Adam (Northern Exposure)

Adam is a fictional character of the television series "Northern Exposure", played by Adam Arkin. He appeared in eighteen episodes.

Fictional biography

When Adam first appears he is Cicely's equivalent of Bigfoot: a shadowy, mythological creature rarely seen and known mainly for petty thefts and leaving enormous bare footprints. When Joel Fleischman's truck breaks down in the wilderness, Adam reluctantly comes to his aid, bringing Joel to his secret cabin. Joel learns that Adam is a misanthropic recluse, a compulsive liar and a gourmet cook — and hates wearing shoes. Adam also hints at a past with the CIA, involvement with Iran-Contra and knowing who Deep Throat is. He does, however, know surprising personal details about many Cicely residents.

In recent years, some viewers have noted the possible traits of high-functioning autism: Adam's inability to wear shoes (classic sensory disorder), his constant topic control, frequent outbursts, tendency to monologue, and the inability to take the perspective of others all make him a candidate for that particular disorder.

Following this encounter, the very grouchy and cynical Adam becomes a more frequent (though still occasional) visitor to the 'civilization' of Cicely. This attitude makes for a sarcastic personality and illustrates his love-hate relationship with Fleischman and the rest of the town. He works on occasion in Holling Vincoeur's restaurant, "The Brick", and writes for Maurice Minnifield's newspaper. Adam is open to frequent outbursts at people, particularly when they pay him a compliment; he takes it immediately as an insult and spouts off harmful remarks.

In the third season we meet Adam's lover (originally said to be his wife), inevitably named Eve. Eve is, as Fleischman puts it, "the Mozart of hypochondriacs", and urges Dr. Fleischman to carry out all sorts of medical tests on her. She even kidnaps Fleischman by chaining him up in their house for a weekend. She and Adam fight constantly, but resist strongly any suggestion that they might split up; when she's not around, Adam consistently refers to the bliss that he experiences in their marriage.

Adam and Eve both profess unlikely religions. Adam is a bad-tempered, and sometimes violent, Quaker. Eve calls herself a "Reformed Christian Scientist" and constantly seeks medical attention.

Later in the series Adam and Eve are married, and we discover (as does Adam) that Eve is a wealthy heiress. Adam and Eve seem to interrupt their reclusive lifestyle with periods of international jetsetting.