O Homem que Veio do Céu

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.

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.

"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.

Highway to Heaven is probably the greatest television show I have ever watched. Michael Landon showed us the viewers the way older people, people with disabilities, and others can be treated so badly in society. As Jonathan Smith Michael tried to instil better values in people, as well as showing us how to treat people with love and respect. Plus there was always plenty of action when Jonathan would be forced to defend people from thugs. One of my favourite episodes has to be the one where a man has his food taken from him by thugs, Jonathan says to the thugs c'mon give the kid back his food you've had your fun, when they refused Jonathan threw the thugs all over the place. The show also showed Jonathan and Mark on wonderful journey's from town to town each week, which was great. Michael Landon tried to show people how to love and laugh, just watching an episode makes you want to get out there and help someone out. I thank Michael Landon for inspiring me to be a better person. I will never forget what Michael Landon has contributed to my life, and I thank him so much. Highway to Heaven should be on television again, rather than the non-family oriented Reality Television Shows of today. Michael's television shows took me back to my childhood memories of my loving grandmother Mavis Brewis. I am certain that Michael Landon and my grandmother are now real angels of god.