Northern Exposure season 5 episode 9 Recap and FAQ
Episode Summary
In Cicely, Alaska, Chris Stevens takes flight lessons from Maggie O'Connell, impressing the locals with his natural ability. However, Chris struggles with the theoretical aspects of flying, leading to an anxiety attack during his written test. Concurrently, Ed discovers a diary revealing a survival story involving cannibalism during the Great Blizzard of '97, involving ancestors of Ruth-Anne and Holling. The town is also abuzz with the mysterious disappearance and return of petty cash at the doctor's office, with Marilyn showing an uncanny knack for detective work. Despite initial promise, Chris decides to abandon his pursuit of a pilot's license after failing the test.
Full Episode S05E09 Recap
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was flying Maggie O'Connell's plane?
Chris Stevens was flying it, under Maggie's supervision as part of his flight training.
What did Maurice think about Chris Stevens learning to fly?
Maurice was skeptical about Chris's commitment and ability to learn flying.
Was Chris successful in his flight training?
Chris was a natural at flying but struggled with the theoretical part and eventually quit after an anxiety attack during the written test.
What historical event did Ed discover in an old diary?
Ed discovered a diary detailing the Great Blizzard of '97, which involved Ruth-Anne's and Holling's grandfathers in a survival situation that led to cannibalism.
Who was suspected of stealing the petty cash at the doctor's office?
Marilyn initially suspected Hayden Keyes, a patient, of stealing the petty cash.
How did the residents of Cicely react to the revelation about their ancestors?
The revelation about the cannibalism for survival caused mixed reactions, with Ruth-Anne and Holling particularly affected by their ancestral history.
Did Chris pass his pilot's written test?
No, Chris did not pass his pilot's written test due to difficulties with the mathematical and theoretical aspects.
What does Dr. Joel diagnose Chris with?
Dr. Joel diagnoses Chris with test anxiety after he has a panic attack during the written exam.
How does the petty cash get returned?
The petty cash mysteriously reappears in the doctor's office without a clear explanation of who returned it.
Why does Marilyn refuse to use her detective skills further?
Marilyn doesn't want to be seen as a judge or make people nervous, similar to how her grandfather, an angakok, was perceived.
What was the rare bird sighting that Ruth-Anne was excited about?
Ruth-Anne was excited about a sighting of a rufous-sided towhee.
How does Chris feel about his failure to get a pilot's license?
Chris is disappointed but reflects on the importance of trying and the lessons learned from failure.
What does Maurice advise Chris about flying?
Maurice encourages Chris to keep studying and not to let theoretical challenges prevent him from flying.
What is the significance of the diary found by Ed?
The diary reveals a historical event involving cannibalism for survival, impacting the descendants' perception of their heritage.
Who covers for Ruth-Anne at the diner during her bird-watching trip?
Shell and Dave agree to cover for Ruth-Anne at the diner while she is on her bird-watching trip.