The Fourth Season, Volume Two

Touched By An Angel is feel-good television series about angels from heaven who interact in the world of man to right wrongs. Monica (Roma Downey) is an angel trainee working as a case worker. Under the guidance of another angel Tess (Della Reese), Monica sets misguided individuals on the right path. However another important aspect to this show is the development of Monica as she tries to understand the human way of life and her role in it. Another key character to this show is Andrew (John Dye). He is an angel of death and he helps the dying in their transition to the afterlife. He is a former case worker whose mentor was Tess. He works alongside Monica on many occasions, sometimes helping prevent unnecessary deaths. Rafael (Alexis Cruz) is the fourth angel who helps the gang on several tough cases.

This review covers the second volume of the fourth season, which fourth season's final fourteen (of twenty-seven) episodes. This collection of episodes comes off in a similar manner to the first set of season four episodes (season four, volume one review). Some episodes are emotional and powerful -- but at the same time lacking something -- while others are a little too wishy-washy. In general, there is enough enjoyable content that fans of the show will appreciate it, but I did not think it was enough to make it must see TV.

Volume two begins with the episode "Deconstructing Harry". This episode is nothing special. It is a good example of an emotional episode that has potential, but does not deliver the goods. In it, Harry Applegate is a recently deceased man. Monica, Tess, and Andrew are brought together with Stella, the grieving widow, and Doris, Harry's mistress. Both women are heartbroken with Harry's loss and Monica must repair their pain by bringing the two women together. In the end, they reconcile with each other and move on without the suffering.

On the other hand, the following episode "The Trigger" is on the opposite side of the spectrum to "Deconstructing Harry". This episode is an emotionally powerful episode with a lot of dramatic and intense developments. It deals with a woman who is a victim of domestic abuse. Linda is a loving mother with a bright future ahead of her. Unfortunately, her future is in jeopardy, as her husband Ray physically abuses her. The situation changes when Linda's sister Holly comes to visit. Holly realizes what is going on in the household. In one instance when she and Linda are attacked by Ray, she kills Ray in defense. Holly is arrested for murder, which Linda refuses to acknowledge the act as self-defense. Monica, Tess, and Andrew get involved in their life to right that wrong and help Linda realizes that there is no shame in being a victim.

As for the remaining episodes, there are (as previously mentioned) some good and bad ones. For the most part, the episodes tend to offer decent insights with the angels righting wrongs. But at the same time, the appeal varies from episode to episode. Some of the highlights include "Breaking Bread", an episode that deals with a hate crime and the fear that comes to the local populace with guest star Michael Chiklis (The Shield), "Perfect Little Angel", the angels repair the faith of a single mother with a son in need of heart surgery, "The Spirit of Liberty Moon", an emotional two-part episode where Tess and the others help a woman reconnect with her lost son.

Overall, Touched By An Angel's fourth season, volume two offers some good episodes that play out in a similar manner to past seasons, but do not quite have the same punch. There are a few exceptions, but not enough to make this collection outstanding. Regardless, fans of the series will appreciate this show's feel-good nature.

Episode Guide

14. Deconstructing Harry: Harry Applegate is forgiven after Monica and Tess bring his wife and his mistress together shortly after his death. The angels help them find it in their hearts to allow God to repair their pain and move on.
15. The Trigger: A woman, in denial of her husband's physical abuse, is in dire need of Tess and Monica's help. Through the angels' faith and support, she finally takes the necessary actions to save her sister's future and her own.
16. Doodlebugs: When a widowed minister of a small town loses his faith, he rediscovers it when a series of mysterious phone calls lead to the entire town regaining hope.
17. Redeeming Love: Monica comes to the aid of a seriously troubled crack addict. Through God, they save her baby and help her find the path to recovery.
18. Flights of Angels: Richard is a terminally ill artist with a special wish. Andrew helps him fulfill his desire to leave his family one last piece of himself.
19. Breaking Bread: When hate crimes plague a town, Monica and Tess arrive to inspire a timid baker to take a stand against the perpetrators. With their help, eh will face his own prejudice and maybe conquer the Devil himself.
20. God and Country: Rafael guides a young soldier to forgive his father, Colonel Victor Walls, for a decision that changes their family forever. Monica helps Victor see that, although he has served his country, he needs to serve God and be honest with his family.
21. How Do You Spell Faith: A mother and son's already troubled relationship is further put to the test when tragedy strikes the family. The angels help them pick up the pieces to foster a relationship with God and each other.
22. Seek and Ye Shall Find: Monica suffers amnesia and meets the bitter Dr. Crayton while he's on his way to watch the execution of his wife's murderer. Later she shows him that forgiveness and faith is the only way he will achieve peace.
23. Cray, and You Cry Alone: When the retired comic duo of Salt and Pepper are inducted into the Comedy Hall of Fame, the duo reunites to give it one more try. When their reunion opens old wounds, Monica and Tess are called upon to help them realize the error of their ways before it is too late.
24. Perfect Little Angel: A young woman with financial problems and a deep secret enters a beauty pageant in hopes of winning the prize money. The angels help her see that rust in people and faith in God is what she needs to repair her life.
25. Elijah: A bitter slumlord, sentenced to two weeks living in his own tenement, pays a very high price for being so unkind to his tenants. Ultimately he listens to Monica, and follows his pious father's example.
26. Last Dance: Greg and Jill, a teenage couple, are torn apart by their disapproving mothers -- until Jill discovers a secret from her mother's past, and the angels guide them to resolve their differences and make peace.
27. The Spirit of Liberty Moon (Parts 1&2): As an employee for a toy company, Tess helps Chinese refugee Jean go back to her country to find her missing daughter, Piao Yue.

The DVD

Video:
The video is given in its original television aspect ratio of 1.33:1 full frame color. For the most part, the picture quality is average. The picture has a heavy grain and occasional compression artifacts. Overall it is decent and fits the needs of this feature.

Audio:
The audio track in this release is in English and Spanish 2.0 Dolby digital stereo sound. In terms of sound quality, it's pretty much similar to any other television release. The dialogue remains fairly flat. As well the music tends to feel the same way. Regarding the track's stereo capabilities, there is very little distinction between channels. There are also English subtitles.

Extras:
There are no extras included in this set.

Final Thoughts:
Touched By An Angel: The Fourth Season, Volume 2 is the last fourteen episodes from the show's fourth season. The collection starts off with a decent episode and follows up with a very emotional and powerful one. However, the subsequent episodes vary in quality and are either strong or decent. In the end, this collection will be enjoyed by fans, but not as much as earlier seasons.