Highway to Heaven

This show offered an inspirational message, and an example of morality to children, and grown-ups alike, who maybe didn't have any other good influence in their life. I believe that this show was truly inspired by God, and that in it's five years on the air, that it helped alot of people to examine themselves, and try to live better lives. Wow! What an amazing and powerful 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.

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.

I was only a child when "Highway" aired in first-run, so I barely remember watching it then, and it deserves to be on DVD, even if the entire run doesn't get released. Fortunately, the episodes never released on DVD are available on YouTube (as well as the rest of the series) Thank goodness for YouTube. Even the theme song is worth listening to over and over again. It's a shame this show only lasted 5 seasons (actually, 4 and a half, to be precise). Even if Landon and French never became ill, the ratings would have killed the show anyway, so I guess it wouldn't mattered one way or another. Notable famous guest stars: Robert Culp, Ed Asner, James Earl Jones, Moses Gunn, Helen Hunt, Leslie Nielsen, Barry Williams, Paul Walker, Richard Farnsworth, Darren McGavin, Bill Erwin, Ned Beatty, Dick Van Dyke, Chad Allen.

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