Adam

Adam (played by Adam Arkin) is a part time resident of Cicely.

History
He first appears as Cicely's equivalent of Bigfoot, a shadowy, mythological creature rarely seen and known mainly for petty thefts and leaving enormous bare flat footprints.

When Joel Fleischman's truck breaks down in the wilderness, Adam reluctantly comes to his aid, bringing Joel to his secret cabin.

He repaired the truck while Joel was sleeping, made coffee, and then disappeared.

Maurice recruited him, for a while, but disappeared a second time.

Adam and Eve have a second secret cabin near a locked bridge that Adam mans as the gatekeeper.

Biography
Joel learns that Adam is a misanthropic recluse, a compulsive liar, and a gourmet chef. He also demonstrates a wide array of unrelated skills such as automobile mechanics. In another episode claiming to be a black belt in karate and, later in the same episode, setting up a massive fireworks display for the enjoyment of Cicely's residents. Adam also hints at a past with the CIA, involvement with Iran-Contra, and knowing who Deep Throat is. However, he does know surprising personal details about many Cicely residents.

Personality
Adam may have possible traits of high-functioning autism: his 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.

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 (Adam rarely, if ever, calls him "Joel") and the rest of the town.

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.

Employment
He works at The Brick. He also was recruited by Maurice for his newspaper. Even though they parted ways, Adam still cooks for him, Lights fireworks for him, and fills in during his absence. Adam is a lecturer and writer for The New Republic. Also, he is a gatekeeper.

Personal Life
Adam's lover (originally said to be his wife), inevitably named Eve, is finally shown in season 3. Eve is, as Joel puts it, "the Mozart of hypochondriacs", and she urges Dr. Fleischman to carry out all sorts of medical tests on her. She even kidnaps Joel 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 relationship.

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.

Towards the end of season 3, Adam and Eve are married, and it is discovered (also by Adam) that Eve is a wealthy heiress. Adam and Eve seem to interrupt their reclusive lifestyle with periods of international jetsetting.

Episodes
Adam appeared in a total of 10 episodes, half of which were in season 3.


 * "Aurora Borealis" (1-8), Joel has his first encounter with Adam
 * "The Bumpy Road to Love" (3-1), Joel is held prisoner by Adam and his partner, Eve, all the while serving as their marriage counselor
 * "Roots" (3-7), Adam becomes chef at The Brick in order to earn money to pay his insurance premiums
 * "Dateline: Cicely" (3-11), Maurice hires Adam to be the new investigative reporter for his newspaper
 * "My Mother, My Sister" (3-18), Adam seems to undergo some of the same changes as his pregnant wife
 * "Our Wedding" (3-22), Adam and Eve decide to wed for the baby's sake.
 * "The Big Feast" (4-21), Adam and Eve return with their new baby and Adam takes over the food preparation for Maurice's big bash
 * "A Bolt from the Blue" (5-14), Adam and Maurice clash over the hired help for a fireworks display
 * "Northern Hospitality" (5-16), Adam throws a dinner party
 * "The Quest" (6-15), Adam appears as a belligerent gatekeeper during Joel and Maggie's epic search for the legendary Jeweled City of the North