Northern Exposure (TV Series) Seoul Mates (1991) User Reviews

The Christmas Raven

[etsuo · 10/10 · 2 June 2006]

Christmas in Cicely, AK is as different as the Tlingit legend this episode celebrates. The loneliest man in Cicely finds himself with an instant family. He wonders aloud to Chris Stevens why he can't see his son beyond the cultural differences and is told it is learned behavior...that can be unlearned. The doctor tries to trim a real Christmas tree, but cannot hang the ornaments and lights or "connect the dots". Maggie dreads the annual holiday family reunion...but finds herself with nothing to do. Shelly pines for Tradition, so Holling delivers an acapella Latin hymn. Once again, the Raven brings Light to the people of Cicely. A classic Christmas tale, outshining even Charles Dickens.

Classic holiday time thoughts

[jesus-o-ramah · 10/10 · 22 December 2021]

I'm surprised that there aren't more reviews. Must have something to do with the show not being available for streaming? Anyhow, such a heart warming episode with different characters coming to terms with their different ideas how xmas should be. Plus a lot of other things.

One of my favorite Christmas episodes

[ToodyMuldoon · 10/10 · 14 March 2024]

Seoul Mates is just a heart warming episode from Northern Exposure. Each main character from the show has an important role, and everything fits together. From Maurice discovering that he has a Korean son, to Dr. Fleischmann trying to get into the Christmas spirit even though he feels a little Jewish guilt, to Maggie dreading a Christmas visit to her parents, this show cleverly hits the mark in each situation. And Holling just blew me away in this one. I loved the explanation of the Native American tradition and their take on the meaning of Christmas. This is a show that has to be seen by fans. I'm so glad Prime brought Northern Exposure to streaming.

Christmas Tales from all sides

[davidschultz123 · 10/10 · 23 February 2024]

This episode should be required viewing during every holiday season. The tieing together of the cultures and the native Alaskan story as related by Marilyn Whirlwind to Joel is very touching. Maurice coming to grips with his son and the resolution of their cultural differences is very satisfying. Joel eschewing his Judaism as he tries to absord the Christmas spirit only to come to the realization that he is ultimately doing it for Maggie. Holling displaying his love for Shelly with the altar arrangement and singing Ave Maria. The equally moving Raven service is a PERFECT ending to a classic episode.

May Be The Best Christmas Episode Ever

[Hitchcoc · 10/10 · 16 February 2024]

I'm a lover of Christmas. Coming from poverty and worry, I continue to look for times when something can lift me up. It's not the Christianity. There are too many cruel people who espouse their views of this. I look back to a guy named Marcus Borg who said of Christmas, "I don't know if it happened that way, but I know that it is true." It is the idea. The ideal. We have set aside a time where we are expected to be nice to one another, to feel a sense of peace, to stop judgment and all the things that go with that. I really don't believe there is literal truth, but Christmas makes me feel good. In this episode we have some incredible moments. There is the appearance of a Korean family and a son, sired by Maurice when he was a boy soldier. He has to put aside his innate dislike of "the other" and embrace this newfound family. Fleischman feels he is an outsider and tries to bring a tree into his house. But his Jewish belief system makes it artificial. Maggie doesn't want to go to her parents and then is deeply hurt when they decide to go on vacation instead of celebrating with her. Shelly is Roman Catholic and misses the rituals she knew as a child. Holling tries to make her happy. Chris narrates the Native American tale of the Raven bringing light, among other things. I couldn't get enough of it.