El séptimo cielo

It's disturbing to read a "Plot Outline" which categorizes the Camdens as "ultra-conservative". The Camdens embrace values that use to be seen as quintessentially liberal; they are tolerant, generous, and believe in the redeemability of almost every human being. But, apparently, we are to look at them as "ultra-conservative" because of the choices that most of them make for themselves, generally eschewing alcohol and other drugs, premarital sex, and so forth -- even as they remain in respectful communication with those who make different choices. The Camdens also are notably Christian, but the Reverend Camden leans upon -- and offers support to -- a rabbi, and his youngest daughter pals around with a Muslim girl. I don't agree with the Camdens on everything (I'm an atheist), and I find this show too often sacchrine. But, in any event, it certainly doesn't represent what I would call "ultra-conservativism"; instead, it represents that to which most Americans aspire.

I think this show jumped the shark somewhere around season 5 and I stopped watching after that. In fact, it went in a completely different direction that didn't even make sense. Everything I'm about to say regards only up to the end of season 4 The show is about a pastor and his family but is not very religious. It is about family that has an awful lot of kids but doesn't promote that. In some episodes have to defend "all those children" even. There is definitely gender based stereotyping going on although they did try to expand the SAHM being more than just a cook/clean/kids -- she's also a plumber/carpenter ... they tried. The plots are simple and solutions are too easy but I loved this show. It is campy and I love campy. The kids are close and defend one another. Pastor expands his role to community counselor / social worker and gets involved in neighbors / parishoners / kids' friends lives. Wouldn't it be nice to have someone paying attention and subtly, politely helping people address their issues. If more pastors were this way, I'd probably have a more positive attitude toward religion.

Lots of people talk about how "nice" the family in this show is, and that's certainly its most striking feature. Even those who like the show will probably concede that the family in the show is "nicer" than almost any family you'll find in real life. I suspect that the people producing the show were motivated to create an idealized family as a role model, rather than a "real" family most people would recognize as familiar. Whether you enjoy seeing an "idealized" family or whether you prefer something more realistic is a matter of personal preference. I personally don't feel there is anything necessarily wrong with unrealistic. Is "7th Heaven" any more "unrealistic" than "Friends" or "Seinfeld" or "The Phantom Menace"? Personally, I don't have a problem with "nice" characters, but I do have a problem with "nice" story telling.

In a well written story, be it a TV show, film, novel or play, you have a character faced with a series of seeming insurmountable problems. At some point in the story, the character will generally feel overwhelmed by the amount of stuff they have to deal with. There's an escalation of tension in all good story telling. An element of chaos.

I find that missing from "7th Heaven". Solutions to problems are thought of the moment the problem occurs. The solutions are instantly implemented. Problems never pile on or overwhelm the characters. Everyone is in touch with their feelings, and can articulate whatever they feel. No communication problems exist. Everyone gets along just fine. There's no escalation of tension in a "7th Heaven" episode. In an effort to create a nice tone and positive role models, they have robbed their stories of all tension and conflict. They've made them dull. Nice is OK but dull is not.

7th Heaven was and forever will be one of the greatest inspirational TV Series of the 90's of all-time. Despite the negative reviews, 7th Heaven was a inspirational and beautiful family show with a beautiful cast and characters. It was very uplifting and had emotional moments, but throughout the entire series it was very touching. Thanks to creator Brenda Hampton.

The entire cast was terrific including David Gallagher he did awesome. We all enjoyed watching 7th Heaven for a long time and it was a joy. Beautiful story-lines and the show itself was moving. I wish it would've continued on and never ended. It was an excellent show. If they were to bring it back I wouldn't miss it for the world. I recommend 7th Heaven to all families, it will forever uplift you.

While many have lots of concerns about the relevancy of this series, it continues to be one of the few television series still in production which does not feel it necessary to fill the hour with murder, mayhem, violence, sex, and ridicule. This makes it a safe choice for many families who want a bit of entertainment together as a family. It is the only choice for the family on UPN, as far as I am aware.

For a period of time, 7th Heaven was doing 'topic of the week' episodes in the after school special vein. Some people like that style; others do not. The current season has focused more on the lives of the various family members, which is something that fans of the series wanted. However, as time has gone on, at least three of the actors playing the family's children have moved on to college and film work. This leaves many of the fan based frustrated. There's basically 2 of the original 'children' left in the series, and one of them is no longer a child. The addition of the twin boys 4 years ago as babies will probably pay off next season (if another season is approved) as they will be 5, about the age of the youngest child during the first year of the series. More antics of kindergarteners - multiplied by two - are expected.

Can 7th Heaven survive another season? I expect, due to the limited competition in this demographic, that it can. But SHOULD it survive, or should it bow out as gracefully as possible? That remains to be seen.