Touched by an Angel
Tags: inspiring, philosophical

Plot synopsis:
The episodes of the series generally revolved around the "cases" of Monica (played by Roma Downey), a young angel recently promoted from the "search and rescue" division, who works under the guidance of Tess (played by Della Reese), a sarcastic boss who showed greater respect as an authority figure of her employee. Monica in one episode outlines that she started in the choir then annunciations, followed by search and rescue and then case work. Most cases involve a single person or a group of people who are at a crossroad in their lives and facing a large problem or tough decision. Monica and Tess bring them messages of hope from God and help give them guidance towards making their decision. During their first episode, the pair receive a red 1972 Cadillac Eldorado convertible as a gift; they use it for transportation throughout the rest of the series while in the human world, with Tess doing the driving. As the series progresses, Monica continues gaining experience as a case worker and, during some cases having to learn lessons of her own.
During the series pilot, an angel of death named Adam is introduced. In the season two premiere, "Interview with an Angel", the Angel of Death is introduced as Henry. In the season two episode entitled, "The One That Got Away" Andrew (played by John Dye) is introduced as the Angel of Death. (Initially a recurring character, he becomes a main character in season three, making him the permanent Angel of Death for the remainder of the series.)
During season seven, a new angel, Gloria, is sent by God during one of Monica's assignments, who becomes a regular character for seasons eight and nine, as a trainee under Monica and Tess's guidance. In the series finale, Monica is up for promotion to supervisor, pending the outcome of a difficult case in which she must defend Zack (Scott Bairstow), an innocent drifter accused of causing a boiler explosion at a school two years ago in the small town of Ascension, Colorado. The explosion killed most of the children, leaving the citizens devastated. During the case, Monica sees many familiar faces, including Joey Machulis (Paul Wittenburg), one of Monica's previous assignments who is a witness to the events, his brother Wayne (Randy Travis), who is now sheriff, Sophie (Marion Ross), a formerly homeless acquaintance, and Mike (Patrick Duffy), a lawyer Monica saved during her search and rescue days who is now the Mayor. An out of town developer claims Zack is the perpetrator and despite the lack of evidence, Zack is put on trial. Monica does all she can to help him, including asking Mike to represent him, but the prosecutor in the case, Jones, is really Satan in disguise, and Zack is eventually convicted.
After the trial, Monica is able to help the citizens realize their mistake and to see that Zack's return to the town had helped them finally start living again. They begin going back to church, welcomed by the pastor they had once abandoned. Their change of heart, however, cannot free Zack, so Monica visits him in jail and reveals that she is an angel. She then promises him that she will become his guardian angel, forgoing all future assignments and the coveted promotion, to protect him from harm in prison. When she returns in the morning, however, the cell is empty. The citizens decide not to search for him, and it is revealed that Joey inadvertently caused the explosion after the devil tricked him into turning the boiler too high to warm some kittens he'd found.
The perplexed Monica returns to the desert to find Tess and Zack. There, she learns that Zack was actually God, and that her defending him was a test, which she passed by being willing to sacrifice herself for him. Monica is promoted to supervisor. As she leaves, she says her goodbyes to Gloria, and to Andrew, who gives her a pocket watch to remember their friendship by. Before parting, Tess gives Monica the keys to the Cadillac, as she is leaving her job to sit at God's feet. Monica is last shown driving away as the camera pans out over the desert.

Review: What we must rely on is faith and hope to give us the strength to go on with out lives when tragedy or insurmountable difficulties strike us down.The angelic combination of actors, Roma Downey, John Dye and the legendary Della Reese give a completeness, perhaps whole roundness to these inspiring hours.
The addition of Valerie Bertinelli was very welcome and has brought a wonderful character of innocence and comic relief (for the sake of a better word) at the same time.I am very thankful for this series and for the actors, directors, producers, writers and crew who have dedicated their time to bringing this to us.If you've gotten this far in my review and you're still not convinced...I beg you give it a chance.
Tess is hilarious, Monica is lovely, and Andrew is just the sweetest, kindest, gentlest, most lovable Angel of Death you'd ever want to meet.
They work together perfectly, and not only help everyone they meet but inspire almost everyone who sees the show to help others.In the words of a boy I know who just saw the famous 100th episode--and he'd never seen any Touched by an Angel before--"Emotionally charged.
Many people say Touched by an Angel is the show that makes you cry, but always in a good way..
Before watching this show I never thought much about God and Christianity but after only seeing one episode of Touched by an Angel I was not only in love with the show but also started thinking about God which resulted in me believing in God and having a relationship with God. I loved Monica, Tess, and Andrew but I have to admit I didn't much care for Gloria who joined in the late seasons.
Touched by an Angel saved my life particularly the episode which had song testify to love (psalm 151).
Sure, it was a little cheesy and syrupy at times, but you knew that going in, and you watched it for the message it delivered.But I can sum up the impact it had on me, and could have on you, in one sentence:"It's the only TV show that regularly made me cry."It was so good, it spawned another superb show called "Promised Land."If you've not seen it before, then make a point to catch it re-runs.
Now, mind you, I have very little faith in the existence of God or, God forbid (natch), angels, I can't help but feel a little, well..."touched" at the end of every episode.
While the show has a certain degree of humor from episode to episode, the producers made the show meaningful to the problems of today's world, with each episode addressing a different and difficult topic in life's journey - ranging from gang problems to drugs to cancer to war to racism, with all giving proof in the end that God's intervention and love is always at hand for those who ask for it.
Well-known American Jazz singer and actor Della Reese is well-suited in the role of Supervisory Angel Tess, while Irish-born actor Roma Downey stars in her role as Angelic case worker Monica, who is often given a helping hand from Andrew, The Angel of Death, played consistently well by American actor John Dye..
And afterwards I spent three hours vomiting stomach acid into a bucket.So, in a few words, this show disgusts me.If I remember correctly, I watched the episode where one of the angels talks to a young girl who worships Satan and says "the lord loves you, even if you did steal Marylin Manson CD's".
I think TOUCHED BY AN ANGEL is best described as a like-it-or-hate-it show.
Monica and all the rest are friendly people,even though Tess can be a bit bossy and Monica can't sing very well.I just love to watch Touched, because it shows angels helping people and points out that all is not bad in this world, where the news is covered with drugs,violence, etc.
Pros: God and his message of divine loveCons: Dramatically sappy, obviously unsubtle when it comes to references like "Salvation's Child" for example, most stories focused on social issues or people in doubt after bad things happened to them, guest stars usually has beens or B-actors (with few exceptions who also appeared on better films/series/etc.), soothing snyth music and historically inaccurate on some episodes alongside New Age tone..
My favorite character was the 'Angel Of Death' Andrew, played by John Dye, because he just doesn't take the dying away; he makes sure the dying understand why they are going to heaven.
My favorite character was the 'Angel Of Death' Andrew, played by John Dye, because he just doesn't take the dying away; he makes sure the dying understand why they are going to heaven.
"Touched By An Angel" was so touching that it made me want to do one of two things: become an angel like Monica, Tess, or Andrew, and be on the receiving end of their help..
"Touched By An Angel" was so touching that it made me want to do one of two things: become an angel like Monica, Tess, or Andrew, and be on the receiving end of their help..
First let me say, I am a Christian and do believe in God and angels and for a while I watched this show every time it was on, however it's getting old.
If you need to see angels to believe in God, or don't believe you can help people without magic powers or a magic spotlight, then the show is doing more harm than good.
I also believe that if angels exists, there duty is to watch over people, not invade there lives, and get into business that is not there problem.
So my children and I scanned the cable channels for something different to watch and happened to find the 'Hallmark' channel and subsequently 'Touched by an Angel.' From its title we all thought that this was going to be sickly nonsense, but how wrong we were !!Although we are only on season 5 here(so great there are still many episodes to come) we have thoroughly enjoyed the series.
While I am sure Touched by and Angel did some good back in 1994-2003, I think it is more needed now more than ever.
It really touched a lot of lives and I think saved a lot of people or at the bare minimum, got people interested in learning more about God and His message for the world.
As far as various weekly stories go, this is a great show (some episodes more interesting than others) But, unlike "Highway to Heaven", this one wants to take the concept of an angel seriously, and the angels, especially Monica, are preachy when helping those in need.
(Believe you me, I am not usually an emotional or "soppy" person.) At 43, I am not especially spiritual in nature, and I am somewhat of a sceptic, so it surprises me when I say that I actually enjoy looking forward to the next episode of this programme (Although series 9 is my favourite, I have not seen a bad episode in any series).This has to be one of the all time great programmes, which should appeal to the whole family.
It reminded me that we are not alone, that we have a Father above who loves us no matter what, he can forgive us and help us through the rough times.From the very first episode to the last show of the final season, I was never disappointed in Touched By An Angel.I'm getting to re-watch this show on GMC (now called UP)and I realize there just aren't shows like this on TV anymore..
Hi, I don't know if I've seen this PARTICULAR episode or not, but I would just like to say that Touched by an Angel is a wonderful show!
OK, there are some things in it sometimes that I don't like, and , I thought I heard one of the angels take the Lord's Name in vain once, (Which is TOTALLY NOT COOL if they did *,note to the writers and producers), but they're good story lines.
But like everyone I think the one thing I hate the most is near the end of an episode when Monica tells her assignment that 'I'm an angel sent from God to tell you that he loves you'.
But always, God sends her her own guiding angel.It is in the form of Tess (Della Reese) who is older, tougher and much wiser as she had her lessons, too, long before Monica's time.
Mostly, I liked the whole show, not just the characters, not just the stars.I wish producers would still come up with uplifting, feel-good shows like this once in a while, shows that make a difference.If this show ever gets re-shown, I would definitely watch it all over again.
I especially like Roma Downey and John Dye. This was a message oriented series that deals with a different subject with each different episode they make.
I especially like Roma Downey and John Dye. This was a message oriented series that deals with a different subject with each different episode they make.
I especially like Roma Downey and John Dye. This was a message oriented series that deals with a different subject with each different episode they make.
I wish I could have seen more of Celine Dion and Wynona in future episodes because they were fantastic."Touched By An Angel" is a show that should never have been canceled because it was a show that not only touches everyone watching it but the guest stars who have acted on it.
It is as if this show has a special gift for touching and uplifting people that are surrounded by the show.My favorite character was the 'Angel Of Death' Andrew, played by John Dye, because he didn't just take the dying away; he made sure the dying understand why they are going to heaven."Touched By An Angel" was a very touching series with a lot of heart..
I love this heartwarming family series in which angels are sent by God with assurances of His love and a message of hope to troubled individuals.
I don't think most viewers expect God to work exactly as this series portrays, with an angel miraculously appearing to show us the way in answer to our prayers.
The cast are all wonderful in their angelic roles...Della Reese as the exuberant, plain spoken, and guiding Tess, Roma Downey the lovely Monica, John Dye the compassionate Andrew (the Angel of Death), and Valerie Bertinelli the uncertain newcomer, Gloria.
So what, it doesn't matter because God still loves me and so does Jesus for what we are and who we are.To tell the truth, I'm afraid of reading the bible because some of the passages scare me somewhere and I tend to misinterpret everything in word-for-word like "salvation", "taking my eye out" or "cutting my hand off"; even some websites made me buy into things that are posted on them, until I had help from my mother, brother and grandparents that the websites are a no-no for me and to ignore the garbage that people get strict about trying to persuade people into their beliefs, instead of helping like how Monica, Tess and Andrew tell people when they feel worried and scared of the future until they tell them that there's nothing to fear and that we can't change the past, but we can change where we're going in the future.
The episodes I find helpful are "Into the Light", "Out of the Darkness", "Redeemable Love" "The Invitation" and "Two sides to every angel".I wanna be in heaven when the time comes and I believe it is more beautiful then I'll ever imagine.
I hope that "Touched by an Angel" will continue on for as long as possible and hopefully, it will eventually be one of the most popular TV series in the world of entertainment..
My favorite character has got to be the 'Angel Of Death' Andrew, played by John Dye, because he just doesn't take the dying away; he makes sure the dying understand why they are going to heaven.
Touched By An Angel is so touching; it makes me want to do one of two things: become an angel like Monica, Tess, or Andrew, and be on the receiving end of their help.
It touches my heart every time I watch and brings tears to my eyes every Sunday.
Wonderful acting by Roma Downey, Della Reese and John Dye. Anyone who watches this show will be "touched by an angel".
Watch this show, and you will feel as if you were touched by an angel.
Anyone who believes in angels, or who just needs to be cheered up or feel better should watch this wonderful show.
Just a few minutes ago I finished watching my first episode, and it left me with a lump in my throat the size of a golfball, and I'm happy to say that it looks like I'm going to be busy Sunday nights from now on too.I really do believe in angels now too..
So I watched an episode of Touched by an Angel - S1, E9 called "Fear Not" about a little girl who I thought was going to be miraculously saved but she wasn't - she died.
Always makes me feel good knowing our God loves us deeply.
I have found the series to be very comforting and uplifting because of how well the main characters are played i.e. Monica as a very approachable person, funny, and sensitive to people's feelings, Tess, who is brilliant, bold and also funny, and Andrew, a wonderful way to portray the angel of death, helping to take away the fear and trepidation.
I always feel uplifted after watching these series, and often challenged by the messages in each i.e. re forgiveness, and trusting God, and hope that things can and do change if we reach our in faith to Him. Well done to the writers and cast, for portraying God and His grace in such a way that anyone can watch these and be touched, not only by an angel, but by our loving Heavenly Father as well..
Touched by an Angel is a touching, heartfelt and emotional TV show, featuring three angels, Monica (Roma Downey), Tess (Della Reese) and Andrew (John Dye) who were sent by God to Earth to help troubled people get through their trials and adversities and remind them that God loves them and will guide them through the hard times.This show really tugs at your heartstrings as each episode focuses deeply on the people's problems - from family issues to displaced dreams, and from life and death ordeals to friendship tests.
Love, hate, anger and forgiveness are elements that are elaborately portrayed in the show and the angels' mission in bringing hope, understanding, faith and God's love to these troubled people will give you feel-good moments.Downey gave a lovely portrayal as the sweet and gentle Monica, a caseworker angel out to help each troubled person or persons with getting through hard times, while Della Reese portrays her gruff yet good-hearted and humorous supervisor Tess.
John Dye brings a little bit of balance and grim in his character as opposed to Downey and Reese, portraying Andrew the Angel of Death.The episodes ranges from sweet and light-hearted to downright dramatic and sad.
best thing to come out of the U.S. every episode except for about two out of 200 was nearly perfect, as good as TV gets, great writing, production, script, sets, lighting, superior music, perfect casting, a long running series that has not surpassed to this day.
This program can get you off at the edge of your seat and, if you don't believe in God then i think you should watch this program because this actually don't try and force you to believe that God or angels is real but it can give you so much hope, you sit there to enjoy, cry, smile and realise that this program can help you if you want it to, or you see loads of love and emotion.
Sometimes you get a bit bothered with every episode ending in "Im an angel sent by god", not because of the religious connotations, just the predictability that you know Monica never stuffs up.
I love Monica's love for people and urgency with which she carries her message, and Gloria's humorous lack of experience yet firmness of purpose and direction that makes her unquestionably angelic.Most of all, I enjoy the story of each episode.
Watch this show and you will be touched by an angel!.
I do believe in God and Angels, but that is not the reason I love this show.
I even know athiest who watch and enjoy Touch by an Angel.
Touched By Angel - One Of The Best Shows On Television.
I have been a huge fan of Touched By An Angel ever since the first episode aired back in 1994.
We're about two seasons behind, but I still love to watch it anyway....I am sick of all the violence, sex and foul language that is on the majority of television shows today and Touched By An Angel is a breath of fresh air.
It's a very beautiful show and I love seeing the way in which Monica, Tess and Andrew deal with various situations.It is very emotional and I do end up with tears in my eyes after most of the episodes.
This show has helped me to grow in my relationship with God too!My favorite episodes are: Psalm 151, My Dinner With Andrew, On Edge, Fighting The Good Fight and The Spirit Of Liberty Moon.Watch this show and trust me, you will be "touched"..
Touched by an Angel is a very nice series.
If you watch each episode of all the seasons, you will discover that according to the angels, God loves all of his creatures, human as well as wayward angel.