Ep 8. Sandcastles
- November 2, 1997
- 42 min
Monica, an angel, is on a mission to help a young girl named Miranda who is living with a congenital heart condition. Miranda refuses to take her medication, insisting that she doesn't want to be treated any differently than her siblings and peers. Monica struggles to find a way to reach Miranda, and ends up bonding with her over building sandcastles at the beach.
Meanwhile, Tess, another angel, is helping a couple whose marriage is on the rocks. Tess tries to convince the husband to be more understanding of his wife's struggles with postpartum depression, but he remains cold and distant. Tess puts her own angelic powers to work, using subtle shifts in the husband's environment to help him more fully understand his wife's pain and needs.
As the episode progresses, both storylines intersect as Miranda's health takes a turn for the worse. Monica is devastated by the possibility of losing one of her charges, but finds hope in the couple's renewed commitment to each other and their family. Together, the angels, the family, and Miranda fight for her health and well-being.
Throughout the episode, the theme of the importance of communication permeates both storylines. Miranda struggles to communicate the depth of her desire to be treated like a normal kid, while the couple struggles to communicate their needs and pain to each other. The angels help each individual to find their voice and really listen to each other, ultimately leading to healing and growth.
The episode is filled with heartwarming moments, as Monica and Miranda bond over their shared love of sandcastles, and the couple finally begins to understand each other's perspectives. The emotional climax of the episode is poignant and moving, leaving viewers with a sense of hope and possibility in the face of life's many challenges.
Overall, "Sandcastles" is an episode of Touched By An Angel that deals with the power of love, communication, and family in the face of adversity. Through the stories of Miranda and the couple, viewers are reminded of the importance of empathy, compassion, and connection. The writing is poignant and thoughtful, and the acting is at once tender and powerful. This is an episode that will stay with viewers long after it's over.
