Ein Engel auf Erden

I watched every single episode of Highway to Heaven that was aired from 1984 to 1989, and enjoyed every single episode. I particularly liked the 2-part episode "Thoroughbreds", which combined romance with the tragedy of cancer. Many of the other episodes which dealt with cancer were also excellent.

Unfortunately, "Highway" has been off the air since 1989 and is not available on video. My memories of the episodes are quite rusty, and I haven't managed to find anyone who taped the series. Until somebody obtains the rights to distribute or air the series, I'll have to settle for my vague nostalgic memories.

Anyway, it's nice to see there are still some fans around.

Norman

"Highway To Heaven" was a very well done show. I really like most of the episodes. They were really well written & directed. Michael Landon & Victor French worked so well together as Mark Gordon & Johnathan Smith. Landon wrote some really hard hitting stories about, Love, Hate, Forgiveness & Racial Issues. I don't agree with all of the points that Michael was trying to raise like, referring to the Lord as "The Boss" or "The Man Upstairs". Overall the show was a touching one. And now as I still watch the reruns of it, I get a weird feeling in knowing that Michael Landon & Victor French are now no longer here anymore. It's a big loss. They were both really great actors. I miss them both...

One might expect that any show about an angel of god who walks the Earth trying to help people would be heavy-handed and depressing. Highway to Heaven is neither. It's an uplifting show that showcases all the best aspects of religion and niceness. Unlike "Touched by an Angel" and the televangelist shows, HtH deals with whether a person is good, not whether they subscribe to the right religion. There is room in the definition of "good" to include businessmen, politicians, and former criminals. I'm a hardcore atheist and I still love this show.

In addition, the element of God's power is never used as a club. Jonathan has "the stuff," but never uses it until words and persuasion have failed. It almost makes one feel that with a little effort, they might do some good themselves in the world. Throw in the grainy mid-80s picture and you've got a wonderful bit of escapism to a world where just a little good will can move mountains.

Late actors Michael Landon and Victor French did a lovely job as Jonathan Smith and Mark Gordon on this show.

Jonathan was an angel and each week he joined up with ex-policeman Mark Gordon. There were a multitude of stories; Jonathan and Mark would always help some poor soul out without resorting to the usual TV method of violence. Throughout the show, they helped many different types of people from alcoholics to those expressing self-doubt. It was very sentimental at times but watching it gave one a sense of inner peace. I am actually an agnostic as far as religion goes but even if one doesn't believe in God, a lot can be learned from a show like this on how to treat people and how to do things the right way.

All in all, a very sentimental show. My girlfriend did cry at some episodes so perhaps a few tissues would be advised if watching this show.

Sometime in 1997,I recall listening to an edition of "Fresh Air with Terry Gross" where they did a tribute to the late NBC executive Brandon TArtikoff(who is generally credited with fostering NBC's resurgence in the ratings through most of the 1980s),who had passed away shortly before. They played an interview bit where Mr.TArikoff was asked about "Highway to Heaven" and his reaction to being pitched this series by NBC standby and TV icon Michael Landon. He told Landon something to the effect that he wasn't really sure how well a show like this could be successful in a period dominated by Stephen Cannell/Glen LArson/Aaron Spelling shows,saying something to the effect of "This show could be broadcast in black and white and there would be no real change to it". To which Landon replied something to the tune of "Look,there aren't really ANY shows like it on television now,and what will it hurt to give this one a try?". Tartikoff was convinced,ran the show and it preceded to have an effective,five season run before quiet cancellation.

I was fairly skeptical of these shows as a kid and didn't really warm up to them until I was in college(!). I suppose I felt like it was probably a little too heavy-handed in its moralizing and,to be quite frank,anything that DIDN'T promise sex and/or violence when I was in junior high really didn't seem to interest me. It wasn't until I was a little older(And maybe a little bored),watching rerun t.v. at my college dorm that I stumbled across the show and gave it a chance. I must say that,as schmaltzy as it was(And that heavy music track didn't ease the tension!),it was at heart a sweet,heartfelt show that taught simple lessons about morality and faith.

Crafted almost like an anthology series(I hope I'm using the right term here),the cast was merely LAndon as human-turned-Angel Jonathan Smith,traveling with retired-cop and faux grouch Mark Gordon(Victor French),going from city to city,town to town,on missions determined by the almighty,in order to help Smith get to heaven for good(turns out,he's a probationary angel it seems). EAch episode feature different principal players who interact with JOnathan and Mark,and the lessons they learn.

I would have to say I recommend this one. Whether it's TVLand or DVD(if it's there already,and I kinda think it is)where you see this,you should get the same effect,and a good one at that.