August 9, 1990
"Brains, Know-How And Native Intelligence"
#78702
Joel's inability to handle his own plumbing problems at the cabin, much to Maggie's amusement, contrast with his sensitivity and skill in treating a proud medicine man who refuses the modern ways on MCA TV International's "NOTHERN EXPOSURE" episode entitled "Brains, Know-How and Native Intelligence." The segment was written by Stuart Stevens and directed by Peter O'Fallon.
Chris Stevens uses his morning radio show to read the complete works of his favorite poet Walt Whitman. Whitman "opened up the artist" in Chris, and he expresses his surprise in learning that Whitman was a homosexual. Suddenly, Maurice appears in the station, and after a few well-placed punches, Chris sails trough the plate glass window, and Maurice promptly takes over the morning show. Meanwhile, Joel returns home with a How-To-Book on plumbing, but he is unable to take care of the problem, and Maggie is surprised by Joel's helplessness. Earlie, Ed had asked Joel if he could see his uncle Anku, a proud medicine man, who is seriously ill. Joel is pleasantly surprised when the menu consist of Kentucky Fried Chicken, flown in from Anchorage. Following dinner, Joel is reminded of the joys of civilization when he jion Ed and Anku in their sauna. Mrs. Anku had won it in a bingo tournament. Joel tries to talk to Anku about his physical condition, but the wise man changes the conversation to Joel's plumbing problems.
The following morning, Maggie comes into the office with an injuried knee. Her trick knee went out while she was dancing with Rick. Joel uses the opportunity to chide her about her "helplessness." When she ask for a prescription to ease the pain, Joel jokes that it doesn't fit in with her selfreliant Amelia Earhart image. Maggie storms out of the office. Joel visits Anku again, hoping to be able to examine him. However, Anku already knows he suffers from prostate cancer, and has seen a specialist in Anchorage. Joel tells Anku that he must have surgery, but Anku believes in the power of the Spirit. He shows Joel a dance to heal people and he retires. That evening, the people of Cicely present Maurice with a petition, containing 376 signatures to bring Chris Steevns back to the station. They are sick of Maurice's selection of show tunes, his book reading and jokes. Maurice becomes angry and dismisses the meeting. The next morning Maurice visit Joel at his office. Joel points out to maurice that he has the power to square the situation with Chris. When maurice refuses, Joel becomes impatient with the pride and stubbornmess which is also exhibited by Maggie, Chris, Anku, as well as himself.
Intent on making his point, Joel tracks down Anku. He is shocked that Anku would rather die than lose face. It is his pride that keeps him from having the surgery. A little later, on the radio Maurice explains to his listeners that "we need our heroes." Walt Whitman may have been homosexual, but he was also the greatest poet America has ever produced. We are all human, but only a few have got the right stuff to be called heroes. And with this message, Maurice cloces the book on the incident. After some reflection, Chris apologigizes and hesitantly asks for his job back. Maurice agrees that every man should be given a second chance. Joel is relieved when Anku announces he is going to the hospital. Before leaving, Anku tells Joel that in dealing with Maggie he must remember, if you want to catch a fish, think like a fish! Joel arrives at Maggie's cabin late at night and gives her a bottle of painkillers. He tells Maggie that she shouldn't give up dancing because of her knee. As he turns to leave, Maggie tells Joel that she will stop by to fix his shower.
Cast & Credits:
Dr. Joel Fleishman.......Rob Morrow
Maggie O'Connel..........Janine Turner
Maurice Minnifield.......Barry Corbin
Chris Stevens............John Corbett
Ed.......................Darren E. Burrows
Holling Vincoeur.........John Cullum
Shelly...................Cinthia Geary
Ruth-Anne................Peg Phillips
Marilyn..................Elaine Miles
Rick Pederson............Grant Goodeve
Anku.....................Frank Sotonoma
Mrs. Anku................Armenia Miles
Mindy....................Leslie Rueschenberg
Executive producers......Joshua Brand, John Falsey
Produced by..............Robert T. Skodis
Directed by..............Peter O'Fallon
Written by...............Stuart Stevens
