Touched by an Angel

Stories from the Hit Television Series

By Martha Williamson and Robin Sheets
Zondervan, $12.99

ISBN 0310213975

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Angels speak the truth
in God-centered series

Review by Sharon Harper

Like a modern-day Moses warning Pharaoh of events about to unfold, Touched by An Angel executive producer Martha Williamson laid down the law to CBS executives: The show she was about to oversee would be about God and stay true to His nature. CBS president Peter Tortorici and his colleagues listened silently as Williamson made her pitch, explaining the biblically based rules guiding angel behavior.

"Angels are messengers of God. They couldn't be fairies flapping their wings and granting wishes. God had to be Someone to reckon with. At the end of each episode the angels wouldn't win. God would."

Tortorici gave her the green light, and after three years of emotional scripts faithful to her vision and first-rate acting by the show's three angelic stars, viewers win, too.

Williamson and script writer Robin Sheets deliver a book fans of the show will love. Touched by an Angel: Stories From the Hit Television Series, dedicated to "Almighty God, Wonderful Counselor, the Real Executive Producer," chronicles the show's rocky start when Williamson revamped the poorly made pilot, the show's early ratings struggles and eventual rise to prominence, the reactions of CBS and Hollywood to a "religious" program, and stories about the show's effects on actors Roma Downey, Della Reese, and John Dye.

Williamson, a Christian who mixes humor and emotion in anecdotes throughout the book, is passionate about the show staying true to Christian doctrine.

"CBS wanted to know what was intended by the flight of the dove at the end of every episode. Was it God? Was it the Spirit of God? Was it something 'religious'? I told them it was a nice way to put a signature on the series. A symbol of peace. They like that."

On a more serious note, Williamson reveals the life-changing impact the series has had on viewers. Themes of substance abuse, suicide, depression, crime, and the deaths of loved ones generate tremendous response. Angels Monica and Tess always proclaim God's love and speak His truth to set their charges free. Many of the series' plots involve God's gift of free will and the choices a spirited Monica makes -- sometimes involving her worst mistakes. But through it all, the angels maintain a divine, loving nature.

The book includes four popular episodes written in novel form by Robin Sheets with the origin of each show, the actors' reactions and viewers' response following each tale. One of the most memorable episodes spotlights the homeless and features Gregory Harrison. Monica, in a lesson about pride, is made homeless and humbled by the washing of a man's bruised and bleeding feet. Harrison felt so strongly about the role that he donated his entire fee to Habitat for Humanity.

Situations like this, handled in a loving way by God's messengers both real and fictional, are worth reading -- and watching. Apparently millions think so as the series is regularly in the Nielsen's Top Ten. You've seen the series, now read the book. It will touch you.

What the producer says about God:

TVG: The show has been called simplistic.
Martha Williamson: . . . Good! Because if God isn't simple and easy for everyone, then He is for no one. What it comes down to on our show is God's truth.
TVG: What is God's truth?
Williamson: God exists. God loves you. God wants to be part of our lives.

-- Excerpt from TV Guide® interview, Angels & Insights

Sharon Harper is a reviewer and graphic designer in Nashville, TN.