Episode: 6.16
Title: Lucky People
Written by: Diane Frolov and Andrew Schneider
Directed by: Janet Greek
Aired: February 15, 1995
Log line: Change takes its toll when Michelle and Phil realize they’ve just invested all their money in a place they hate, Maurice tries to buy his way into a family, and Maggie and Chris make an unexpected connection over a run-down Model T.
Listen to the podcast of the episode here.
In “Lucky People,” the characters of Cicely face the choice of being on their own or going through life with others. For Michelle and Phil, making a land purchase means that they have chosen to settle in Cicely, and so become part of the community. Taking inspiration from Cicely and Roslyn, Chris comes to a conclusion that maybe we’re not “supposed to fly solo”; Maurice tries to connect himself to Holling, Shelly, and Randi in the hopes of making himself a family.
Interestingly enough, clothing plays a huge part in illustrating the theme of belonging in this episode. When an anonymous someone leaves Michelle warm boots and a parka, she sees this act of generosity as a direct attack on the fact that she’s an outsider: “They’re hostile. That parka is a comment. It says, ‘l don’t like what you wear. I want you to dress like the rest of us.'” When she does wear the parka, she is horrified to be mistaken for the old-timer Bernice Crandle.
However, in the end clothing is the form in which Michelle and Phil negotiate their place in their town. In another box, Ed brings costumes for Founder’s Day. Even though Michelle is unable to walk, she nevertheless joins in on the parade, making her and Phil more part of the community.
For Maurice, the gifts he brings Miranda include very fancy designer children’s clothes: “And you can throw away all those hand-me-downs she’s been wearing. Here, I’ve got a baker’s dozen of these. They’re Marie Guerin, a Parisian designer. She’s the Lagerfeld of the under 1 2 set.” Although he buys her many more gifts, buy giving Randi clothes he is transforming her into his own image, and even asks Holling and Shelly to throw away her old clothes, the vestiges of her old life without Maurice.
In the case of Chris and Maggie, they begin the episode dressed alike, in coveralls, and they have the common purpose of fixing up the old Form Model T that Cicely and Roslyn rode into town on. Throughout their interaction, Chris and Maggie talk about men and women, the relationship between Cicely and Roslyn, and the need for relationships.
Significantly, during the Founder’s Day parade, Chris wears the clothes of Cicely to become partner to Maggie’s Roslyn. Although Chris may look a little comical in bright makeup and women’s clothes (which was probably the intention), the moment is not about cross-dressing, but actually about Chris wanting that same companionship with Maggie that Roslyn and Cicely had. Chris believes he’s found a partner in Maggie, but is unable to say so at the moment.
Songs from the episode’s original airing:
- “Family Tradition” – Hank Williams Jr. [replaced in the DVD version]
At the Brick, Michelle talks to Ruth-Anne. - “Where the Tall Grass Grows” – George Jones [replaced in the DVD version]
Phil orders a fresh mango apricot shake in the Brick. - “Gaelic Medley” – Rankin Family
During the Founders’ Day Parade.
The Good – We both enjoyed the return to the loneliness of Maurice, which has been a thread in the series from the first season. One of us was also quite fond of the scenes between Chris and Maggie.
The Bad – Parts of this episode didn’t feel organic or important (e.g., Michelle’s frustration with receiving the donation of clothing) and the parade at the end felt like a failed attempt to recapture the magic of the parade in “Thanksgiving” (4.8).
The Notable – Suddenly, socks are a symbol of Founders’ Day and the reason Roslyn and Cicely stopped in the town, which wasn’t mentioned in earlier episodes.
On’s ratings: 8.0 out of 10
Shane’s ratings: 7.0 out of 10
The Alaskan Riviera: A Northern Exposure Fan Site 
As on some other occasions, you have to squint a bit to make the timeline work for this one. Based on previous seasons, Founder’s Day happens mid-April, but this has to be March at the latest (pre-Feast of San Giuseppie which follows in Little Italy). Maybe they decided to have the parade a month early because of other town events scheduled (Michelle’s play?), I suppose that’s possible.
For various timeline reasons, it also has to be 1996 (a year ahead of the broadcast dates), but Miranda seems a little underdeveloped for a two year old (programme makers may have overlooked the extra year that has crept in over the last couple of seasons). Then again, she’s not on screen much, and might be chattier when not intimidated by Maurice’s company, so I think they get away with it!