his dream they discover the truth: the two are brothers. Meanwhile, Joel (Rob Morrow) is returning from a house call on a forest ranger when his truck breaks down. Suddenly, a strange hulking figure appears from the woods, scavenges some things from Joel's truck and beckons for the doctor to follow. Thus Joel encounters Adam (Adam Arkin), the mysterious figure everybody in Cicely has been talking about. Turns out Adam is a superb chef. But the next morning Adam is gone and when Joel returns to town, no one will believe his strange tale. A landmark episode of "Northern Exposure" that introduces two of the most fascinating recurring guest stars in the show's run. Perhaps even more imporant, Dr. Fleischman finally meets somebody who complains more than he does. "Aurora Borealis" was written by Charles Rosen and directed by Peter O'Fallon. Did you know?: In Sweden "Northern Exposure" was known as "Det ljuva livet i Alaska," which translates as "The sweet life in Alaska."

Lost Episodes?
I'm trying to find 3 episodes of NE. The first 2 involve Maggie. One is where she's rescued by a hunky guy who takes her to his cave. When she goes back later, she finds out he's really a bear who changed to human form just to meet her. The 2nd episode involves a stray dog that Maggie thinks is the reincarnation of her dead boyfriend Rick. The 3rd episode is about Fleischman's mom who's visiting. She falls off a mountain and doesn't even get a scratch. Marilyn explains that she became an eagle and "flew" down.

Does anyone know the names/numbers of these episodes? There're my favorites and I'd like to track them down.

NE was a great series, but I did lose interest when Joel left and the new doc came to town. However, the first couple of seasons were classics.

Maggie & the Bear, Maggie & the Dog, Fleischmans Mom Flies
I'm looking for 3 episodes of Northern Exposure. The first 2 involve Maggie. One is the episode where she meets the hunky guy who rescues her & takes her to his cave, and when she goes back to visit she finds out he's a bear who took human form just to meet her. The 2nd episode is the one where she finds the dog that she thinks is the reincarnation of Rick, after he's killed by the falling satellite.

The 3rd episode involves Fleischman's mom who's visiting, and she falls off a mountain and doesn't get hurt, and Marilyn explains that she flew like an eagle, which is why she didn't get hurt. Does anyone know the names/numbers of these episodes?

NE is still great to watch on reruns. However, I lost interest when Joel left and the new doc came to town.

Blokey! It's "Dinner at 7:30!"
The episode you're looking for (with the dream where everyone switches personalities), opened the 6th season on 9/19/94. The title is "Dinner at 7:30" Written by: Diane Frolov and Andrew Schneider Directed by: Michael Fresco

Aurora Borealis is my absolute favorite episode of this most wonderful series, by the way. It truly is a fairy tale for adults. Why this magnificent series isn't out as a full DVD set is beyond me. No one is running Northern Exposure anymore and I miss it terribly. Nothing like it on TV before or since. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Northern lights, a dream world captured on tape
Northern exposure is brilliant at it's worst and in this magical episode, it combines every character nuance, every dynamic to it's upmost. Chris, ever my personal hero toils over a piece of performance art that, shockingly to both himself and the viewer fails to come together: "there's no there there" he laments. Mistaken for a hobo by Cicely's first homeless person, they share a pure moment in which class and situation are immaterial - brilliant! Maurice flaunts his famous bigotry brought up smart by a surprising twist in the hobo's story while Bernard ponders so incisively the psychological and metaphysical reasoning behind class attitudes. Joel meanwhile battles with his personal dejection and "abandonment issues" as Cicely first denies him his holiday and then begins a lawsuit against him when he protests. The episode ends as brilliantly as ever with truly the most captivating and enchanting set imaginable, set to an appropriately whimsical score. Brilliant an absoloute 5 star cracker. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

we come from france
I was fortunate enough to see this in the wrong order. Let me explain, i saw the movie first and then saw this. The movie was ok but when i saw this after it blew it away. It is very very funny. The ones w/ steve martin are the best. Suggested for a fan of the movie or snl remember, this was when the show was groundbreaking. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Northern Exposure at its best.
This is my favorite episode. It offers a new perspective on Thanksgiving that can only enhance our current tradition. I love the way most of the townsfolk smile and wave as tomatoes are hurled at them. It represents tolerance and respect at its quirkiest best.

Start Watching it on Halloween and Don't Stop Til T-Day!
This episode of Northern Exposure is one of my all-time favorites. The music, the visuals with Cicely all decorated for the annual Raven pageant...I have come to associate all of that stuff with Thanksgiving now just as much as I do turkeys and pilgrims. Yes, it is depressing *in a way*, because Joel is such a sourpuss at first. But he gives a wonderful comic performance and Maggie's interaction with Mike Monroe is sweet too. Definitely one to watch over and over during harvest season.

This is for Becy Williams.
This episode is a diappoinment. how can you say this episode makes you feel warm and fuzzy. it made me feel cold & icey. it think this was a supper depressing episode. WARNING! THIS EPISODE MAKES YOU FEEL ANGERY & DEPRESSED! do not watch this episode if your watching the show for the first time. watch Aura Borealis this epsiode makes you warm & Fuzzy.

Leaves you with warm, fuzzy feelings over & over again!
I absolutely loved this celebration of our nation's first official holiday! This episode embodies all that Thanksgiving is meant to be about. Fall is "in the air" (pumpkins & skeletons) as tomatoes go flying toward the Caucasian population on the streets. Dr. Joel Fleischman... a Jewish member of society, originally does not see history in relation to the upcoming Thanksgiving celebration through the eyes of his fellow native Indian citizen. However, thanks to the Alaskan gov't, Joel finds out that he is further "enslaved" to a fifth year of medical service to the state of Alaska. Upon realizing that this proposition is quite valid & legal, Joel resigns himself to the situation and begins to view things as hopeless. Alas, his "eyes" are now beginning to see things for the first time as a fellow native Indian. The feeling of hopelessness allows Joel to participate in the annual Fall Festival Parade typically reserved for only the native Indians (a culture of fellow victims of a sense of hopelessness, historically speaking). All is not lost, however. Joel, along with Maggie's current love interest (played by actor Anthony Edwards..E.R.), decide to lay all mental obstacles aside during the town's Thanksgiving feast...just long enough to enjoy it!!!!! You will leave this episode feeling warm & fuzzy each and every time you watch it!!!!!! ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Northern Exposure is the BEST
Wow, it's refreshing to read other reviews from people who are still watching Northern Exposure in 2001. I thought I was the only one who religiously watches the reruns on cable. I am adding the videos to my collection. The writers were brilliant when creating this show; they developed characters who were memorable and had something meaningful to say. You don't see that very much in TV anymore.

the best!
,This is one of the best shows of all time.This episode received a glowing and detailed review on the CBS sunday morning show with Charles Kurault in 1990.I am thrilled that it is now available on vhs since my own taped copy was destroyed by poor storage conditions. the scope the story is grand.the individual characters are used to great effect.if you are familiar with the series but have not seen this episode I recomend without reservation

Among the best in broadcast television history
This episode grabbed me by the throat and never let go. I saw it when it initially aired, and waited religiously for it to air again so I could tape it. I have always been a Northern Exposure fan, but this episode was at the same time the epitome of NE, and far beyond it. There are so many outstanding scenes and such an overwhelming gestalt, that this episode is quite likey one of the top ten episodes of ANY show in television broadcast history Yes, that includes the Newhart series finale and The Simpsons "Homer the Heretic". (For the unititiated, there have been ALOT of shows in television broadcast history.) The best scenes are 1) the town meeting where Chris and Joel debate the esoteric nature of truth vs fact as the plaid shirted townspeople cheer them on 2) Joel's hypothermically induced dream of his ancestors' (whom he has never met) passover seder in the old country where he meets elijah the prophet and 3)Holling's explanation to Joel why his bloodline is cursed and so he "desires no heirs". If by any chance the author of this sublime script ever checks in here to look at the reviews, pls email me so that I can write you a proper fan mail.

The Body in question.
I enjoyed this episode. It was interesting to watch. The episode kept us watching until the end just to find what happen next. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

It was funny!
1988 was a great year for SNL, and it really shows in this great collection! ... Read more

Reviews (1)

John goodman, one of the first members of the Five time club
There is a reason John Goodman keeps getting invited back to host SNL... that reason is he is hillarious! I got this video and can tell you I have watched it many times and still to this day get lots of laughs out of it! I only hope they do a more recent video soon with some up to date John Goodman hosting on it! ... Read more

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Michael Jordan is The Ultimate Man.
This video is ultimate. Ultimate in the fact that it's ultimate comedy, and ultimate in the fact that it features The Ultimate Man, Michael Jordan. So put two and two together--or in this case, put ultimate and ultimate together, and what do you get? The answer's very simple--ultimate. Order this video now. ... Read more

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Blues Brothers, Gidget Goes to Shock Therapy and More!
Loved the video, two episodes of "The Best of SNL" combined on one tape ... Read more

Reviews (4)

The family favorite
This episode, of so many spectacular episodes, has got to be my families absolute favorite. This episode not only brings forth some of the complexities of Marices character, but truly defines Adam. When Adam chastises Ed for his stirring inadequacies, lectures the kitchen staff, threatens the head chef, unleashing all of his arrogant culinary expertise, calls himself a genius when complimented for salvaging some bad fish; only to be fooled by a faked 1928 Chateau L'Tour that Eve made from a bottle of off-the-shelf ingredients - it is priceless. Add that to the final toast of the evening - insults and retorts between Maurice and Ron and topped with a whopper from Chris - this episode is absolutely classic. I say it is the best episode of the best TV show ever made. Period.

miss this show
This is one of my all time favorite shows. I got to thinking about it lately and was thrilled that Amamzon has some videos. (Would be helpful if a synopsis of the video was included on the order page.)

Maurice is at his egotistical self-important best here as he throws the party to end all parties, or as Ruth Ann says, "an homage to himself." We also see the return of Adam and Eve--a priceless couple. Seeing them was well worth the price of the video.

I would love to see a video of the episode where Maggie has yet another boyfriend die on her. This guy was killed by a fallen satellite and the casket had all sorts of satellite things spoking out from it. One of the funniest things I've ever seen on TV. Think it was from the first season, don't know name of episode and I don't get the reruns here. Also would like to see the one where Adam and Eve are introduced and Joel is stranded with them, I think.

One of the Best Northern Exposure Episodes of All!
I have seen all 110 episodes of NX and this is by far one of my favorites! Maurice Minnefield throws a huge party so that means we get to see the wonderfully strange "Adam" going his "chef" act and Joel thinks Maurice has not invited him to the party. Even Adams' wife, Eve, the hypochondriact, and their new baby are there. Together with the rest of the cast, even Ron, the gay guy, this is an episode not to be missed. One thing after another happens in this highly quirky and eccentric little Alaskan town, a TRUE delight!

A must-see for anyone who has classical cooking knowledge
One of the best Northern Exposure episodes ever. Minnifield throws a huge party, and Adam comes to bail him out. Meanwhile, Shelly breaks a bottle of '29 Chateau LaTour, and spends the rest of the episode trying to trick Maurice and Adam into believing that it is the real thing. This is a hilarious episode that will make anyone laugh, especially anyone with some knowledge of classical cooking. A must see. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

1985 was one of the best season's ever for S.N.L. !
I have no idea why Lorne Michaels decided to dismiss every cast member from this season except Dennis Miller and Jon Lovits. Maybe the ratings weren't what was to be expected or maybe he missed the raw talent that made the show (Saturday Night Live) what it is. Still, Damon Wayans, Lovits, and Miller are all naturals and all made their debuts on this season of SNL. Pros such as Randy Quaid, Anthony Michael Hall, Robert Downey Jr., and Joan Cusack are all remarkable and prove that comedy is where they belong. Ron Reagan Jr. and Tom Hanks star in incredibly well done parodies on Back to the Future and Jerry Seinfeld, and one of the greatest monologues in the history of the show is delivered by the great Peewee Herman on this outstanding best of 1985 tape. Don't miss out!

great stuff
When I watch this video, I get flashbacks of my life during that time. The tape features Tom Hanks when he was just another actor in silly movies, PeeWee Herman, Penn and Teller, and the president's son (no, not Dubya!).
Cameos of audience members, a "Back to the Future" spoof, a yuppie-slamming commercial parody, a Hall and Oates impersonation, etc., all show that 1985 was (and is) the most totally "eighties" year.

My only complaint is that Sam Kinnison made numerous appearences on SNL during this season, but none of those were included on this tape. ... Read more

Amazon.com

While Billy sits speechless at ringside, "Theme of Life" (first season, episode 17) gives Ally and Georgia the opportunity to vent their suppressed animosity in a kick-boxing match, and the battering leaves them bruised but closer as friends and colleagues. Meanwhile, Ally defends Greg (Jesse L. Martin), a handsome young doctor who transplanted a pig's liver into a dying woman without securing official permission. A romance begins between him and Ally that will continue in subsequent episodes. Fish is seen on the town with Attorney General Janet Reno (later Whipper confronts him about his obsession with Reno's wattle), and Ally reluctantly visits a therapist (Tracey Ullman) who urges her to choose a lively, danceable "theme song" for her life. While the kick-boxing match is surely a season highlight, this episode is memorable for creator David E. Kelley's seemingly effortless balance of crackling wit and engaging drama. Here we have an episode that's as moving as it is amusing--a quality that gives the series its singular appeal.

A lively round in the battle of the sexes, "The Playing Field" (first season, episode 18), finds Ally returning to the therapist (Tracey Ullman), worried that the "dancing baby" that plagued her in previous episodes has reappeared as a roller-blading hockey player! ("Get him!" advises the counselor.) Continuing the "baby" theme, Ally finds herself pitted against child prodigy Oren Koolie (Josh Evans), a pint-sized 9-year-old attorney whose negotiation strategy consists primarily of crying when he doesn't get his way. Kelley continues to probe the gender gap in a case of harassment via sexual exclusion, the outcome of which causes a tempest of fury in the office, with Ally and Georgia confronting Fish over his backward theories of gender inequality. All's well that ends well in the closing nightclub scene, where men and women call a truce. --Jeff Shannon ... Read more

Reviews (2)

The best "Ally McBeal" from Season 1 is on this tape
This set of episodes from the first season of "Ally McBeal" includes the one that ended up being my personal favorite, Episode 17 "Theme of Life." Written by David E. Kelly, of course, this is the one where Ally (Calista Flockhart) and Georgia (Courtney Thorne-Smith) go toe to toe in kickboxing class and where Ally tries out "Tell Him" by the Exciters as her theme song, which makes crossing the street on of the great moments in the history of the quirky series. The episode begins with Ally finally giving in to Cage (Peter MacNicol) and visiting his therapist, Dr. Tracy Clark (Tracey Ullman), who offers the sage opinion that kickboxing Georgia is great therapy: "She's a beautiful, smart woman married to the man you love! Smack her!" Meanwhile, Ally's client du jour is the handsome Dr. Greg Butters, who is being sued for offending a patient by performing an operation to save her life (it mean putting a hog liver in her body, which is not strictly kosher). I would say that if you watched one episode of "Ally McBeal" this would be the one to watch, but you sort of have to watch the rest to understand the context of such things as Cage's new smile therapy.

Episode 18, "The Playing Field," also written by Kelley, finds the dancing baby is becoming aggressive (he plays street hockey now). This is not good news for Ally who is defending Dr. Butters from a lawsuit being brought against her new love interest by Oren Koolie, a nine-year-old genius who is practicing law until he is old enough to go to medical school. What can Ally do against a lawyer who cries before he demands $125,000? Meanwhile, Cage/Fish is also representing a woman who is suing her boss because he only promotes women who have slept with him. The title comes from Ally's conversation with Georgia, who once won a sexual harassment case against her old bos (he transferred her because she was beautiful) and complains that she wished she had fought him on an even field: he gave up when she threatened to make a claim. Ally takes this as a sign that she should ignore the sex-role conventions that stop her from speaking first in a romantic relationship. "Playing the Field" is only a notch below "Theme of Life" but has another great moment when Ally makes the mistake of following Dr. Tracy's advice and treating the Dancing Baby like a hockey puck the next time she sees him--or thinks that she does.

Both of these Episodes are Priceless!
In the entire set, this tape offers two episodes that aired almost back to back! They involve Tracy Ullman (hilarious as the therapist) and the early stages of the romance with the doctor! I own all three tapes, and have to say this one is a worthy addition to any collection. What a great way to enjoy this show all over again, or for the first time. ... Read more