CBC Gem Summary:
A young Inuk woman wants to build a new future for herself after a spontaneous and extremely public exit from her marriage. It won’t be easy in a small Arctic town where everybody knows your business.
FYA Summary:
In fictional Ice Cove, Nunavut, Siaja’s been a wife and mother for almost as long as she’s been an adult. But being married to the town golden boy isn’t easy — especially when the reality doesn’t live up to the expectation (i.e., he sucks). Starting over might be daunting, but at least Siaja has help and support from her family and friends.
Familiar Faces:
Mary Lynn Rajskub as Helen and Anna Lambe as Siaja
OK, so it’s kind of pathetic that the only actors I was familiar with were the white ones, but now I’m more familiar with several awesome Indigenous actors. Anna Lambe is an absolute star; she makes it so easy to cheer for Siaja. (Who wouldn’t want that adorable face to be happy?!?)
The town manager of Ice Cove is none other than Chloe O’Brian! Helen’s more of a Karen than Chloe, but she does have Ice Cove’s best interests in mind. And because of my deep and useless knowledge of The CW, I also recognized Jay Ryan from Beauty & the Beast with Kristin Kreuk, a show that I never even watched.
Couch-Sharing Capability: High
Not to make this review about me again, but I realized that I was about to plagiarize myself* from my previous quirky small town Stream It for Clean Slate. There are indeed 8 half-hour episodes of North of North, and while it mostly lives in the fun comedy space, it’s also not afraid to delve into heavier topics; a crowd-pleaser with substance!
* I clearly have a type when it comes to shows.
Recommended Level of Inebriation: Generally Low
No alcohol — or free slushies — required for enjoyment. Although there’s a highly specific plot CHOICE early on that might be polarizing. (From a storytelling perspective, it’s actually set up so well, so I respect the groundwork. And the characters are just as eager to move on, so at least it doesn’t linger.)
Use of Your Streaming Subscription: Good
Ice Cove might be cold, but that doesn’t mean it’s not cozy! Even with such a short season, the characters feel so lived in, and I had a great time getting to know them. Going back to my CW roots, there are hints of Hart of Dixie (young woman starting over in a quirky small town) and Gilmore Girls (young woman raised by a young single mom in a quirky small town), but with an Inuit cast and a slightly edgier sensibility. SEASON TWO WHEN???
