Ep 20. God and Country
- TV-PG
- March 15, 1998
- 46 min
In season 4 episode 20 of the beloved series Touched by an Angel, titled "God and Country," viewers are taken on another heartfelt journey of faith, hope, and redemption. This moving episode tackles important themes such as patriotism, forgiveness, and the power of love in the face of deep-seated division.
The story unfolds as Monica (Roma Downey), an angel sent from Heaven, and her trusted partner, Tess (Della Reese), are assigned a mission to a small town called Centerville. The town is known for its strong sense of patriotism and deep-rooted family values, but recent events have caused a rift among its residents. A controversial war memorial in the town square, depicting soldiers from different eras, sparks heated debates and animosity between the residents.
As Monica and Tess arrive in Centerville, they quickly witness the division firsthand. The atmosphere is tense and charged with anger and resentment. Families and friends who once stood united now find themselves on opposite sides of the emotional and ideological divide. The angels know that their mission is not just about healing the town but also about freeing hearts from the chains of bitterness and restoring unity.
The show masterfully weaves together multiple storylines that highlight the effects of the division. One of these stories focuses on the Parker family, whose patriarch, John (guest star Graham Greene), is a Native American Vietnam War veteran. Haunted by his past experiences, John becomes the center point of the town's controversy when he vocally opposes the war memorial, believing it fails to acknowledge the disproportionate sacrifices made by indigenous soldiers. This puts him at odds with his own family and friends, straining their relationships to the breaking point.
Meanwhile, Monica and Tess cross paths with a disillusioned young man named Jake (guest star Corin Nemec). Jake, a former soldier wounded in battle, has returned home carrying deep emotional scars. His experiences have left him bitter and disillusioned, pushing away his loved ones and distancing himself from his faith. Monica sees in Jake a lost soul in dire need of guidance and hope, while Tess recognizes the importance of forgiveness in his healing process.
Through their interactions with the people of Centerville, both angels offer wisdom, compassion, and gentle encouragement. They bring light to the darkest corners of despair and inspire the residents to open their hearts to forgiveness, empathy, and understanding. As the episode progresses, Monica and Tess help individuals confront their own prejudices, let go of grudges, and rediscover the true meaning of community.
As the residents begin to heal and embrace the power of unity, a townwide event is planned to foster reconciliation and celebrate their shared values. The episode culminates in a touching moment where the people of Centerville come together, setting aside their differences and reaching out with love and acceptance. This serves as a testament to the extraordinary impact an angel's touch can have on a community desperate for healing.
In "God and Country," Touched by an Angel continues to capture the essence of the human spirit, highlighting the transformative power of faith, compassion, and forgiveness. With its thought-provoking narrative, this episode encourages viewers to examine the divisions that exist within their own lives and communities and challenges them to seek reconciliation and unity.
As the credits roll, audiences are left with a renewed sense of hope, reminded that even in the face of deeply entrenched divisions, love can bridge the gaps and heal the wounds of a fractured society. "God and Country" is a powerful reminder that, as angels guide us on our earthly journey, it is through unity, understanding, and faith that we can overcome any obstacle and find redemption.