MC Notes: 1.5 Russian Flu

1.5 Russian Flu

Original Air Date(1): August 9, 1990 • Production Number: 78706
Written by(1): David Assael • Directed by(1): David Carson

Maggie: Would you like me to rub this all over you?
Joel: Yeah, that would be... You would?
Maggie: In your DREAMS, Fleischman.

Log line(1): A flu epidemic sweeps through Cicely and threatens to ruin Joel's romantic weekend with his visiting fiancee, Elaine.

Synopsis(1): While Fleischman works to help the ailing citizens of Cicely, he tries desperately to find time for a romantic interlude with Elaine (guest star Jessica Lundy), his visiting fiancee. Meanwhile, Maggie befriends Elaine and keeps her occupied while Joel unsuccessfully tries to stop the mysterious flu from spreading.

Thankfully, Marilyn Whirlwind (Elaine Miles), Fleischman's very practical nurse, finally takes control and dispenses an old Indian folk remedy that manages to do what modern medicine couldn't. A skeptical Joel is only convinced of the remedy's merit when it cures Elaine's flu, just in time for her return to New York.

Facts to Wax(2): Mary Margaret O'Connell: Maggie's full name; has two brothers, no sisters.
Elaine Schulman, daughter of Charles and Maxine, has an Uncle Lou.
Joel consults with a Dr. Serrano.
Rick's occupation established as a pilot.

Guests (9):
Charles "Red" Murphy - John Aylward (Also appeared in 1.1, 4.3)
Richard 'Rick' Pederson - Grant Goodeve (Also appeared in 1.1, 1.2, 1.4, 1.6, 1.8, 2.1, 4.1)
Clem - David J. Guppy (as Dave Guppy) (Also appeared in 1.1, 2.2)
Elaine Shulman - Jessica Lundy (Also appeared in 3.7)
Cicely Resident - Mark Mitchell
Cicely Resident - Lyn Tyrrell
Cicely Resident - Ralph van Hollebeke
Cicely Resident - Martha Baskin
Cicely Resident - Charlie Russo
Cicely Resident - Sylvia Langoon

Music: (3)
• Who Put the Bomp (in the Bomp Bomp Bomp) - Barry Mann (performed by the Showaddywaddy on "Ausgerechnet Alaska", the german soundtrack)

• On Broadway - The Drifters (on "Ausgerechnet Alaska", the german soundtrack)

• New York, New York - Grand Master Flash

• Let's Dance - Benny Goodman

• Stand By Me - Ben E. King (performed by the Little Milton on "Ausgerechnet Alaska", the german soundtrack)

• Floating - Julee Cruise (from Twin Peaks)

Additional Notes:
After the critics (see TV Guide article) kept trying to compare NoEx with Twin Peaks, this was the nod back to them in the scene with Holling, Joel and Elaine at the waterfall (Julee Cruise music, snapping, cherry pie, log lady).

Hi-oh-Hi-oh-ipsinio = ancient tribal remedy for the flu.

Created 4/19/02 • Updated 6/8/02

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