'BONES' creator HART HANSON returns to discuss a seminal piece of art from his life – the TV pilot episode of “NORTHERN EXPOSURE”. You can find links to what we discuss in our artist-on-artist conversation in the links list below.

This bonus episode was released half a year earlier than it became available on Spotify. To get access to all bonus episodes like this one upon initial release, become a paid subscriber to 5AM StoryTalk at Apple or Substack:

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/5am-storytalk/id1807437928

Substack: https://colehaddon.substack.com/

Be sure to listen to the first part of my conversation with Hart, too: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hart-hanson-tv-creator-bones-backstrom-the-finder/id1807437928?i=1000703120937

Hart and I discuss:

• Why the series was so revolutionary at the time and why, even today, it still feels radical

• The unconventional pacing and unlikeable lead, which feels out of sync even with how TV is told today

• How the pilot manipulates audiences’ assumptions and even prejudices

• The series’ ability to weave magical realism, Native spiritualism, and unique storytelling, resulting in the ability for it to host any kind of story the writers wanted to tell every way

• How the series highlights community despite differences, kindness, and the fabric of small-town life – elements that are rare yet refreshing in modern television.

• The lack of Native authenticity in the writers’ room despite efforts to be respectful and expand representation on screen, something that would not fly today

• How Hollywood would ruin “Northern Exposure” if it attempted to remake it today

• And, just for kicks – don’t ask me how we got on it – the possibility that the community bonds so important to this series have been potentially atomized by super-hero films (Alan Moore would approve)

Links:

• Hart Hanson’s website (includes info on all TV series and novels that come up): https://www.harthanson.com/

• Trailer for “Northern Exposure”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tcS5suY-lQA

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5AM StoryTalk would like to acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the land on which this podcast is recorded, the Djarra people of the Kulin Nation and pay respects to Elders past and present.

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