Ep 19. Anatomy Lesson
- March 7, 1999
- 45 min
In "Touched By An Angel" season 5 episode 19, entitled "Anatomy Lesson," the trio of angels are sent to the powerful and wealthy town of Beverly Hills. Their mission is to help a doctor who has grown cold and selfish after losing her husband and son in a tragic car accident.
Dr. Carol Bowers (played by Susan Blakely) is a brilliant surgeon who has developed life-changing procedures for those suffering from epilepsy. However, her success has blinded her to the needs of those around her, even her own daughter, Jennifer (played by Cassidy Rae).
Throughout the episode, the angels work to open Dr. Bowers' eyes to the love and kindness around her. They do this by introducing her to a young girl named Angela (played by Rachel Snow), who has epilepsy and is in need of Dr. Bowers' help. As Dr. Bowers works with Angela, she begins to truly see the impact her work can have on people's lives.
However, as Dr. Bowers is reminded of the importance of compassion and empathy, she is also forced to confront the grief she has been suppressing since her family's accident. With the angels' help, she opens up to her daughter and comes to terms with her pain.
Meanwhile, Monica (played by Roma Downey) is struggling with the news that her mentor, Tess (played by Della Reese), may be leaving her to become a supervisor in heaven. As she grapples with this potential loss, she also encounters a young man who has lost his faith in God after a tragic accident. Monica works to help him rediscover his faith, and in doing so, gains clarity about her own beliefs.
Overall, "Anatomy Lesson" is a poignant episode that explores themes of grief, compassion, and faith. Through the story of Dr. Bowers and the young man she helps, the show emphasizes the importance of finding purpose through helping others. And through Monica's own struggles, the episode highlights the power of faith and belief in one's own abilities.