Episodes

#X99 PROMISED LAND (Original air date: 9/15/96 as a Touched by an Angel special)  

Guest Cast  

The Greene family has returned to their hometown of Chicory Creek, Kentucky, in the hopes of finding work. But those hopes are dashed when Russell finds that the man who had guaranteed him work has passed away. Longtime family friend, Erasmus Jones, introduces the Greenes to their newfound ten-year-old nephew, Nathaniel, who Russell's brother Joe, a troubled Vietnam veteran, has walked out on. That evening, Russell takes a moment to reflect on the changes in his life and all that's happened. He asks God to show him the way and take care of his brother Joe. Erasmus needs someone to travel to New York to convince his daughter to return to her hometown that is in need of a doctor. Russell is drafted for the assignment. He boards a bus for New York and encounters Rebecca Cousins, a successful plastic surgeon who has no intention of returning to her hometown now that she's "made it." Russell chastises Rebecca, reminding her of her debt to her community. Russell loses his bus ticket for the return trip, discouraged, and without enough money to cover the cost. Tess (from "Touched By An Angel") urges the fellow passengers on the bus to help Russell pay for the return ticket and restore his faith in his fellow man. Tess reveals herself to Russell as an angel sent by God. She tells him that God heard his prayer the previous night and that he should follow his dream of many years prior to take his family on the road and see America.

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#101 THE MOTEL (Original air date: 10/01/96)

Guest Cast

The Greenes are passing through Arkansas when Russell decides that the family needs a break from life on the road and a pit stop to recharge their batteries. The motel owner, Lillian Hightower, tells them to hit the road when she realize they're related to Joe Greene who skipped out on his bill. Despite Russell's assurances to make good on his brother's debt, Lillian is unmoved. Russell won't take no for an answer and starts hacking away at a dilapidated trellis. Lillian agrees to put them up in return for the family's help renovating her rundown motel. Josh meets a young girl who is staying at the motel. Nathaniel, using his wiles from his life on the road with his renegade father, lifts a gun and a room key hidden in Lillian's office. Lillian warms to the Greenes as they make good on Joe's debt until she discovers her gun is missing. A shot is heard. The family frantically sets out to search for Nathaniel. Russell finds Nathaniel safely lying in a field. Russell taps into the boy's sadness over his father's absence and his own anger toward his brother for disappearing -- but an understanding of the demons that are haunting him. In the meantime, Russell explains to Nathaniel that the closest thing they've got to having Joe is each other.

#102 A LEAP OF FAITH (Original air date: 10/29/96)  

Guest Cast  

The Greenes take a detour (courtesy of Dinah's navigation) and wind up in Roswell, New Mexico, at the fictional A-Lee-Inn Cafe, a hangout for UFO-seekers. Russell tries to muster the courage to tell Claire about his angel sighting and conquers an old ghost from his childhood. Josh tries his hand at being a DJ for the in-house airwaves, KUFO--until a lightning storm strikes the small cafe. Russell experiences an epiphany in a rain storm and tries to make contact with his brother Joe. Quirky and funny, this episode is a refreshing blend of humor and substance.

#103 THE EXPATRIATE (Original air date: 9/17/96)  

 Guest Cast  

The Greenes are traveling through Colorado when they hear a radio broadcast of a letter written by a man (a teacher) who has lost his faith in America in a small town besieged by lay-offs and cutbacks, and is renouncing his American citizenship and moving to New Zealand. Realizing the impact of this sentiment from a fellow teacher influencing students, Claire feels compelled to find the identity of the author of this letter. Russell and Claire pay a visit to the local paper to find that the author requested anonymity but invite the Greenes to write their own rebuttal. Meanwhile, Josh gets involved with the teen recreation center and a particularly inspirational coach named Greg Smith. Coach Smith teaches Josh defense on the basketball court in a particularly grueling set of exercises (called "the chair"). Meanwhile, Hattie volunteers to teach a dance class when the local volunteer quits. When Russell and Claire stop by the recreation center, they piece together clues from the letter and realize the Coach who has been so instrumental in Josh's life is none other than Coach Smith. Claire goes on the radio and makes an impassioned plea for the citizens of this town to band together and support the recreation center - whether it be with a paintbrush or with their checkbook. Just as the Coach is packing up his office, former students descend on the rec. center to show their support. .

#104 THE PRODIGY (Original air date: 9/24/96)  

Guest Cast  

This episode finds the Greene family in Evanston, Wyoming for the Graham Riley Music festival, named after the fictional gifted rock legend who died of a drug overdose. Josh gets part time work stringing guitars and meets Trevor Riley, son of the legendary musician. Fearful that he'll meet the same tragic end as his father, Trevor's mother forbids his interest in music. Recognizing the boy's talent, Claire pays a visit to Trevor's mother and tries to persuade her of the importance of nurturing her son's talent. Josh overhears his mother's comparison between him and Trevor and feels worthless. When Trevor tries to help Josh with a song, Josh brushes him off. Dinah discovers her mother's connection to the legendary rocker while doing research for a homework assignment. In the news clipping, Claire is pictured in a group photo with Graham holding a marijuana cigarette. Claire's past catches up with her as Dinah and Josh confront their mother over her alleged drug use and her connection to Graham Riley. Exposed, Claire has to explain to Russell that she was involved with Graham Riley for a short time, and never mentioned it because she was ashamed of the way she behaved, following him across the country like a groupie. Tension builds as Trevor disappears the night of the open mike contest. The Greenes split up and search for him.

#105 THE HOSTAGE (Original air date: 10/08/96)

Guest Cast  

The Greene family stops in Pueblo, Colorado (en route to Albuquerque) to visit Claire's great Aunt Mooster to help celebrate her 100th birthday. The Greenes become embroiled in a hazardous waste cover-up at a local chemical plant, when an embittered employee (Kyle Matthews) takes the family hostage. Kyle claims Tyler Industries is responsible for his wife's death from cancer. Using his background as a Navy Seal, Russell disables the culprit and has him arrested. But the more Russell hears about the troubles in this small town, the more he suspects Kyle may be telling the truth. Emmy award winning actress, Cloris Leachman, gives a compelling performance as the irascible Aunt Mooster with a heart of gold and a gold mine of memories. Other highlights include Josh and Dinah's trip in Mooster's hot air balloon.

#106 THE MAGIC GATE (Original air date: 10/15/96)  

Guest Cast  

The Greene family stops in the fictional town of Logan's Crossing, West Virginia to visit local celebrated children's author, Molly Arnold (played by Valerie Harper). Nathaniel is especially excited about the prospect of meeting his favorite writer. The Greenes arrive late, just missing Molly at a public appearance. Russell and Claire make a special trip to Molly's house in the hopes of enabling Nathaniel to meet his favorite author but are turned away by Ms. Arnold's assistant. Nathaniel sneaks away unnoticed and manages to sneak onto Molly's property. Molly's assistant is about to turn Nathaniel over to the police, but Molly takes him inside her magical library and reads to him. The story takes an unexpected turn when Nathaniel discovers that Molly is an addict. When Nathaniel returns home, traumatized by what he's seen, Russell gets involved and discovers the tight circle surrounding this troubled woman are standing in the way of her recovery. Russell's intervention paves the way for Molly's realization that she needs to be hospitalized. Nathaniel comes to visit Molly in the hospital as she recovers. Also: Dinah and Josh set their grandmother (Hattie) up on a blind date.

#107 LITTLE GIRL LOST (Original air date: 11/12/96)  

Guest Cast  

The Greenes camping excursion in the Great Smoky Mountains of North Carolina is interrupted when a young girl about Dinah's age becomes lost. The dramatic search reveals a troubled teen caught between two quarreling parents and beings Dinah and her father closer as he begins to acknowledge her as a young woman. The episode features some breathtaking scenery and a dramatic rescue effort as a young girl's life hangs in the balance. Nathaniel carries on the Greene family tradition by searching for a buried treasure chest that his Uncle Russell, his cousin Josh and his father Joe have each unearthed and contributed something of value before him.

#108 THE SECRET (Original air date: 11/19/96)  

Guest Cast  

The Greenes arrive in Pennsylvania and Claire takes a teaching assignment at the local school. The class is health--and this week's topic is "Human Sexuality". The students practice parenting using computer-simulated babies to experience the real responsibilities of childcare first-hand. Josh is paired with a classmate named Megan Walker, the daughter of the school principal. The class exercise triggers painful memories of a secret that haunts Megan. Unable to bear the burden of the secret she has withheld from her parents, Megan confides in the Greenes. The admission triggers a painful reminder out of Russell and Claire's own past which ripples through the family.

#109 THE HOMECOMING: Part Two (Original air date: 11/26/96)  

Guest Cast  

Touched By An Angel regulars Della Reese, Roma Downey, and John Dye join the cast of "Promised Land" for a very special Thanksgiving episode. The Greenes return to Chicory Creek, Kentucky, to join their good friend, Erasmus Jones (Ossie Davis) for Thanksgiving. Delta Burke guest stars as Nathaniel’s long lost mother, Julia Fitzgerald. Julia has prevailed upon Erasmus to keep secret her real identity as Nathaniel’s recovering drug addicted mother until she’s had a chance to ease her way back into their lives. When the truth comes out, neither Russell nor Nathaniel are prepared to forgive Julia for her past. But an unexpected lightning storm triggers a dramatic twist and bittersweet end to this episode. Please join us for a very special Thanksgiving episode.

#110 King of the Road (Original air date: 12/03/96)  

Guest Cast  

Hattie (Celeste Holm) takes a temporary job at a general store and is charmed by a roofing contractor named Patrick Shea played with elan by veteran actor Steve Forrest. When the first rain betrays a shoddy repair his roofing company performed on Erasmus’ roof, Hattie and Erasmus track Patrick down. He quickly vows to make amends and turns his intentions to courting Hattie. Claire and Russell search for a new trailer (because the Airstream was damaged in a fire in the previous episode). One of the roofing repairmen (named Don Hale) hooks them up with a cousin (named Sean Morgan) who can offer them a good deal on a used trailer, but Russell and Claire sour on the deal when they smell a scam. Josh and Dinah despair over the fate of the Airstream, which held so many cherished memories on the road -- prompting the family to visit the junkyard for one last goodbye. Rather than buy a new trailer, the Greenes decide to salvage their old one. Local authorities inform Russell and Claire that the trailer salesmen are part of a traveling band of scam artists, of which Patrick is a member. Patrick proposes to Hattie over a candlelight dinner and Hattie is swept off her feet until she learns the truth about him. Josh gets a haircut.

#111 CHRISTMAS (Original air date: 12/17/96)  

Guest Cast

The Greenes postpone their plans to go to California to visit Claire's favorite 4th grade teacher, Warren Dempsey, who is dying of cancer in her hometown of Moorpark, Pennsylvania. Mr. Dempsey asks Claire's forgiveness for being the cause of Claire and her mother being forced to leave town many years ago. But the fact that Claire's mother had been involved with Mr. Dempsey is news to Claire. Through flashbacks, we revisit the fragmented memories of Claire's childhood and the signals that she had either suppressed or failed to acknowledge until now. Meanwhile, the other members of the family split up to do some last minute Christmas shopping after drawing names from a hat. Hattie takes Nathaniel on a mission to decorate the trailer with all the trimmings. Dinah uses her Christmas money to locate Nathaniel's father--which is sort of like finding a needle in a haystack. And Josh is derailed from his shopping when he offers to buy a homeless man (Martin) a bowl of soup and winds up rushing him to the hospital which is in the midst of a strike. Christmas magic works its way through this episode as Josh saves Martin's life and Nathaniel gets his Christmas wish. Health, prosperity, and Season's Greetings from everyone at Promised Land.

#112 THE GETAWAY(Original air date: 01/07/97)  

Guest Cast

The Greenes are on their way to Cheyenne, Colorado when they stop to help a woman (Ellen Boller) whose car has broken down on the road. Hattie becomes concerned when she notices bruises on the woman’s young daughter (Sarah). Russell and Claire confront the mother and learn that she’s running away from an abusive husband -- who happens to be the town sheriff (Sheriff Boller). While returning the girl's doll, Russell witnesses the abuse through the window, breaks into their house and rescues the woman and her daughter. Sheriff Boller keeps the Greenes under house arrest (in their trailer) until Russell returns his wife and daughter. Meanwhile, Ellen arranges for her sister-in-law (Pauline) to get proof of the abuse (a videotape) in order to prosecute. Along the way, we learn that Sheriff Boller has a long history of fear and intimidation to his credit. Boller intercepts a note and foils their plans. He takes Russell and Ellen for the proverbial "ride" and nearly executes them until Russell takes advantage of a momentary distraction and disarms Sheriff Boller.

#113 INDEPENDENCE DAY (Original air date: 01/14/97)  

Guest Cast

The Greenes travel to Great Falls, Montana to visit Russell's cousin, Jeff, and his wife, Marie--and meet their six-month-old baby, Hailey. Jeff and Marie's marriage is under increasing strain since Hailey's birth and becoming legal guardian of Jeff's twenty-year old brother, Bob, who has Down's Syndrome. Part of the problem is that Jeff has not been attentive to his wife's needs--who is now overwhelmed. Worse still, Bob has become the scapegoat for all their problems. When Hattie learns that Jeff and Marie haven't had a night to themselves in six months, she insists they spend the night elsewhere while the Greenes watch Hailey and Bob. Claire notices that Bob is actually quite capable of helping with the baby--and has been wanting to have a greater role in his niece's life. Jeff and Marie return the next day, refreshed--and resolved to put Bob in an institution. Bob overhears the conversation and flees. Nathaniel finds him hiding beneath a pile of clothes in the trailer and pleads with Russell to let Bob live with them. Russell listens to Bob's point of view and urges him to tell Jeff. Bob confronts Jeff for the first time--asking to be part of Hailey's life and for greater independence. Jeff begins to see Bob in a new light and agrees to start anew. Life Goes On star Chris Burke guest stars as the irrepressible "Bob".

#114 MIRROR IMAGE (Original air date: 01/21/97)  

Guest Cast

Excited about their upcoming anniversary and having Claire all to himself, Russell embraces her tightly to dance. This causes Claire to wince and later in the shower she discovers a painful lump in her breast. The following day Claire slips away to a local women's hospital alone. There she becomes fast friends with Rachel, a young woman she meets in the waiting room. Rachel becomes really shaken after learning she must face the mastectomy of her left breast. Everything's changed for her now. She's scared. Angry. Rachel decides to break things off with David, her fiancé. Claire consoles her on their drive home. Once at the trailer park, Claire gently finds the words to tell Russell of her own ordeal. At the hospital with Russell for the first time, Claire's mastectomy proves inconclusive. She must undergo a biopsy. The entire family is told of what Claire is facing. Josh and Dinah are quietly alarmed. Nathaniel is very vocal about not wanting Claire in the hospital where "people go to die". Hattie pulls them back from the edges, by reminding them that God is the one who holds their family together. Rachel comes out of surgery feeling groggy, yet more resolved to face life on her own as "half-woman" now. During Claire's surgery, Russell shares his wisdom and hope with David. Then Russell ducks into a stairwell to pray. He tells God of his fears of losing Claire. He's full of pleading questions. Tess appears; lighting the stairwell and dispelling the darkness of Russell's doubts. Claire's biopsy is negative. The entire family celebrates as Russell and Claire renew their vows. Rachel and David join in, committed to each other and the life that is still possible for her to lead.

#115 RUNNING SCARED (Original air date: 02/04/97)  

Guest Cast  

Dinah and Hattie get lost in a bad part of town (Wahington State) on the way home from the market and stumble across a teenage girl named Allison sleeping on the streets. They bring Allison back to the trailer to learn that she is a runaway who has been separated from her brother Tommy through the bureaucracies of the local children's services agency. Russell and Claire contact an overworked social worker named Linda Paxton to help reunite Allison with her brother. Russell pays a visit to Tommy's last foster parent, Barbara Manning, who informs him that Tommy is dead. Russell and Claire break the new to Allison. Allison convinces Josh to take her to Barbara Manning to find out how Tommy died. Barbara tells Allison that her brother took his life. She tries to fill in some of the missing pieces but is finally at a loss to explain what led Tommy to take his life. Allison runs off and hitches a ride to the rail overpass where Tommy committed suicide. Nathaniel manages to distract Allison long enough until his family arrives to intervene. Thora Birch gives a memorable performance as the troubled Allison.

#116 THE COLLAPSE (Original air date: 02/11/97)  

Guest Cast  

In spite of Hattie's protest, Russell picks up day labor working in a mine. Concerned for her son's safety, Hattie makes it perfectly clear that she doesn't approve. Fighting to stay on top of their orders and meet deadlines and low on manpower, taxed to the limit, it's a crisis waiting to happen. A support beam gives way, causing the mine to collapse, trapping twelve miners, including Russell. Her worst fears confirmed, Hattie is beside herself with worry–as are the rest of the family. Meanwhile, Russell struggles to keep the crew in the right frame of mind to weather the crisis. (Harrison, young scared; Markovich, trapped under one of the beams as water level rises). While in the mine, fighting for survival Russell is visited by his deceased father. Somewhere between dream and reality, Russell has a chance to clear away some unfinished business between he and his father. Finally, the rescue teams break through to the other side. The men (and woman) emerge weary survivors singing the inspirational song "Swing Low, Sweet Chariot."

#117 DOWNSIZED (Original air date: 03/04/97)  

Guest Cast  

The Greenes go to Post Falls, Idaho to place Josh in a special institute for the blind, and visit some old friends from North Carolina, Ned and Eileen Bernhart. Ned sets Russell up with an interview at the company where he works, Post Falls Furniture. Russell seems a shoe-in for a machine room supervisor position. Though Hattie reminds him about his "directive" from the angels, Russell finds a way to rationalize the idea of settling down, perhaps buying a house. Russell is thrown for a loop when he realizes he's been passed over for a younger, less qualified applicant. Then Ned gets the news that he's been "downsized" out of his job despite a stellar record of job performance for nine years. Russell convinces Ned to consult a lawyer about possible age discrimination. Though inexperienced, Joel Corwin, fresh out of law school, is the right man for the price. Eileen is more concerned about losing the four months severance package Ned's been offered. And sure enough, the "suits" threaten dropping Ned's severance package if he follows through with the lawsuit. Despite Russell and Claire's support, the pressure starts to weigh heavily on Ned and Eileen–prompting Eileen to take a job at the local dairy. Russell approaches Sarah Garson, the woman he interviewed with in personnel, and appeals to her to supply them with Ned's performance evaluations. Armed with sterling performance evaluations, Joel Corwin pleads Ned's case only to be knocked down by the company lawyer's trumped up charges against Ned. The company makes one final offer (a six-month severance package). Corwin is undaunted, but Ned, fearing a long drawn-out lawsuit, asks him to accept their terms. Russell convinces Ned to persevere. Eileen and Ned patch things up. He's prepared to find another job. Russell visits Josh who lifts Russell's spirits–reminding him what's really important. Russell returns to the rest of the family and apologizes for letting this get to him–and reminds them that they're the most important thing to him. Dinah points out the accomplishments of men like Michaelangelo, Benjamin Franklin and Ghandi well into their golden years. Just when Russell figures maybe it's time to move on, Hattie hatches a plan–wondering what would happen if older people started treating Post Falls Furniture the way they treat older people. She goes "online" and organizes a protest. The protest, complete with local news crews, brings McNeeley and company to their knees. Russell, Corwin and Ned broker a deal to give Ned back his job.

#119 OUTRAGE (Original air date: 03/18/97)  

Guest Cast

A conflict has erupted as a mining company is in the process of tearing down Lester Beneally's hogan (ceremonial place). The tribal police (some of whom are Native Americans themselves) try to enforce the relocation papers they claim he signed before his death. Raymond (Lester's son) swears the signature is forged, and is trying to do everything in his power to stop them. When U.S. Marshals arrive to force the confrontation, Jesse Rainbird (Raymond's cousin and a tribal officer caught in the middle, torn between the law he is hired to enforce and his own heritage) tries to mediate a peaceful intervention–but instead is forced to watch his cousin gunned down by government forces. Russell wakes from a dream with a premonition that his old friend Jesse is in trouble. Only a couple hundred miles from the reservation, Russell and Claire decide to forgo their plans for a family trip to the Grand Canyon to visit Jesse and his family. Once they arrive, Jesse's wife, Rena, explains that Jesse is missing and has been on the warpath so to speak ever since the conflict which claimed his cousin's life (intent on avenging his cousin's death). Rena is terribly worried that the clash will only lead to more bloodshed. Russell and Conrad Shorty, a family friend, team up to locate Jesse and bring him in peaceably. Conrad fills Russell in on the history of the conflict which began when Congress initially allowed the mining company onto their land and forced them to relocate to clear the way for further mining. Promises of modern conveniences and modernization shortchanged them of their heritage, customs and their way of life. Arthur Yazzie, a young Native American lawyer who has done good by the system, stops by to pressure the Rainbirds to sign relocation papers. Rena refuses, seeing through his shallow promises. Yazzie informs them they have two days to sign the papers or face forced relocation. That evening, the Greenes sit down for a traditional meal with the Rainbirds while Russell and Conrad continue their search for Jesse. Setting up camp, Russell recounts how he and Jesse originally met. Russell was a veteran just out of the Vietnam War, passing through town, when a bunch of teenagers decided to harass him. Provoked, Russell's ready instincts kicked in, nearly causing him to kill one of the youths. Something prevented him from going over the line and he fled the bar and hitched a ride from a stranger (Jesse). Jesse stopped to pick Russell up, helped him through a rough period and changed his life. The next morning, Russell continues the search for Jesse while Conrad waits at the camp. Russell eventually finds Jesse–at the other end of a gun barrel. Russell has to convince Jesse that violence won't solve anything. Jesse explains how the government has left them little option by killing those that dare to protect what is rightfully theirs. Russell appeals to Jesse to consider giving it another try. When Russell, Conrad and Jesse return home the following day, Rod, the tribal cop posted to watch for Jesse, holds them at gunpoint. He then confesses that he panicked when he heard shots ring out and it was he who shot Raymond. Rod offers to hand his gun over to Jesse but Jesse declines. Jesse turns over his badge to Sheriff Lamont Nez. Russell appeals to Sheriff Nez. But Nez remains unswayed, driven by his need to keep his job and support his family–even if that job means going against his own people. The Rainbird family, joined by the Greenes, stand along the road leading through their reservation with others from the reservation ready for the confrontation as the convoy of bulldozers approach. Sheriff Nez and Rod are there to quell the protest when Conrad, Jesse and Russell arrive. When it becomes clear that no amount of reasoning will get through to Lamont and his crew, Russell takes a video camera from Rod and starts filming the proceedings–threatening to go to the media. The Supervisor and Arthur Yazzie try to stop Russell from filming–but are unsuccessful. Jesse appeals to the Native American driving the bulldozer, making an impassioned plea to stop the rape of his ancestor's sacred land, culture and heritage. Jesse gets his message across and the driver signals retreat and the others follow. Sheriff Nez says they will be back–that the conflict isn't over. Satisfied that their mission is accomplished, at least for the time being, Jesse and Conrad thank the Greenes for their support.

Subplot involves Josh dealing with his loss of vision since the shooting (Episode 318/Touched By An Angel). Jesse's teenage son, Will, tries to help Josh out of his depressed state and helps restore his faith and his interest in music and his guitar. Will applies an Indian eye remedy to a skeptical Josh. In the meantime, he tries to impart to Josh that there are other ways of seeing than with one's eyes. When his mother tells Josh of the Rainbird's struggles to keep their land, Josh begins to come outside of his own self- pity and his interest in music is reawakened. Josh learns to use his other senses - and by the end of the episode, begins to regain his eyesight. Hattie is initially intimidated by Rena's mother, Theresa, until she learns that Theresa was one of the first to be relocated. Gifts are exchanged and a bridge between cultures forged.

#120 INTOLERANCE (Original air date: 04/05/97)  

Guest Cast  

Josh develops a relationship with a Jewish girl whose family has been the victim of hate crimes. The Greenes help a witness to the crimes acknowledge her own Jewish heritage and the perpetrator come to terms with his acts.

#121 COWBOY BLUES (Original air date: 04/29/97)  

Guest Cast  

Hattie treats the family to a few days at a dude ranch operated by a young man (Billy Sullivan) and his troubled father (Rowdy Sullivan). In Rowdy, the Greenes discover a man who is scarred by the past and the loss of his wife, and as a result, is about to give up on his ranch and more importantly, his son.

#122 CIVIL WARS (Original air date: 05/06/97)  

Guest Cast  

Dinah accompanies Russell on a trucking job for a report she's doing on interstate commerce while the rest of the Greene family joins family friend Erasmus Jones (Ossie Davis) to visit an historic Civil War battlefield where his great grandfather fought. Dinah becomes concerned when they pass Andrew (the Angel of Death from "Touched By An Angel") hitchhiking on the road and more so when the rest of the family doesn't show up at the prearranged meeting point.

#123,124 STEALING HOME (Original air dates: 05/13/97, 05/20/97)  

Guest Cast  

The Greenes return to Chicory Creek for Erasmus' daughter's wedding in this special two part episode. Rebecca is convinced that Robert's ex-wife is trying to sabotage their happiness - until she discovers the real culprit behind the mischief is right under her own roof. Nathaniel signs up for Little League and gets swept up in a custody battle when the coach mistakes Russell's interest for something more.

#201 THE PROMISE  (Original air date:   10/0297)  

Guest Cast  

On the way to Russell's hometown of Sugar Springs, North Carolina for a park naming ceremony honoring Russell's late father, Claire receives an S.O.S. call from "Rod Bridger," an old boyfriend from her days in the U.S.O. during the Vietnam War. Reluctantly, Russell agrees that this is a promise she must keep. Claire arrives in Atlanta to discover that Rod has to break some news to his adopted Vietnamese son, Paul (now age 25) as Paul prepares to meet his Vietnamese sister for the first time. Rod tells Paul the truth - that he was forced to bomb an orphanage to take out a key artillery position. Paul was an infant, one of the few survivors found in the rubble. Paul reacts in horror, appalled, feeling that Rod adopted him merely to assuage his own guilt. Claire visits Paul to convince him that, regardless of the circumstances, Rod did his very best to raise Paul as his son and provide him with the best opportunities. At Hattie's urging, Russell makes a special trip to Atlanta to check on Claire and is able to help Rod deal with the repercussions of the war (so many years later) as well as the rupture with his son. Paul returns, ready to forgive and forge a new beginning with his adoptive father. Russell and Claire return to Sugar Springs just in time to hear Josh paying tribute to his grandfather at the ceremony.

#202 PAR FOR THE COURSE  (Original air date:    10/09/97)  

Guest Cast  

Designated keeper of the map, Nathaniel mistakenly leaves behind Hattie's handmade quilt of the family's travels during a family outing at a railroad museum. As a consolation to Josh's idea to visit an amusement park, Russell takes the family to a miniature golf course. Russell and Claire get tangled up in one disagreement after another, but there's more troubling Claire than her golf score. Sensing that Claire and Russell need some time to themselves (whether they like it or not), Hattie takes off in the Suburban with the kids in search of the missing map, leaving Claire and Russell to themselves for the remainder of the weekend. Hattie and the kids return to the railroad museum to discover that Fred Argyle, the manager of the souvenir shop, has appropriated Hattie's map as his own, claiming that if they want it back they have to purchase it like anyone else. Hattie challenges Fred to a golf match to win the map back, putting up a cherished locket should he win. Meanwhile, Claire and Russell work out the kinks and make good use of their time alone. Amidst sudden outbursts of tears and laughter, Claire reveals that she's pregnant. Russell is excited, thrilled and flat-out terrified at the prospect of being a father all over again. In a private moment, Russell talks to God, thanking Him for this blessing. Hattie discovers the reason Fred's so bitter is that he blames his mother for his not having traveled more. Fred wins the golf match - but Hattie teaches him that he may have won the match but he's losing the game by using his mother as an excuse for his own attitude. As for her loss, Hattie is not disheartened, realizing she can start over and that they'll have plenty of memories to choose from as they continue their travels. Finally, Russell and Claire break the news to the family that Claire is pregnant. As the Greenes cross the county line, they stop to help a motorist to discover it's Fred Argyle hitting golf balls on the side of the road - with his mother, coaching from the sidelines, sitting in a lawn chair. Fred thanks Hattie for convincing him to stop hiding behind excuses. Fred returns Hattie's map and Fred's mother, Ethel, beams that Fred's taking her to the lake (a nine hour drive) as she gratefully returns Hattie's locket.

#203 THE ROAD HOME: Part 2  (Original air date:    09/25/97)  

Guest Cast  

The continuation of a two part episode (part one aired as Touched By An Angel). In part one, Joe Greene returns to the home of Erasmus Jones where the Greene family is visiting. Joe is concealing the burden of a horrible secret -- that he ran a motorist off the road resulting in the death of a father and his son. Mistaken for a Good Samaritan for rescuing one of the young boys before the fatal explosion, Joe is on edge. When Russell starts to read between the lines, Joe comes clean. Part two resumes as Joe takes off, unaware that Nathaniel is a stowaway in the back seat. Hattie and Russell break the news to the grieving mother, Sandra Mills, that Joe was responsible for the accident that took her son and husband's lives. Russell has already informed the police. Meanwhile, Joe hooks up with his estranged wife (Karen Lamar), a country western singer, performing at a nightclub. Reluctantly, Karen puts Joe and Nathaniel up for the night. Joe wants to reconcile, but Karen knows him too well and sends him on his way the following day. While on the road, Joe gets a flat tire. Without any money to replace it, Joe wrangles Nathaniel into one of their old scams to distract the tire salesman while Joe steals one from a display. Uncomfortable acting as his father's accomplice, Nathaniel tries explaining his situation to the tire salesman hoping he might be able to work something out. The tire salesman catches Joe red-handed and turns him over to the police. By this point, Russell has notified the police of his brother's responsibility for the accident and Joe is arrested for vehicular manslaughter and reckless driving. The family visits Joe in jail -- Russell is not about to put up bail. Erasmus surprises everyone by putting his house up as collateral to bail Joe out of jail. Hattie is grateful while Russell is torn with conflicting emotions. Joe's lawyer meets with Joe and his family. By some twist of fate, the car was taken to a body shop instead of a secure impound lot and mistakenly repainted, removing any evidence of the accident. Joe is off the hook. The family's reaction is mixed. Hattie can't help being relieved that her beloved son won't be going to jail. But Russell can't help feeling that Joe needs to be held accountable for what he's done. Tess meets with Russell one last time before the hearing. She reminds Russell of a high school basketball game in which Russell failed to trust Joe. She urges him to trust Joe to do the right thing. Joe is tried in court for two counts of felony vehicular manslaughter and one count of reckless driving. Joe takes everyone by surprise by pleading guilty -- assuming responsibility for the accident. Joe's lawyer tries to interrupt, citing Joe's extensive history of emotional problems. But Joe assumes full responsibility. The judge recommends four years at a minimum security correctional facility with the possibility of a reduced sentence of 18 months pending a six month evaluation. As difficult as this was for Joe, he earns the respect of his family -- especially Nathaniel.

#204 CRUSHED  (Original air date:   10/16/97)  

Guest Cast  

Josh has met a beautiful girl named Meredith who also happens to run for the local track club, but unfortunately, the Greenes are about to leave town to see the space shuttle land. Josh and Meredith devise a plan to convince his folks to stay in town so they can continue seeing each other. Josh will fill in for one of the injured runners in the upcoming track meet. The problem, as Nathaniel points out, is that Josh is not a runner. Josh offers to "hire" Nathaniel as his very own personal trainer to prepare for the race as a consolation for pre-empting his plans to see the space shuttle landing. In a moment of teenage passion, Meredith is ready to take it a step further, asks Josh to make love to her. Josh breaks away, before he does something they both regret. The next day, Meredith apologizes for rushing things, assuming that Josh was just being responsible. Meredith hands Josh a condom, which he quickly pockets. Backed into a corner, Josh tells Meredith he's not interested, but before he has a chance to explain, she runs off. Meredith confides in her friends, taking Josh's response as a personal rejection. The rumor mill works its way to the boy's locker room -- where Josh finds the word "fag" written on his locker. As if this isn't bad enough, Josh returns home to find that his mom has found the condom in his pants pocket. When his dad presses the issue, Josh spills the whole story, including the harassment he's facing from his teammates. As far as he's concerned, he's ready to leave town and not look back. Russell catches up with Josh, commends him for doing the right thing even when it's not necessarily the popular thing. But he convinces him that the right thing includes sticking around to fulfill his commitment to the team and not running away from his problems. Josh storms the girl's locker room to sort things out with Meredith. He explains that his decision not to have sex has nothing to do with Meredith and everything to do with the fact that he's not ready for the responsibilities that come with a sexual relationship. Meredith comes to understand and respect Josh for his decision. Josh competes in the four-by-four-hundred relay race, helping his team to victory.

#205 MOOSTER'S REVENGE  (Original air date:   10/23/97)  

Guest Cast  

The Greenes pay a return visit to Claire's Great Aunt Mooster, who has been unsettled by a visit from Andrew, the Angel of Death (Touched By An Angel). Mooster assumes that Andrew's presence means she is going to die, but Andrew tells her to take care of loose ends. Russell challenges the kids to a contest to see who can get rid of the most junk from the trailer. The contest spurs an idea to hold a yard sale for Aunt Mooster's barn full of old collectibles. Mooster gives them free rein to sell everything. But when she finds out the Greenes have sold her piano, Mooster is beside herself, particularly when she finds out that the man who purchased it is George Laverne, her estranged son-in-law (he was married to Mooster's daughter, Nancy, who has since died). Russell goes to George Laverne's house to buy back the piano, but George is unwilling to part with it. Mooster has Russell and Claire take her to George's house. Face to face, years of pent-up emotion and venom come pouring out. Accusations fly in both directions as to who was responsible for their problems, ending with Mooster blaming George for Nancy's death. While reaching for a fishing pole in Mooster's barn, Josh loses his balance and falls onto a bale of hay, dislodging a coffee can filled with money. Along with the money is a mysterious note, penned by Nancy, expressing the deep anguish that haunted her. Russell fears it was a suicide note, but Claire isn't convinced. While listening to one of Nancy's recordings, Hattie convinces Mooster to come to terms with her deceased daughter's troubled life and untimely death. Hattie expresses her own grief in coming to terms with Joe's mental illness and urges Mooster to do the same. Mooster flashes back to the day she found Nancy dead of an overdose. Mooster has Russell and Claire take her back to George's house. This time, Mooster is there to make amends with her estranged son-in-law. While they sit together at the piano, Mooster notices Andrew outside the living room window. She tries to get rid of him -- but unfortunately, it's George's time. The Greene family packs up to leave, with a new set of cherished memories of their beloved Aunt Mooster.

#206 ST. RUSSELL  (Original air date:   10/30/97)  

Guest Cast

When a young girl, Bridget Lillienthal, turns up missing at a local lake in Minnesota, Russell scans the surface of the lake and makes a heroic rescue. The Lillienthal family express their gratitude, in awe of Russell's seemingly miraculous rescue. When Nathaniel mentions something about his Uncle's regular talks with angels, Kay Borgstrom is all ears. Kay has pancreatic cancer and asks Russell to pray for her. Russell initially turns her away, fearing that she's imbued him with special powers he doesn't have. Claire convinces Russell to help this woman, even if it means sitting with her to pray. Kay asks him to lay hands on her and suddenly plants a kiss on him, hoping to seal his blessing. The following day, Kay and her husband, Sten, tell Russell of the sudden improvement in Kay's health. The Greene family suddenly feels what it's like to live in a fishbowl as the town focuses its attention on them. When Kay's condition suddenly takes a turn for the worse, the town begins to turn on the Greene family. To make matters worse, a news reporter from the Minneapolis Sentinel, looking to uncover self-serving motives, adds fuel to the fire. The hysteria culminates in a fist fight between Russell and Sten in the hospital while Kay's fate hangs in the balance -- both are carted off to jail to cool their heels. The next morning, Russell and Sten are released from jail. The town's adulation has turned to wrath. The Greenes prepare to leave town, but not before Russell makes a visit to the hospital to check on Kay's condition. Russell sits with her a final time and prays for Kay and Sten. Kay regains consciousness, speaking with a newfound inner peace -- due in no small part to the Greene's influence.

#207 TAKE BACK THE NIGHT  (Original air date:    11/06/97)  

Guest Cast  

Most of the family has lined up jobs during a visit to a small Illinois town. On her way home at night from her job at a university hospital florist, Dinah is attacked. She bites her attacker and escapes. Dinah returns home, traumatized. Russell and Claire meet a social worker at the hospital, Dr. Bea Goldman, who explains what Dinah is going through. The effect of the attack ripples through the family. Russell handles this with great difficulty -- scouring the campus grounds, seeing suspects around every corner. The attack also triggers Claire's painful memories of a high school friend who was raped. Josh initially doesn't understand the profound impact this will have on Dinah for the rest of her life. But when a co-worker accosts a young woman on his job at a local car wash, Josh intervenes. The fight between the boys escalates, causing both Josh and Frankie to be fired on the spot. News of an actual rape on campus is a sobering reminder of just how lucky Dinah was to escape. When Dinah returns to work, she remains guarded around male employees. When Dr. Smith, a kind family man and a regular customer at the florist, asks how she's doing, Dinah's antennae go up. How did he know about the attack? He reminds her he's a doctor and has access to medical records. Dr. Smith invites Dinah and her supervisor, Mrs. Little, to lunch. Mrs. Little is called away at the last moment, leaving Dinah and Dr. Smith alone in his Mercedes Benz. Dinah notices the tell-tale bite marks on his arm when he reaches to put a CD in the player. She takes the first opportunity to bolt from the car at an abandoned amusement park. Dr. Smith pursues her through the house of horrors, assuring her he means no harm. Dinah manages to call her father and tries to call 911, but Dr. Smith hangs up the phone before the call is completed. Dinah manages to keep him at bay until her father arrives. Russell arrives in time to save Dinah and turns the Smith over to the police. A campus wide rally is held to raise awareness about rape awareness and the healing begins.

#208 MR. MUSCLES  (Original air date:    11/13/97)  

Guest Cast  

The Greenes' Suburban breaks down while traveling through Wyoming. Fortunately, Mark Gerhard, an old high school friend of Russell's, owns the local automobile dealership. Mark insists the Greenes stay with them while their Suburban is in the shop. Josh witnesses Ryan (Mark's fifteen year old son), a promising football player at the local high school, using steroids. When Russell finds out, he feels obligated to tell Mark. Mark doesn't let on to Russell that he knew all along about Ryan's steroid use. Mark's more steamed about Ryan embarrassing him in front of the Greenes than the drug use itself. Privately, Ryan explains to his dad how the steroids have improved his performance and convinces his dad to let him continue using steroids on the sly until the playoffs. When Claire (on assignment as a substitute teacher) witnesses a fight in the boy's locker room, she sees pills scatter across the floor. Fearing that steroid use among the team is a bigger problem than just Ryan, she and Josh meet with Coach Barnard to bring this to his attention. Coach Barnard assures Claire that his players' health is his number one priority and that he'll get to the bottom of it. But as soon as they leave, he phones Mark Gerhard and warns him they've got trouble. Gerhard offers Russell the keys to a brand new car -- but Russell turns down the offer seeing through Gerhard's ploy to diffuse the issue. Gerhard takes offense at what he considers Russell's interference and points out that while Russell may have been big man on campus, the roles have been reversed. Ryan shows up at the school dance marathon with some of his buddies to make trouble. Having initially drawn the line at steroids, Ryan pops another pill which sends him over the edge. He starts slamming into other dancers when suddenly he goes into cardiac arrest. Ryan is rushed to the hospital and stabilized. With the sobering news that Ryan's steroid use could have taken his life and may have resulted in long term damage to his liver, Mark is forced to acknowledge his own part in his son's condition. Russell helps put things in perspective, advises Mark to learn from his mistake and re-dedicate himself to his family.

#209 THE WINNER  (Original air date:    11/20/97)  

Guest Cast  

While the Greene family partakes in an all-you-can-eat buffet at a Mesquite, Nevada casino, Nathaniel gets busted by security when he and a precocious nine-year-old named Cindy are caught using the slot machines. At Nathaniel's instigation, Rick Jasper (Cindy's father), offers Russell work on his construction crew. After a couple toughs visit the construction site to collect on a loan, Russell learns that Rick's got a gambling addiction and is heavily in debt. Eventually, it becomes apparent that Rick's addiction is wreaking havoc in his and his daughter's life. With Russell and Josh's help, Rick manages to complete construction in time to receive a bonus. But instead of using it to pay off his debt, he returns to the blackjack table. Desperate, he returns home, tears apart the living room in search of the rent money. He orders a frightened Cindy to reveal where she's hidden the rent money -- even though he instructed her to hide it in the first place. The next morning, having lost everything, Rick shows up outside the Greenes' trailer. Rick asks Russell for a loÙCBU Š”„�) P¹•ašyçb6%ŸH#­ÐÿÜx¥¦mÉÛõ�æÃSYÖ›"Åq÷×Q2± 2ÇpúÀDƒ&~r/¤OíRc¢‚Ý»€úùwµ1äæ_ðÁ¸ßµFõœp�8]oýE6mÀz)éæûÐKìB—ºP"íN´¨U—TŽ x–¶ Fñ¸i KÓM×?Ö=|ÇH£$å\¡�ï�KoI©‡\È.ôôsÌ>¬1CÏC&ÇÖ<~«œÅJþ¾“wÐÉŠêiF ä¿
~¨uïî*D¢‰f‹œ9” ŽÅs^åJþ*šv©Kíâg­1ÖÑâëQvzú
bhOp¼´ü##·Èùk‰²&Ʊ>7Û‘’”çûðÞPÝ&„‰|ÚÑ9D¸! Tg,­Ú•\µ¸óãý4ìf®Æ…“JsH®fÄŠZ}Ò6+2|{,ιG÷øÒx8Cêùzr%Bm²‘É9;uÄYafTRÀ †GÑìÀ!1ž¼øÎî<4…ƒW‹uA7€é±ÏvÖà)ú-È^\s?ƒ½É³�Üî¢LÀ¶$em. Russell even strong-arms tough guys, Benny and Max, into participating, agreeing to work out a payment plan. It is the combined influence of these people, but especially his daughter Cindy, that makes Rick realize that he must seek help for his addiction.

#210 TO EVERYTHING A SEASON  (Original air date:   11/27/97)  

Guest Cast  

The Greenes arrive in Arizona to visit Claire's sister Laura and her husband Steve Dunbar for Thanksgiving. While Claire hasn't yet announced her pregnancy, Nathaniel is the first to inadvertently let the cat out of the bag. Laura tries to share in Claire's good fortune and mask the personal pain she's experienced from her own difficulty getting pregnant. When Claire accidentally walks into the vacant "baby room," she suddenly realizes the amount of time, money and anguish her sister has invested in becoming pregnant without success. In frustration, Laura thrashes the "baby room" they've put so much of their faith and hopes on. Laura suddenly collapses and is rushed to the hospital. The doctor informs the Dunbars that Laura experienced ovarian hyper-stimulation syndrome and will be unable to bear children. Meanwhile, the Greenes volunteer to help out at a local youth shelter to celebrate the spirit of Thanksgiving. When one of the youth shelter kids, Ronnie, is arrested for trespassing, it is Steve, a local contractor, who decides to press charges. Russell tries to talk Steve out of it, but Steve is convinced that the youth shelter is going to be bad for business. While in the hospital, Laura steals a moment alone with a baby in the new born nursery. She realizes that adoption may be the answer. But Steve is still unwilling to consider being a father to someone else's child. Russell counsels Rick and tells him that while there are no easy answers, prayer is a good start. Russell adds that fatherhood is more than a biological experience and how blessed they've been to embrace Nathaniel as a part of their family. Steve takes Russell's advice to "get his knees dirty" and pray. As the conflict comes to a head, the mayor holds a town hall meeting to determine the fate of the youth shelter. Reverend Alvarez (the head of the youth shelter) makes a compelling argument for the youth shelter and opinions are voiced on both sides. Steve reiterates his concerns but then makes a surprising reversal in support of the youth shelter. He puts it eloquently, that a successful business community needs safe neighborhoods, but not if we have to give up our hearts and souls in the process.

#211 BOOKWORM  (Original air date:   12/11/97)  

Guest Cast  

Claire fills in as substitute teacher for an eighth grade English class. She pairs Dinah up with Joey Conroy, a popular student who has been scamming his teachers to cover up a learning disability. Joey is taken off guard when Claire asks him to take over for Dinah halfway into the presentation. When he fumbles his way through the note cards, it is painfully apparent that Joey cannot read. Claire tries to contact Joey's parents, but she discovers that they have rejected the school's efforts to intervene. Claire asks Joey to stay after class to ascertain the extent of his disability. When Frank Conroy (Joey's father), shows up, he asks her to stay out of their business. She tries to explain the importance of Joey getting the help he needs, but Frank isn't interested. The following day, Claire finds out that Joey's parents have pulled him from school. The school administrator is considering taking steps to counteract the Conroy's decision and report Joey for truancy. But Claire asks for a chance to intervene. She pays a visit to the Conroy's house and meets with Joey's mother, Patricia Conroy. Claire learns that Patricia is the one who has been reading to Joey -- masking his disability out of love, but inadvertently preventing him from getting the help he needs. Claire tries to convince Mrs. Conroy of Joey's potential, the importance of Joey remaining in school. But it soon becomes apparent that the decision has more to do with her husband's secret shame. He also has a learning disability and never learned to read. While working on a plumbing job with his dad, Joey tells his dad he wants to watch the meteor shower. Frank says he can't, tells him they've got a job to finish. Frank tells Joey that he plans for him to enter the family business. Joey tells his dad he doesn't want to be a plumber, that he wants to be a scientist -- an astronomer. Frank puts him down -- asking him why he wants to "take up space" in class. Joey takes offense, stands up to his dad and walks out on the job. Joey shows up at the location for the meteor shower. He explains to the Greenes that he hitchhiked. Claire can see how upset he is with his father and takes a walk with him. Claire convinces Joey that he's a bright student, fully capable of doing anything he sets his mind to -- and that with patience, she can teach him to read. Frank shows up looking for his son. Russell talks to him, explaining how sometimes we all need a little encouragement in areas even though we have trouble. By the time Claire returns with Joey, the road is paved for a reconciliation between Joey and his dad. Finally, Claire holds a private session teaching Joey and his father to read, one word at a time.

#212 RECYCLED  (Original air date:   01/08/98)    

Guest Cast  

The Greenes travel to Barberton, Idaho to visit Evelyn Hooper, a dear friend of Hattie. Hattie is shocked to find that Evelyn, a former dancer, is wheelchair- bound and suffering from bone cancer. Oliver, Evelyn's husband, tells Hattie that Evelyn is in great pain and has asked him to help her end her life. Hattie struggles with the news and Evelyn's deteriorating condition. Russell and Nathaniel find Claire collapsed inside the trailer and she is rushed to the hospital. Nathaniel decides to enter a recycling contest to win a computer for his Aunt Claire. Meanwhile, Dinah pays an unexpected visit to Evelyn's house and finds her disoriented, babbling incoherently. She sees pills scattered nearby and calls 911. Oliver stands vigil while the doctors try to assess Evelyn's condition who remains on life support. Blinded by his own pain, Oliver blames Hattie, figuring that she had something to do with this, particularly since she knew where he kept the morphine stashed. Hattie denies any complicity, but tries her best to remain supportive. Eventually, Hattie convinces Oliver that Evelyn wouldn't want to continue like this, somewhere between life and death. Dr. Gormly (Claire's doctor) notifies Russell that Claire has a ruptured ovarian cyst and that it will have to removed surgically. Oliver finds Russell in the hospital where he prays for his wife and their unborn child. Russell offers his support to Oliver. Oliver decides to honor Evelyn's wishes and take her off life support. He apologizes to Hattie and asks her to be with him. The Greene family receives the good news that Claire's surgery was successful and the baby is safe. Nathaniel and Josh present Claire with a brand new laptop computer.

#213 MIRROR FAMILY  (Original air date:   01/15/98)    

Guest Cast

While checking into a trailer park in Utah, Josh accidentally hits another trailer belonging to a family much like their own, educating their three children as they travel across the United States. Josh makes fast friends with eldest son, Shane, as Dinah and Nathaniel bond with their respective counterparts, Maria and Wesley. But despite many shared interests and values, inconsistencies in the Elias family's background begin to crop up that arouse Russell's suspicion. Particularly when R u ssell discovers the real reason behind Brad's departure was that he insisted on being paid in cash. One by one, the Greene children glean different versions of the real Elias family secret. Josh finally reveals that on their visit to a local college, Sh a ne's attitude spooked him -- talking about the meaningless of existence. Fearing the Elias' children may be in some danger, Russell and Claire take it upon themselves to do an internet search and discover that Brad's true identity is Dalton L. Napier, a f ugitive accused of derailing an arms train during the Vietnam War. On their way out of town, the Elias' car breaks down. Brad is prepared to leave the family's trailer behind to make a clean break. But Shane rebels, drawing the line at this final assault on the family's sense of coherence. Shane demands that his father come clean and tell them what they're running from. Russell arrives on the scene and the two men hash it out -- Russell repudiating the cowardice of acts of sabotage masquerading as leg i timate acts of protest. When Shane hears of his father's involvement in terrorist activities against the U.S. Government, he bolts, taking off on a snowmobile. Brad and Russell follow in pursuit. While chasing after his son, Brad takes a bad fall, brea k ing his leg, unable to move. Russell tends to Brad while Shane goes for help. Med-Evac choppers arrive on the scene and rescue Brad. The Greenes wait outside the Federal Building as Brad prepares to turn himself in. Brad's been assured some degree of leniency for coming forward of his own volition. Russell hands him an American flag pin he was given when he went into war as a show of support and to remind Brad that he's doing the right thing.

#214 PURPLE HEART  (Original air date:   01/29/98)  

Guest Cast

Nathaniel finds a purple heart for sale at a flea market and convinces his Uncle Russell to help him return the medal to its rightful owner. Their search leads them to a magician named Andrew Petrie and his wife Connie. Connie admits that she gave the medal away because she didn't want any reminder of her estranged father. Later, unbeknownst to his wife, Andrew stops by the Greene's trailer to give them his father-in- law's address. Russell and Nathaniel pay a visit to Connie's father, Ed Brogan, and discover an embittered veteran (and double amputee) who wants nothing to do with the medal or the daughter who gave it away. The subplot involves Nathaniel's friendship with a boy his age named Billy Halpern. When Billy's mother finds out that Nathaniel's father is serving a jail sentence for manslaughter, she decides to restrict Billy from associating with Nathaniel. Josh witnesses the exchange and tries to defend Nathaniel, but Mrs. Halpern refuses to be swayed. Later, Russell overhears Nathaniel explain to his friends that his father is dead -- that he in fact was killed by a drunk driver. In an effort to heal the breach between Nathaniel and his father, Russell arranges a surprise phone call for Nathaniel. The idea backfires with Nathaniel refusing to speak with his father and running away. Russell and Claire go to the magic store to search for Nathaniel and make a final plea for Connie to consider the effect her behavior has had on their nephew. Claire tries to persuade Connie of the importance of overcoming past wrongs and how bitterness can distort and overshadow the good memories. Nathaniel comes from the back room of the magic store, having cooled off, apologizes for his behavior. Moved by Nathaniel's change of heart, Connie asks Nathaniel for the Purple Heart -- she's decided to make amends with her father. The next day, at the ice skating rink, Josh boldly confronts Mrs. Halpern for treating Nathaniel unfairly because of his father. In his zeal, he gets so agitated he loses his balance and falls flat on his back. He may not have won over Mrs. Halpern -- but he wins something more important, strengthening the bond between him and his cousin, Nathaniel.

#215 DESIGNATED DRIVER  (Original air date:   02/05/98)  

Guest Cast

The Greenes return to Chicory Creek for a short stay with longtime family friend Erasmus (Ossie Davis). Josh falls for Erasmus' house guest, a sixteen year old girl named Carla, who is in Erasmus' care while her father is away on business. What no one seems to realize is that Carla has a drinking problem. Carla's manipulative ways test Erasmus' patience, particularly when she is reported ditching one of her classes. But Carla has everyone wrapped around her finger. She takes Josh to a school basketball game and mixer. While he is away, she sneaks a swig from her flask. On the way home, she swerves to avoid a cow in the middle of the road and the car winds up stuck in a ditch. Another motorist calls the police. Worried that the cops could test her blood alcohol level, Carla panics. Without telling Josh the real reason for her concern, she sweet talks Josh into switching places with her. When they get home, the cops explain to Erasmus and the Greenes that while Josh may have been driving a little too fast, the accident was an innocent and unavoidable. When Josh's parents ask why he was driving, Carla jumps in, explaining she wasn't feeling well. But Josh is forced to lie to his folks to keep the story consistent. The next day, Dinah learns the truth about what happened from a classmate. She tries to warn Josh that Carla has a reputation as a drinker. Carla invites Josh to a party. Realizing the possibility of Dinah's story, he agrees to be the designated driver. But when Josh walks in and sees Carla chatting it up with her ex-boyfriend, he loses his will power and has a few beers. By the time Carla tracks him down to explain, it's too late. Josh tells Carla that neither of them are in any shape to drive -- he'll call his father and he'll come pick them up. Headstrong and in denial, Carla figures that she can handle it. Josh takes the keys from her, but some friends pressure him into giving her back the keys. She takes off. On the way home, Russell and Josh spot the wreckage from an accident. Carla is rushed to the hospital and remains in critical condition. With the damage done, Josh comes forward and admits that he's to blame. That though he wasn't aware of Carla's state, he agreed to switch places with Carla, and that he lied to his parents to maintain their story to the cops. While Carla recuperates in the hospital, Erasmus tries to talk some sense into her, that alcohol and destructive behavior may be her way of "acting out" toward a father who neglects her, but she's going to be the one who suffers.

#216 TWO FOR THE ROAD  (Original air date:   02/26/98)  

Guest Cast

Russell arranges to pick up his brother Joe on a weekend release as a surprise for Nathaniel's tenth birthday. But a series of unfortunate mishaps threaten to foil the plan. They miss the train and end up taking a bus, seated next to an obnoxious guy named Lyle. At the next stop, Lyle provokes a fight. They get kicked off the bus and wind up hitching a ride with a truck driver named Bear Wycowski. While they sleep in the back, bad weather conditions force Bear to take an alternate route, crossing the state line -- and breaking the conditions of Joe's release. Joe calls Blondel (his warden) who can tell from caller identification that Joe's out of state, and tells him to stay put. But Joe leaves with Bear and Russell without letting on there's trouble, not wanting anything to spoil his son's birthday plans. Russell notices Joe's anxiety as the highway patrol passes. Russell spills Joe's story and once again, they wind up stranded on the lone highway. They make a call and arrange for the state police to pick Joe up, surrendering his weekend pass. On the way back to prison, Joe and Russell explain the series of mishaps that foiled their plans to Sheriff Bates. Meanwhile, Nathaniel sits at the dinner table, depressed at his Uncle Russell's absence. Even the thought of opening presents does little to snap Nathaniel out of the birthday blues. That is, until Claire sees the Sheriff's car pull up front and, while Nathaniel sits with his back to the door, lets Joe inside. Russell asks Sheriff Bates what changed his mind. Sheriff Bates responds, "sometimes bad weather happens to good people."

#217 THE SECRET OF BLUESTEM  (Original air date:   03/05/98)  

Guest Cast

The Greenes travel to South Dakota to meet with a lawyer regarding the contents of a will. Claire's deceased cousin (Quill Torrey) left Claire and her family a ranch located on a hundred acres of property near an Indian reservation. Claire gets the nesting urge to settle down, and for the first time, the Greenes give serious thought to the prospect of setting down roots since their travels began. When someone sets fire to lumber the Greenes purchased to fix the bunkhouse, Russell goes to the sheriff. The sheriff suggests the possibility that poachers (scavenging the land for valuable Indian artifacts) are behind it. The Greenes learn that the owner of the local trading post (Chuck Carstens), who is interested in buying Quill's acreage, has been raiding Indian lands and selling off artifacts at a healthy mark-up. Russell ultimately learns that Quill knew of the poaching, intended to leave the land to the Indians to correct an age-old wrong, but died before he was able to change his will. The Greenes do the right thing, honoring Quill's wishes, and return the land to its rightful owner.

#218 UNDERCOVER GRANNY  (Original air date:   03/26/98)  

Guest Cast

When Dinah decides to visit a friend (Karen Hatcher) who she met on the internet, she discovers that her e-mail pal is actually an eighty- something resident at a retirement home. Josh and Dinah witness Karen being mistreated by her son (Walter) and are disturbed by another resident's cry for help. Hattie and the kids approach the police about intervening, but the police are unable to intervene unless there is clear evidence of abuse. Hattie admits herself to the retirement home to do some sleuthing, realizing that someday she may be in the same position as Karen, at the mercy of others. Hattie's sleuthing gets her in trouble with management and she winds up in the hospital, suffering from an allergic reaction to medication she didn't consent to receive. The Greenes return to the retirement home to retrieve Hattie's belongings and find Walter, beside himself with worry over his mother's disappearance. They discover that Walter is a caring son, cracking under the strain of caring for an elderly parent. The police locate Karen and Walter is relieved. Meanwhile, Russell and Claire fill in as short order cook and waitress (respectively) at a diner. The busboy, Pablo, a Guatemalan refugee and talented chef, feels slighted at being passed over for more responsibility. Pablo convinces the Greenes to help management see him in a different light and trust him with greater responsibility.

#219 ON MY HONOR  (Original air date:   04/02/98)

Guest Cast
 

Claire fills in at a Pennsylvania high school for an old college friend (Olivia Milner) while she finishes her master's thesis. Claire went to college with Olivia and her husband, Doug, who now serves as principal and has aspirations of running for school superintendent. Doug snubs Claire, co-opting an idea to earn points with the school board. The incident re-ignites an old wrong from their college days when Doug stole Claire's notes before an exam, ruining her chances to participate in a special study program in Italy. Meanwhile, Claire discovers some suspicious data on the students' standardized test scores. She eventually learns that Doug has been providing students with actual exams instead of "sample" tests merely to prepare them for the testing process. Concurrently, Dinah starts a fight with the school troublemaker (Mazie Andrus). But when everyone assumes that Mazie started the fight, Dinah keeps quiet. When Mazie disrupts Claire's class, a pair of broken scissors falls from Mazie's backpack. Considering them a potential weapon, Claire takes her to the principal's office. Under the school's three strikes policy, the incident results in Mazie's expulsion. Guilt ridden, Dinah tells her mother that she started the fight. Claire approaches Doug about a hearing for Mazie, but his mind is already made up against her. Claire presses the issue, causing friction between her and Olivia. At the hearing, Dinah owns up to her part in the fight and Mazie is reinstated. After the hearing, Claire calls Doug on the short cuts that he's taken and the message this is sending to students. Olivia walks in on the confrontation, revealing that she knew about the incident in Italy, and that she will no longer be a silent accomplice to Doug's dishonesty. Doug makes a public apology at the school assembly, announcing his intentions to make a full disclosure to the school board and mend his ways. Subplots: Nathaniel learns the importance of honor while trying to earn an Aquanaut pin in his first Cub Scout experience. And Josh convinces his parents to let him buy a used motorcycle from a friend, but learns a valuable lesson in motorcycle maintenance -- let the buyer beware.

#220 WHEN DARKNESS FALLS  (Original air date:   04/30/98)
 
 

Guest Cast
 

Claire is conducting an environmental club meeting, filling in for another teacher (Mr. Fleming), when a troubled student (Kevin Neary) shows up. Kevin had been expelled from the club by Mr. Fleming. Claire senses a problem and asks Kevin to leave. When he refuses, she asks her son to get security. Another student intervenes to take the matter into his own hands. This is when Kevin withdraws a concealed gun from his coat and opens fire on the other students. Russell is helping his friend, Ben Camden, work on a car for his son's 18th birthday when Ben gets a call from his wife that there is trouble at the school and that the Camden's son Jess has been hurt. Russell is doubly concerned, knowing that his wife, son and daughter are all at the school meeting. Hattie (with Nathaniel in her care) insists on going with Russell and Ben to find out what happened. Russell, a former Navy Seal and a man used to calling the shots in tense situations like these, is suddenly in a very helpless situation. Back in the classroom, Claire eventually convinces Kevin to let the paramedics rescue those who need medical attention -- but Jess dies on the way to the hospital. Claire continues to try mightily to get through to Kevin, but another student sets him off and he waves the gun again, threatening. A shot rings out. But we find out that this time, Kevin tried to kill himself. He is badly wounded, rushed to the hospital. That night, Claire and Russell are shaken to the core - but have fundamental differences in how they see Kevin. Claire urges compassion, believing everyone deserves a second chance. But as Russell sees the traumatic effect this has had (and continues to have) on his family, he is not so sure. Russell pays a visit to Ben who is beyond grief over the loss of his son, leaning closer to vengeance. Meanwhile, Claire finds out that Kevin was a ticking bomb, ready to go off. That he had a history of aggressive behavior since the age of twelve with all the classic signs of a syndrome known as "conduct disorder." And that his parents had downplayed his behavior, attributing it to a passing phase, allowing him to discontinue the counseling he so desperately needed. When Russell finds Nathaniel playing with a board game (given to him by his friend Lucas, Kevin's brother) which purports to communicate with spirits from beyond, Russell loses it -- taking issue with the message this sends to children that undercuts genuine faith. He takes the board to the Neary's -- using the incident to vent his anger. He grills Matt for ignoring the signals -- that people might still be alive if he had paid closer attention. Matt tries to defend himself, helpless to understand where he went wrong. Later, when Russell finds that Ben Camden has gone to the hospital to see Kevin, he suspects the worst. Russell finds Ben (gun partially concealed) standing at the door where his son's killer lies, unconscious. Russell gets Ben to think about what he's doing and what it will accomplish beyond the immediate. Speaking to himself as much as to Ben, Russell talks Ben through it. Ben relents, releasing his hold on the gun. They pass the Neary's sitting vigil over their son. The four share a momentary look -- a glimpse of understanding, forgiveness.

#221 TOTAL SECURITY  (Original air date:   04/23/98)
 
 

Guest Cast
 

Russell gets a job working in security for a shopping mall. Russell's boss has been lying to his daughter to protect her from the truth. But the lie nearly destroys a family. Pam Tillis guest stars as "Kate Matthews." Watch for the exciting conclusion on Diagnosis Murder immediately following at 9pm on CBS.

#222 A HAND UP IS NEVER A HAND OUT  (Original air date:   05/07/98)
 
 

Guest Cast
 

The Greenes are staying in Chicory Creek with Erasmus until Claire is ready to deliver. Russell picks up his brother Joe who is being released from jail on a technicality due to overcrowding. On their way home, they stop to visit their father's gravesite to pay their respects. Joe will be working for the Habitat for Humanity organization, which helps lower income families afford housing through sweat equity. After watching a documentary on the subject, Dinah reminds her family of the tragedy of the bombing of the Oklahoma Federal Building. Hattie, distressed that she forgot such a terrible tragedy, feels compelled to visit the memorial site. Russell is against them traveling to Oklahoma but Hattie prevails upon him to let them go, with Josh sharing driving duties. Joe and Russell disagree on how much Nathaniel can participate in the Habitat construction. Joe tells Russell he needs to back off if he's ever going to have a chance with Nathaniel. While working on Erasmus' audit, Claire gets some intense contractions and Erasmus calls his daughter, Rebecca, who is now a practicing OB/GYN. Rebecca examines Claire, puts her on medication to speed the development of the baby's lungs and stop the contractions. Meanwhile, Hattie, Josh and Dinah visit the fence surrounding the remains of the Federal Building. Dinah and Hattie are moved by the mementos sent by people across the nation to express their condolences for the victims and their families. When Josh belittles the memorial, Hattie becomes incensed, saying this was the worst attack on this country in its entire history because it was against ordinary people, just trying to earn a living, take care of their families. John Klane, a gentleman associated with the memorial foundation, invites them to visit a special exhibit (not open to the public). Within the cramped basement exhibit, Josh is suddenly overcome by the vivid mixed media presentation, runs from the exhibit. Hattie finds Josh outside, points out the Survivor Tree, a symbol of hope that survived against all odds amidst the rubble. Claire returns home briefly, only to be rushed back to the hospital when her water breaks. Rebecca determines the baby is breech, and Claire is rushed into surgery for a c-section. Meanwhile, Dinah, Josh and Hattie participate in the Oklahoma Memorial Ceremony honoring the victims and their families on the third anniversary of the bombing. Russell watches anxiously as his child is rushed directly from the operating room into intensive care. The next day, Claire and Russell watch helplessly while their daughter is hooked up to tubes and monitors. Claire has settled on the name Grace as a reminder that they've been graced with a baby at their age. Back home, Joe broaches the possibility of Nathaniel moving in with him, but Nathaniel has mixed feelings about leaving the Greenes. Back at the hospital, Rebecca explains that Claire unknowingly passed on the Beta Strep infection to her child. Rebecca assures Russell and Claire that they're doing everything they can to help Grace. While they've placed Grace on a respirator and antibiotics, there is a fifty-percent chance of fatality. Claire is upset that she can't feed her child, hold her or simply let her know she's there. Russell tries to reassure Claire that Grace knows they're there.

#223 A HAND UP IS NEVER A HAND OUT: PART 2  (Original air date:   05/14/98)
 
 

Guest Cast
 

Russell talks (through the nursery intensive care unit window) to his week-old daughter, Grace, expressing how excited they'll be to bring her home. Meanwhile, Nathaniel feels somehow responsible for Grace's condition. Hattie assures him it's perfectly natural to have mixed feelings about additions to the family. Nathaniel wants to buy Grace a gift with some money he's saved, but Josh told him it would be bad luck. Hattie thinks it's a perfectly good idea and a way of showing their faith that everything's going to be okay. Nathaniel eyes a cradle but Hattie feels it's out of their price range, so they decide to pool their resources. Claire returns to the hospital to relieve Russell. She is buoyed by news that Grace had a stable night. Rebecca delivers the painful news that they will be taking Grace off the respirator, that in spite of their efforts, the infection has ravaged Grace's system. Russell and Claire spend their heart-breaking final moments with Grace. Claire is reluctant to hold Grace, afraid she won't be able to let go. Russell reassures Claire that they'll carry Grace with them forever. Russell and Claire return home empty handed, break the news to the family. That night, Nathaniel asks Hattie why their faith couldn't save Grace. Hattie tries to explain that having faith doesn't mean things always work out the way you want them to. Back at the Habitat site, word gets out about Joe's past. One of Joe's co-workers calls him a child killer. T.J. defends Joe, explaining that the philosophy behind the Habitat organization is about turning your life around. Joe walks off the job. The family tries to rally Claire's spirits, but no one seems to be able to reach her. Erasmus talks with Joe, tries to convince him to stay focused, some things he can't change. Erasmus delivers a heartfelt, healing eulogy at Grace's funeral. Russell has a few words with God, not yet able to understand or accept the loss. Dinah identifies with the victims of the Oklahoma bombing, wishes there was a way for her family to find healing. Dinah asks her mother if ringing the bell like they did in Oklahoma might work for them, but Claire's not ready. An awkward tension builds between Claire and Russell until each are able to vent their pain privately. Claire takes the first step toward closure by giving her cradle to the Anita Fitz, the pregnant woman whose family will be moving into the Habitat house. The family begins to cope with the loss -- each in their own way, until finally, they hear the clanging of a bell and come to find Claire standing in the rain outside Erasmus' house. They join her in a moment of profound healing for all.

#301 SAVING GRACE: PART 2  (Original air date: 10/01/98)
 
 

Guest Cast
 

Continuation of Touched By An Angel (episode 501).  Part two of this two-part episode picks up with Nathaniel having been abducted by Sandra Mills, the woman whose husband and son were killed in the car accident due in large part to Joe Greene's reckless driving.  Sandra now realizes the futility of her kidnapping plot and that she could wind up in hot water.  Nathaniel empathizes with Sandra.  He won't tell the authorities she kidnapped him.  Nathaniel tells the detective he went with Sandra voluntarily but the marks on his wrists show otherwise.  But since their stories match and with no hard evidence, Sandra is off the hook.  Meanwhile, Claire visits Darlene, the prisoner on death row who she is going to teach to read.  Claire suggests making a tape, something to leave her daughter, Christy.  Claire gives Darlene a letter from Dinah.  In it, Dinah asks to visit Darlene, hoping she can have some influence on her parents.  Russell is against it, but Claire convinces Russell that Dinah's request fits in with the family's mission to help others.  While visiting Darlene, Dinah talks about her own near-death experience (Take Back the Night, episode 207) and the unique position Darlene is in to say goodbye to her loved ones.  Darlene's mother appeals to Claire (since her own daughter wants nothing to do with her), convinced she can get a stay of execution.  Claire relays the message to Darlene, but Darlene is determined to spare her daughter the spectacle of the ordeal.  Darlene recounts the abuse she suffered at the hands of an alcoholic mother, the reason she remains unwilling to have any contact with her.  Sandra attends an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting but leaves abruptly, returning home only to find that her own alcohol supply has been depleted.  When Sandra breaks into her office to get more alcohol, Tess is waiting and gets tough with her, asking how many angels it's going to take before she faces her alcohol problem, asks God for help and tells the Greenes the whole story.  Sandra visits the Greenes and admits she was drinking long before the accident.  Sandra assumes some share of the responsibility for the accident that claimed her husband and son's lives.  And most important, Sandra tells the Greenes that she has forgiven Joe.  That evening, hours before Darlene's execution, Dinah is still troubled that Darlene hasn't made peace with her mother.  Claire takes Dinah back to the prison where Darlene dictates a poem to her mother, one step closer to the healing and forgiveness they both so desperately need.  Claire delivers the letter to Darlene's mother, awaiting the final hours before Darlene's execution outside the prison.

#302 BALANCING ACT  (Original air date:   10/08/98)
 
 

Guest Cast
 

While the Greenes are visiting Mississippi, Dinah befriends Eric Pascal, the star kicker for the local high school football team.  Caving in to peer pressure, Eric lies that he and Dinah have slept together.  Josh gets wind of the rumor and confronts Eric on the football field.  Feeling backed into a corner in front of his friends, Eric sticks by his story.  Josh takes the first swing and a fight breaks out.  Russell, who is doing repair work on a boat, is called in to meet with the high school principal.  This will go on Josh's college record.  Russell asks Josh for an explanation but Josh just answers that it's personal.  When Josh returns home, Claire forces him to talk to Dinah who is angry at Josh for attacking her friend for no reason.  In the privacy of the trailer, Josh tells Dinah that Eric has been bragging that he slept with her.  Dinah doesn't believe Josh, and is to upset to dignify his suspicion with a defense.  Claire and Russell share a moment expressing their feelings over the fight.  While Claire is anxious to press Josh for an explanation, Russell is proud of Josh for taking the heat and is more inclined to let Josh work through this on his own.  The sheriff informs the Greenes that Eric's father is filing charges for assault and battery, but recommends they work their problems out amongst themselves if at all possible.  Claire pays a visit to Eric's father, who is determined to make them pay for ruining Eric's chances of getting a scholarship.  Dinah confronts Eric who tries to explain how bad he feels.  We learn that Eric has entrusted Dinah with his secret -- that he is gay.  Dinah tries to explain the awkward position he's placed her in, as well as Josh.  She tells Eric that his friends will understand, just like she understood.  But Eric isn't so sure, and is doubly worried of the effect the news would have on his relationship with his father.  Ultimately, Claire waits for the right moment to ask Dinah the inevitable question of whether she and Eric have had sexual relations.  Dinah answers her truthfully, but without telling her mom the exact nature of Eric's secret, conveys the issues that Eric is dealing with.  Claire commends Dinah for placing such a high value on a friend's trust.  While waiting to be called in for the hearing, Eric's friends harass Josh, threatening him and Dinah.  Eric decides to come forward and put an end to the lies.  In front of his friends and his father, Eric admits that he lied to conceal that fact that he's gay.  Eric's father takes the news hard, driving off without him.  The truth out, Eric realizes the road ahead may not be easy but time is on his side.

Subplot: Nathaniel helps Russell work on Bob Tyler's boat.  Mr. Tyler considers the boat, which belonged to his father, an albatross.  But as Russell discovers, it's a become a symbol of a childhood filled with resentment toward a father who was too busy with his job or his boat to find time for his son.  Russell helps Mr. Tyler re-evaluate his attitude toward his deceased father whom he can't forgive.  The experience triggers some issues for Nathaniel who is trying to reconcile his own feelings for a father who isn't there for him.

#303 RESTORATION  (Original air date:   10/15/98)
 
 

Guest Cast
 

The Greenes have moved into the Antebellum mansion of Beth Hixon and her two children Rebecca and Connor.  Russell and Josh help renovate the house in preparation for Beth's annual Founder's Tea while Claire tutors Rebecca.  Dinah catches Rebecca making herself throw up in order to control her weight.  Rebecca, who outwardly appears to be in perfect shape, asks Dinah not to tell and tries to explain that there's nothing wrong with what she's doing.  She's just trying to lose weight to fit into the dress her mother wants her to wear for the tea.  Feeling self-conscious about her own weight, Dinah tries it herself.  When Claire finds, she tries to explain the dangers of purging, tells Dinah to do some research and that they'll discuss it.  Dinah and Rebecca look at each other's lives with envy.  Dinah envies the stability in Rebecca's life, of going to one school and being able to keep her friends, not to mention having the privacy of her own bedroom.  Conversely, Rebecca envies Dinah's life for not being held to her parents' expectations.  Claire tries to explain to Russell what Dinah's going through, that eating disorders are more about self-esteem and needing to feel "in control" than actual weight issues.  Claire reveals that she once considered it herself when Josh was a baby.  After she had Josh, Claire gained thirty-five pounds and felt overwhelmed at the idea of being a mother.  She thought if she could get her weight under control, that everything else might fall into place.  Claire lost her nerve when she saw Josh watching her from his crib.  She realized it couldn't be such a good idea if she felt ashamed in front of her own child.  Eventually, Claire lost the weight but she knows they need to pay attention to what Dinah's going through and not panic.  Tension escalates when Beth's mother, Cecil, returns after having been "missing" for six months due to a falling out between mother and daughter.  Cecil and Beth try to work through their differences but old resentments and wrongs emerge at every turn.  Cecil eventually admits that she's getting to the age where she wants to reconcile her affairs before it's too late.  Dinah tracks down Rebecca, tries to relay the information she's gained about bulimia and the damage it can do to your body.  Dinah tries to show Rebecca she understands what she's going through.  But Rebecca feels alone, suffocated by a controlling mother, responsible for the fighting between her mother and grandmother.  When Claire finds candy bar wrappers in Rebecca's knapsack, she realizes where Dinah got the idea.  Claire tries to broach the subject with Beth who is too engrossed in her preparations to give it any credence.  The dam breaks when Claire wakes in the middle of the night and finds Rebecca in the kitchen, bingeing, chocolate cake smeared all over her face.  Beth enters the room, disgusted, and focuses her energy on cleaning up the mess rather than dealing with the painful reality of her daughter's illness.  Claire forces Beth to open her eyes to what's going on.  Beth goes upstairs and hears her daughter purging through the bathroom door.  The next day, Cecil expresses her own exasperation to Hattie, that she plans to leave, realizing the futility of it all.  Hattie tells Cecil she won't solve anything by running away, adding that Beth needs her mother just as much as Rebecca needs her grandmother.  Cecil finds Beth, defeated, at a loss where to turn, what to do.  Cecil helps Beth find the answer, reminding her that, deep down inside, she knows what she has to do.  Beth asks Rebecca if she should cancel the tea.  But Rebecca doesn't want to be held responsible.  Finally, Beth realizes she has to be the one to make that call.  After all the trouble Beth has gone to, to see that this Tea comes off without a hitch, Beth breaks the fine China on the perfectly arranged tables and cancels the party.  Beth makes a commitment to Rebecca to change the priorities of this family, to focus on helping each other.  Once the Greenes leave the Hixon family, Dinah approaches her father, expressing her regret over what she's done.  Dinah realizes that, despite an outwardly enviable life, Rebecca couldn't say what she was feeling.  Russell asks Dinah if there's anything she'd like to share.  Dinah tells her dad that she knows how much being on the road means to him, but that she'd like to settle down.  Russell tells Dinah that she has a right to express her own feelings and agrees to take it into consideration.

Subplot: Nathaniel helps Connor Hixon set a trap for a "ghost" who turns out to be Connor's grandmother, who has been "missing" for the past six months.

#304 BABTISM OF FIRE  (Original air date: 10/22/98)
 
 

Guest Cast
 

Erasmus is directing the Greenes to the church of his youth in Clarksboro, Mississippi, when they discover the charred remains is all that is left standing.  Erasmus is reunited with his close friend, Alicia, who is the church minister and battling pressure to sell the land and be turned into a shopping center.  Alicia understands the economic pressures but feels strongly about the historic value of this location, where their ancestors first learned to read and built this church once they were set free.  Russell and Erasmus encounter resistance from a redneck named Ellis at the local lumber yard but manage to buy lumber elsewhere.  Alicia's spirits are lifted by the energizing effect the new lumber has had on her congregation.  Tension mounts as Claire and Dinah are terrorized by a six-wheeler and driven off the road.  Claire is incensed, having to explain to the sheriff that it was deliberate.  Nathaniel makes friends with a young black girl his age named Lucy.  He learns what it's like to be discriminated against when Lucy's parents forbid her from playing with him.  The arsonist strikes again just as the reconstruction effort is making headway.  Josh finds a lighter in the vicinity, possibly connecting it to a young Green Beret named T.J. who works with Ellis.  Russell offers to help in the search for the arsonist but Sheriff Oakley warns against it.  Russell spots an abandoned truck and stops.  Ellis hijacks Russell and forces him to drive at gunpoint.  Russell steps on the accelerator, refusing to slow down.  There is a struggle for the gun, a shot is fired and the Suburban crashes.  Ellis bolts from the Suburban with Russell in pursuit.  Russell finds Ellis hiding out near an abandoned construction trailer.  Ellis pulls a knife on Russell, who disarms Ellis and tackles him to the ground. Ellis' cohorts show up with Sheriff Oakley gagged.  Russell and Sheriff Oakley are tied at the wrists, seated back to back, as Ellis and his boys figure out what to do.  Russell and Oakley wriggle free of the poorly tied knots and turn on their captors.  Before the situation escalates further, T.J., poised with a gun from atop the bridge, orders them all to the ground.  It turns out that T.J.'s on the right side of the law and is there to bail out Russell and Oakley.  The bad guys caught, the Greenes turn their attention back where it belongs, helping Alicia and her congregation raise the church walls.   Together, within the framework of the church, the congregation (and the Greenes) sing, rejoice and worship in harmony.

#305 CHASIN' THE BLUES  (Original air date:   10/29/98)
 
 

Guest Cast
 

Josh tries to convince his parents to let him to ride his motorcycle to Austin, Texas to help his girlfriend, Amber.  His parents are skeptical since Amber has already refused Erasmus' offer to pay for the bus ticket back to Chicory Creek.  Russell even offers to drive with Josh to Austin, but Josh wants to do it on his own.  Josh sneaks out in the night and leaves.  His motorcycle breaks down en route to Austin.  He meets a musician, Bobby Dee Hammond, who agrees to give him a lift to Austin.  When Josh gets to Amber's motel room, he finds that she is keeping company with an older guy named Kip who drinks and treats her rough.  Meanwhile, Nathaniel gets conned into buying a dog named Dodger from a traveling con man named Rudy Patois.  When the Greenes try to get their money back, Rudy has spent the money, but offers to make it up to them by fixing them dinner.  Rudy sets Russell up with a house-painting job.  Russell soon realizes he's been bamboozled -- that Rudy's only prior experience is painting nudes in Greenwich Village.  While Russell is painting, Rudy is downstairs dancing the tango with the owner, Thelma Wicker.  Russell asks Rudy about his prison tattoos and finds out that Rudy did time for bigamy.  When Russell returns the next morning to find Rudy answering the door wearing Thelma's late husband's bathrobe, Russell walks out on the job, washing his hands of Rudy and his schemes.  Meanwhile, Josh has had a hard time trying to rescue Amber who has fanciful dreams of going to California and breaking into show business rather than returning to her drunken mother and abusive stepfather.  Josh toys with the idea of going to Nashville to pursue his aspirations to become a musician.  Bobby invites Josh with him to San Antonio to jam with some friends of his.  Josh soon realizes that he's out of his league and that his dreams of becoming a musician are about as unrealistic as Amber's.  Bobby tries to put things in perspective, that you can't pursue music for the money, you have to do it for the love of music.  Thelma Wicker stops by the trailer park to reprimand Russell for being so hard on Rudy.  Thelma didn't expect him to be perfect.  She's willing to cut him some slack and appreciate him for what he can offer -- a little body heat and a barrel of laughs.  She invites them all to dinner, hoping that Russell and Rudy will bury the hatchet and that Russell will finish painting her house since Rudy hasn't got a clue.  Russell, Claire and Nathaniel return home to find Josh has returned, humbled, chastened and somewhat wiser for the experience.  Russell admits his anger has simmered down and that he's actually proud of Josh for putting himself out to help someone else.