Ep 1. The Southbound Bus

The show Touched By An Angel follows three angels named Monica, Tess, and Andrew, who are sent by God to Earth to help people in need. In season 1 episode 1, titled "The Southbound Bus," Monica is assigned to help a group of strangers on a bus destined for New Orleans.

The episode opens with Monica receiving her assignment from Tess, who tells her that she needs to help the passengers on a bus traveling south. Monica is hesitant at first, as she has never been to Earth and is unsure of what to do. However, Tess reminds her that she is not alone and that she can call on God for guidance.

Monica arrives on the bus and is greeted by a diverse group of passengers, including a pregnant woman, a young couple running away from home, a man with a troubled past, and an elderly woman traveling to see her granddaughter. As the bus begins its journey, Monica observes the interactions between the passengers and realizes that each one is carrying a burden.

Throughout the episode, Monica uses her angelic abilities to help the passengers confront their fears and overcome their obstacles. She provides comfort and guidance to the pregnant woman as she prepares to give birth, and she helps the young couple realize that running away is not the answer to their problems.

Monica also helps the troubled man confront his past and make amends with the family he left behind. And she helps the elderly woman fulfill her dream of seeing her granddaughter by arranging for the bus to make a detour to her hometown.

As the bus approaches its destination, Monica has helped each passenger in a unique way, but there is one passenger who remains unchanged. A young man named Tom has been silent throughout the journey, but Monica senses that he is carrying a deep hurt. She approaches him and discovers that he is grieving the loss of his father, who died in a car accident. Monica provides Tom with comfort and reminds him that his father is always with him in his heart.

The episode ends with the bus arriving in New Orleans, and the passengers parting ways with gratitude for Monica's help. As Monica prepares to leave, the elderly woman thanks her for making her dream a reality. Monica smiles and says, "I didn't do it alone. Someone else was watching over us."

"The Southbound Bus" is a heartwarming episode that explores the power of human connection and the importance of helping others. It showcases the true mission of Touched By An Angel, which is to remind viewers that they are never alone and that there is always hope, even in difficult times.