Ep 14. All That Glitters

Highway to Heaven season 3 episode 14, titled "All That Glitters," takes viewers on another heartwarming journey alongside Jonathan Smith, an angel sent by God to help those in need. This episode delves into the theme of wealth and the true value of material possessions.

The episode begins with Jonathan (Michael Landon) landing in the bustling city of Los Angeles, where he encounters an elderly couple, the Carters. Sarah and Henry Carter (played by Jessica Tandy and Hume Cronyn) are a kind, down-to-earth couple who have spent their entire lives together, weathering life's ups and downs. Despite their meager lifestyle, the Carters are filled with joy and love for one another.

However, their peaceful existence takes an unexpected turn when they receive news that Henry has inherited a vast fortune from an estranged relative. Overnight, the Carters go from living frugally to having an abundance of wealth at their disposal. Swamped by material possessions, Sarah and Henry find themselves confronted with choices and challenges they never thought they'd face.

Jonathan, always perceptive and compassionate, realizes that this dramatic change in circumstances may have unintended consequences for the Carters' well-being. He recognizes the danger of becoming attached to material wealth and losing sight of what truly matters in life. With a sense of urgency, Jonathan embarks on a mission to guide the Carters through their newfound affluence and help them avoid the pitfalls of greed and selfishness.

As the story unfolds, Jonathan witnesses the transformation in the Carters' lives and the impact it has on their relationship. Sarah and Henry begin to succumb to the allure of expensive cars, extravagant parties, and extravagant vacations. They are drawn into a world filled with shallowness and superficiality, losing touch with their own values and the genuine happiness they had always known.

Through various encounters and orchestrated situations, Jonathan brings the Carters face-to-face with individuals who teach them valuable life lessons. From a struggling single mother working two jobs to make ends meet to an elderly homeless man whose spirit remains unbroken, each individual serves as a mirror that reflects the importance of compassion, kindness, and love, irrespective of one's financial status.

Jonathan's ultimate goal is for the Carters to rediscover the true wealth that lies in their hearts, the joy of giving rather than receiving. He gently guides them on a journey back to their humble beginnings, where they find solace, purpose, and fulfillment. Along the way, the Carters encounter numerous challenges, testing their newfound understanding and resolving the conflicts that have arisen within their relationship.

"All That Glitters" is an episode that explores the transformative power of love and personal growth. It delves into the philosophical question of wealth and its impact on an individual's character, reminding viewers that true riches are not measured by a bank account but by the intangible qualities that make us human.

As the episode reaches its poignant conclusion, the Carters undergo a remarkable transformation. They learn to appreciate the beauty in simplicity, the value of selflessness, and the importance of maintaining strong bonds with their loved ones. Through all the trials and tribulations, Sarah and Henry rediscover the meaning of true happiness, exemplifying that the pursuit of material wealth often blinds us from life's simplest and most meaningful pleasures.

Highway to Heaven season 3 episode 14, "All That Glitters," is a captivating and thought-provoking exploration of wealth, materialism, and human nature. With its heartfelt performances and engaging storytelling, this episode leaves viewers reflecting on their own lives, cherishing what truly matters, and reevaluating the sense of values that guide them towards a fulfilling existence.