North of North: Kiss with Dad Ruins First Episode’s Charm

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Beware: Major spoilers for the Canadian sitcom “North of North” ahead. Since it premiered on Netflix in early April, this show has been rightfully receiving praise for its warmth, humor, and deep exploration of Inuit culture. Anna Lambe delivers a powerful performance as the main character Siaja, who faces challenges such as single parenthood, workplace white privilege, and a difficult relationship with her own mother. The series handles its characters’ struggles with sensitivity and fairness, making a shocking, inappropriate scene between Siaja and her estranged father Alistair in the first episode all the more disappointing.

It’s nearly impossible to resist getting pulled into Siaja’s captivating narrative, as the challenges presented by North of North’s secondary characters frequently result in humorous moments and heartwarming story arcs. The show is so wholesome that I find it difficult to reconcile with the amusing yet deeply disturbing event that concludes episode one, where Siaja shares a kiss with a mystery man only to discover he is her father, Alistair, played by Jay Ryan. However, their relationship otherwise offers a poignant depiction of the formation of father-daughter bonds in maturity.

Siaja Accidentally Kisses Her Father Without Knowing It In North Of North Episode 1

Alistair And Siaja Don’t Know Each Other When They First Meet

In the opening of “North of North”, the main character, Siaja, is grappling with numerous challenges. She’s recently separated from her self-centered husband, struggling to raise her daughter on her own while receiving little support from her detached mother. To add to her troubles, she hasn’t discovered the identity of her father. Simultaneously, she’s pursuing a job opportunity in Ice Cove, a fictional town in Nunavut, under the management of whom she hopes to work. As if life weren’t already complicated enough, in a fit of drunken spontaneity, Siaja finds herself passionately kissing an attractive man who has recently come to town, whom she refers to as a “silver fox”.

In an unexpected turn of events, both Siaja and the man she had just kissed were left stunned when Siaja’s mother, Neevee, showed up. To everyone’s shock, Neevee revealed that the man was none other than Alistair, Siaja’s long-lost father. Since neither Siaja nor Alistair knew about each other due to Neevee’s secrecy, this startling revelation left them both taken aback, causing distress for Siaja. The uncomfortable situation between Alistair and Siaja was eventually resolved in a later episode, but their parents rekindled their relationship. However, this unintentional incestuous encounter understandably leaves a bitter taste for the viewers at home.

The Kiss Detracts From North Of North’s Portrayal Of Siaja’s Family

Siaja And Alistair’s Father-Daughter Relationship Is Undermined By This Moment

In a remarkable manner, North of North skillfully navigates the intricacies of several generations in the Siaja family. It effectively evokes empathy for each primary character, one after another. Neevee, being stern yet compassionate, strives to help Siaja establish a secure home environment for her daughter, Bun, amidst her tumultuous breakup with Ting, her high-school sweetheart. Furthermore, the intriguing subplot involving Neevee and Alistair adds depth to the series, while the developing bond between Siaja and her father offers one of its most touching moments.

The narrative skillfully explores the reasons for the intricate disputes among its characters, notably excelling in the depiction of Siaja, Neevee, and Alistair. Regrettably, a humorous but ill-timed kiss between Siaja and her father, intended to be a comedic moment, disrupts this effective storytelling, potentially undermining the show’s otherwise well-established sympathetic characters, particularly Siaja. While “North of North” generally hits the mark in establishing a humorous tone for Siaja’s narrative, this surprising father-daughter kiss might diminish its overall impact on creating relatable and engaging characters.

North Of North’s Exploration Of Family Dynamics Is One Of Its Best Elements Overall

The Show Excels In Its Heartfelt Portrayal Of The Complexities Within Modern Inuk Families

Despite the widespread praise that “North of North” has been receiving as one of the best new comedies in 2025, we mustn’t be overly critical. Its impressive debut on Netflix has sparked speculation about a possible second season, and it’s exciting to think that we might see more of this show soon. One of the standout features of “North of North” is its authentic and emotional depiction of intricate family dynamics within a culture often underrepresented in North American television and film. If it gets renewed for additional seasons, I believe it would be beneficial for the show to continue focusing on this aspect of its storylines, as it truly sets “North of North” apart.

Instead, let me rephrase that for you: Contrarily, the series should strive to avoid similar mishaps such as Siaja and Alistair’s kiss in episode 1, which might have derailed the first season prematurely. However, North of North mostly excels at seamlessly integrating family drama with humorous elements that resonate with viewers, suggesting that the show will likely correct its lone significant error swiftly.

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2025-04-19 19:17