In this 2021 film adaptation of the original, classic television series, an angel returns to Earth, under the guise of a school counselor to help troubled students and families.
Growing up, the television series “Highway to Heaven” was an absolute favorite in my house. If there was any doubt about the power of God through his servant angels, each show starring Michael Landon and Victor French, gave a reason to believe in the powerful display of God’s grace through the action of others. Fast forward several years and a DVD of the primetime Emmy-nominated series starring Grammy Award-Winner Jill Scott (Angela Stewart) and Barry Watson (Bruce Banks) reminds us that the business of making miracles still captures our attention through actions in our day-to-day living.
As the film opens, Angela Stewart finds herself in the midst of a career crisis and is being interviewed for a temporary position as a Guidance Counselor. While being questioned as to why she thinks this is a good career move, she confidently states that she is fully capable of making a difference in a short period of time. While not totally convinced that she is the right person for the job, she eventually is offered the position and immediately immerses herself in the business of finding her place of influence. As she literally walks into a situation that involves a young student named Cody (Ben Daon), who is struggling with the loss of his mother, she finds her purpose in dealing with him as he is acting out as a result of not being able to connect with his father after the loss of his mother. As Angela delves into the situation more deeply, she realizes that she must get to the true root of the problem which involves developing a relationship with Cody’s father who is dealing with his own demons due to the loss of his wife.
As Angela finds a way to bridge the gap between Cody and his father, she uses her angelic powers to get through obstacles that get in the way of the relationship with Cody and his father as well as the relationship she has with Principal Bruce. As Bruce takes more notice of Angela’s abilities to transform situations, he becomes skeptical and wants to know what her secrets are. When Angela admits that she is an angel, Bruce doubts it could be true but is forced to believe that there has to be a stronger force working in the background, and eventually, he embraces the idea that she is a special woman with invaluable resources. In the end, Cody and his father are forever changed in their relationship and Bruce has been so profoundly impacted that he decides to pursue his other dreams away from the school.
The entire series based on the power and presence of angels in our midst is a classic that has stood the test of time and is still relevant. Jill Scott and Barry Wilson are both excellent in their roles of common, everyday people who dare to make a difference. Kudos to Lifetime for the gentle reminder of faith in action and the power of positivity and miracles.
Now available on DVD
