‘North of North,’ A Subversive Charmer

It’s a bit of a moot question — I think we could all use some light amidst the constant crepuscular doom in which we’re crouched, shielding our tender hearts and other sensitive organs from the horror show that is daily life.

If you’re in want of some humour, beauty and the occasional bit of horniness, then it’s time to head north. Actually, North of North .

The serial comedy, currently in its second season on APTN+ and CBC Gem, is a breath of fresh air. Cool, bright and brimming with fun, it’s something of a godsend. But before we barrel into the action in the fictional community of Ice Cove, Nunavut, a brief recap from last season.

When we last left Siaja (Anna Lambe), the woman was at a crossroads. The first few episodes of the show dealt with the realization that she’d outgrown her marriage and was ready to take on new challenges, including a job, a place to live, a budding romance, as well as the information that her long-lost biological father had moved to town, accompanied by Kuuk (Braeden Clarke), his very handsome assistant.

So, a lot to contend with. But Siaja never met a challenge that she didn’t tackle head on. Sometimes a little too head-on. In the first episode of the show, she managed to leave her marriage, almost drown, accidentally tongue-kiss her own father, as well as meet a sea goddess.

The goddess in question, Nuliajuk (played by Inuk throat singer Tanya Tagaq ), is the first to tell Siaja that she needs to make some changes in her life, and that’s exactly what she does.

In the current season, our intrepid heroine is living with her irascible mother, raising her kid, creating havoc at work and still looking for love. Oddly enough, she’s also managed to light a few more things on fire after accidentally setting the town dump alight.

To show her boss Helen (Mary Lynn Rajskub) that she’s capable of taking on greater responsibilities at the community centre where they both work, Siaja stages a traditional ceremony for cruise ship tourists that almost ends in incendiary catastrophe.

So, yes, all things are proceeding as usual in the town of Ice Cove. The place may be tiny, but the drama is off the hook.

In addition to the main cast, the supporting players bring levels of quirkiness and colour. There’s Siaja’s daughter Bun (Keira Belle Cooper) and her best friends Colin (Bailey Poching) and Millie (Zorga Qaunaq). The show also makes terrific use of Inuk locals and non-professional actors.

There is a lot to love about North of North , but one of the most compelling aspects is its sheer abundance of beauty. Filmed in Iqaluit, the overwhelming majesty of the landscape is something to behold. But there are other kinds of things to appreciate, including lipstick.

The makeup department for the show deserves a special commendation for making everyone in the show stunningly gorgeous.

Lambe, the show’s lead, doesn’t need a lot of help in the beauty department, but I find myself struck by how everyone looks wonderful, from older characters like the terrifying Elisapee (Nutaaq Doreen Simmonds) to Jeffrey (Vinnie Karetak), the guy who lives at the town dump.

Fashion is also seriously on point in the show.