Northern Disclosure – S3E4: “Animals ‘R Us” with Anne Gordon
September 30, 2025 | Evergreen Podcasts
Episode Overview
In this episode of Northern Disclosure, hosts Rob Morrow and Jeanine Turner revisit Season 3, Episode 4 of Northern Exposure, “Animals ‘R Us.” The episode centers on the sudden appearance of a stray dog in Cicely—prompting Maggie to believe her lost love Rick has been reincarnated—and Maurice’s latest get-rich-quick scheme involving ostriches. Joining them is longtime animal trainer Anne Gordon, who reveals behind-the-scenes stories about working with the show’s many memorable animals (including the iconic moose in the credits) and spotlights the critical role animals and their trainers played in making Cicely feel real.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Recap & Character Highlights
[03:14 – 05:02]
- Rob provides a succinct episode summary: Maggie adopts a stray malamute, believing it’s Rick reincarnated; Maurice tries to launch an ostrich farm with Marilyn; Ed makes a heartfelt movie about Cicely.
- Jeanine reminisces about the quirky, sweet tone typical of Northern Exposure, and how this episode embodied the series’ essence.
- Ed’s charming idiosyncrasies—being pen pals with Scorsese and Spielberg—spark discussion on the blend of rural quirkiness and worldly wisdom that characterized the show.
“His favorite filmmaker is Louis Malle, which is just so idiosyncratic. And Louis Malle, who, by the way, was aware of Northern Exposure.”
—Rob Morrow, [04:33]
2. Thematic Depth: Spirituality and Animals
[06:08 – 07:52]
- The motif of animals as spiritual messengers is explored, with Jeanine drawing a personal parallel between Maggie’s story and her own experience after her father’s death—a bluebird lingered in her backyard, comforting the family.
- The episode’s engagement with Native American themes of reincarnation and animal spirits is praised as both beautiful and universal.
“A lot of people believe when their loved one dies, they see something in nature that feels like that person's essence making a hello.”
—Jeanine Turner, [06:28]
3. Noteworthy Scenes & Use of Music
[08:11 – 11:10]
- The hosts dissect the memorable montage set to Aretha Franklin’s “Natural Woman” and the playful choice of “My Boyfriend’s Back,” illustrating the series’ deft mix of humor and heart.
- Rob lauds the silent visual storytelling and Ed’s black-and-white tribute film as “lovely” and “very Woody Allen.”
“You just so want to believe that it’s Rick that…they did most of it with music—no dialogue, just looks and gestures.”
—Rob Morrow, [09:59]
4. Working with Animal Actors: Introducing Anne Gordon
[12:34 – 15:32]
- Anne Gordon shares her path to becoming an animal trainer, from zookeeping to film work, and her current work leading whale and dolphin retreats.
- She became “the it girl for anything film in Oregon, Washington”—hiring out both her own and locally sourced animals.
Memorable Animal Moments
- Anne recalls playing the beaver handler in the pilot—a stretch outside her comfort zone as she preferred being off-camera.
- The dog “Wolfie,” who played the malamute mix in this episode, is remembered for his natural performance and successful training.
“That’s an animal trainer’s dream, to have the dog be a major character.”
—Anne Gordon, [20:47]
5. Behind-the-Scenes Animal Challenges
[20:47 – 24:42]
- Anne addresses the pressure of training on a tight timeline—sometimes with just one animal and no backup, as with Wolfie.
- She details convincing dog actors to perform specific behaviors (ears back, growling) using play, tone, and trust, underscoring the complexity and stress of her role.
“You have a rhythm as an actor…then you have to pause because the dog walked off its mark…It was all part of the atmosphere.”
—Rob Morrow, [17:58]
6. The Ostriches & Maurice's Scheme
[27:47 – 30:29]
- The show filmed the ostrich scenes at their actual home to minimize animal stress. Maurice’s actor, Barry Corbin, had a fear of birds but performed professionally.
- Ostriches were led with food buckets off-camera; John Corbett once attempted to “join” the birds dangerously.
“One kick from an ostrich can disembowel a lion…I am not going to be responsible for injuring any actor.”
—Anne Gordon, [29:00]
7. The Iconic Moose in the Opening Credits
[37:28 – 41:19]
- Anne reveals how she sourced Morty the moose for the opening credits—he was a bottle-raised orphan used to people. The crew lured him around Roslyn with branches and bananas.
- Fencing off the whole town to film the opening was “a big effort—but, man, did it pay off.”
“Everywhere…all they ask is, ‘Did you do the moose?’ I said, yes. His name was Mort.”
—Anne Gordon, [41:06]
8. Challenging and Memorable Animal Episodes
[41:44 – 47:38]
- Bear-centric episodes involved special precautions—using string “electric fences” and food rewards.
- Horses, goats, porcupines, and birds required a wide array of skills. Anne shares a story about John Corbett tensing up on a horse and unintentionally cueing the animal to move.
“Horses feel everything. They’re such sensitive creatures and very intuitive.”
—Jeanine Turner, [47:38]
9. Animals as Characters & Spiritual Partners
[47:49 – 53:15]
- Jeanine and Anne reflect on the soulful, intuitive side of working with animals, both personally and on-set.
- The hosts praise Anne’s ability to train animals to interact naturally with actors, avoiding tell-tale cues.
“You never sensed that they were trained animals—they just felt so organic.”
—Jeanine Turner, [51:09]
10. The Legacy of Northern Exposure’s Animal World
[51:23 – End]
- The group notes the rarity of main characters actually keeping pets—most animals were part of the community fabric instead.
- Anne expresses pride in the show’s writing and spirituality, which set it apart from other projects.
“My goal as an animal trainer was to make it easy for you to work with the animals…I wanted them to make eye contact with you.”
—Anne Gordon, [51:44]
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
-
“That’s dad. It must be dad. This bird is just sitting, having dinner with us.”
—Jeanine Turner, [07:24] -
“Confrontation with the other…That’s what distinguishes it, always going against what’s expected.”
—Rob Morrow, [34:35] -
“She had this quiet wisdom that just came in.”
—Ann Gordon on Elaine Miles/Marilyn, [35:44] -
“Did you do the moose?” “Yes. His name was Mort.”
—Rob Morrow & Anne Gordon, [41:06] -
“One kick from an ostrich can disembowel a lion.”
—Anne Gordon, [29:00] -
“You never sensed that they were trained animals—they just felt so organic.”
—Jeanine Turner, [51:09]
Key Timestamps & Segments
- [03:14] Episode synopsis & themes
- [04:33] Ed’s movie-maker idolization & Louis Malle anecdote
- [06:08–07:52] Spiritual connections between animals and the departed
- [08:11–09:59] Montage & use of music
- [12:34–15:32] Anne Gordon’s career backstory
- [20:47] Training the malamute “Wolfie”
- [27:47] The ostrich farm subplot & animal safety
- [37:28] How Morty the moose became the show’s mascot
- [41:44] Bear stories & animal safety on set
- [47:49] Reflections on animal intelligence and spirit
- [51:23] Animals as part of Cicely, not as pets
- [53:15–End] Anne’s closing reflections & onscreen legacy
Tone & Style Notes
The episode brims with warmth, playful nostalgia, and genuine affection among cast and guest. There’s a balance between irreverent humor and sincere reflection (“Skeptical, rational, imperial know-it-all”—[27:00]), mirroring the original show’s blend of quirkiness and depth. Anne Gordon brings practical expertise and gentle pride, offering fans an insider’s view of old Hollywood animal magic—with the humility and wit of someone more comfortable behind the scenes than in front of the camera.
For New Listeners
This episode is a perfect entry point for fans of Northern Exposure, television history, or anyone curious about behind-the-scenes animal magic. It’s a love letter to the unsung animal actors and trainers of TV, revealing how four-legged (and sometimes two-winged or even antlered) characters, just as much as the humans, created the heartbeat of Cicely.