Les routes du paradis

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.

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.

Well thats my opinion anyway, Michael Landon graced millions of TV screens once a week portraying Johnathan Smith, and angel sent from God to help people find their ways in life. He is assisted by Mark Gordon an Ex-Cop who's life he helped turn around, brilliantly played by Victor French. This show which is great for the entire family shows good morales and a lesson is learned every episode. Michael Landon's final public work before passing away (Us, never aired)touched millions of people including myself. I know of a LOT of people looking for this show and by the grace of god it is finally arriving on DVD. I urge you to spend the money on this product and share it with your families! A beautiful show waiting to be discovered by an entirely new generation is finally here! Let's go Johnathan and Mark, God has one more assignment for you...in DVD land!

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.

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!