Highway to Heaven: Season 03 (1986)

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Probationary angel Jonathan Smith (Michael Landon) still hasn't earned his wings by the time Highway to Heaven enters its third season, but that does not stay him from his earthly mission to perform good deeds and straighten out the problems of troubled mortals. And, as in seasons past, Jonathan is accompanied in his wanderings by a "living angel," crusty ex-cop Mark Gordon (Victor French). Per tradition, the season opens with a two-part episode, "A Special Love," which finds Jonathan juggling two "assignments" at once -- to wit, convincing a physically handicapped youngster to enter the Special Olympics and comforting a married couple who has just learned they can never have children. Among the season's subsequent 23 episodes, several are standouts: "That's Our Dad" is a study in frustration and disillusionment as the star of a popular TV sitcom proves to be less genial in real life than he does on his show; the two-part "Love and Marriage," in which Jonathan gives three bickering couples a chance to rectify the events which led them to their present unhappiness; "Oh Lucky Man," wherein Mark settles accounts with a pair of con artists who are pulling a charity scam; "A Night to Remember," the story of a choice assignment for Jonathan which may result in his being forced to sever his ties with Mark; and "Ghost Rider," a full-blooded homage to spy thrillers featuring a "new" ghost on the horizon. The season finale is "The Gift of Life," putting Jonathan in the interesting position of trying to redeem a ruthless businessman after the latter's death -- all the while hoping to score points with Heaven himself. Having ranked as the 19th most popular network show in 1984-1985 and as 13th in 1985-1986, Highway to Heaven closed the 1986-1987 season in 24th place -- not as much of a comedown as one might think, considering that the series' competition included such ratings champs as The Cosby Show, Cheers, 60 Minutes, and Falcon Crest. ~ Rovi