The first season of CBS' hugely successful Touched by an Angel introduces the ever-optimistic, faith-lite formula that kept the show on the air for eight years (1994-2003). Roma Downey plays heaven-sent angel Monica, assigned to Earth to help mortals resolve their many crises and prepare them either for a better life or an afterlife. Monica's boss, Tess (Della Reese), has her doubts about the celestial rookie, but after a rocky start in the series pilot, Monica proves she can intervene in people's lives with excellent results. Essentially, this template allows the show's creators to dream up any storyline they want and conveniently insert the leads. Thus we see Monica and Tess involved in issues of alcoholism ("Tough Love," with Phylicia Rashad), teen pregnancy and adoption ("Cassie's Choice"), homelessness ("There, But For the Grace of God"), and attempted suicide ("The Hero"). In many cases, Monica is able to guide troubled souls to their rightful destinies, but one of the most interesting story strands here is her relationship with an angel of death (played by Charles Rocket in season one), who bars Monica from shielding humans from their deaths. While the series has loads of positive appeal, the writing could have been more challenging; as it is, this is the TV equivalent of comfort food. Presented in a so-so digital transfer, the 13-episode boxed set also features the two-part series (not season) finale, a 60 Minutes interview with executive producer Martha Williamson, and audio commentaries on four episodes (with Williamson and others), among other extras. Optional. (T. Keogh)
Touched by an Angel: The Complete First Season
Paramount, 4 discs, 693 min., not rated, DVD: $49.99 Volume 19, Issue 6
Touched by an Angel: The Complete First Season
Star Ratings
As of March 2022, Video Librarian has changed from a four-star rating system to a five-star one. This change allows our reviewers to have a wider range of critical viewpoints, as well as to synchronize with Google’s rating structure. This change affects all reviews from March 2022 onwards. All reviews from before this period will still retain their original rating. Future film submissions will be considered our new 1-5 star criteria.
Order From Your Favorite Distributor Today: