I’ve never been a big fan of the “Aaron Spelling School of Nighttime Dramas.” For the most part I tended to pass on shows like “Beverly Hills 90210” and it’s ilk, more so because they were little more than soap operas. For the most part, the actors (and I use the term lightly) that made up the casts of those shows were little more than ‘pretty faces’ with no substance. But I’ll admit to there being one or two shows that came out of Spelling Television that not only didn’t star any members of his family, but were a darn sight better than most other TV dramas. Right of the bat, “7th Heaven” comes to mind. In part because the first season is on its way to store shelves in the form of a DVD set, but more so because it was a show I actually went out of my way to watch, though not at first. It was actually my wife who introduced me to the series when it was well into its 6th or 7th season, and although I wasn’t what you would call ‘hooked’, I was interested enough to try and catch more episodes.

“7th Heaven” starred alumni from two of the big budget “Star Trek” films, Stephen Collins and (the lovely) Catherine Hicks as Eric and Annie Camden. They held court over a brood of five children and faced all of the follies and foibles such a large family can create. There have been many shows like this in the past, but this one had one clear distinction, that of Eric’s profession. He is a minister. Being a Christian myself, I was immediately struck by the way the series seemed to be able to present most of the problems that families deal with today, and add in a bit of a religious message without getting overly preachy.

It was very realistic in the way that it presented God, not so much as the answer to everything, but as more of a guideline. It didn’t shy away from tough subject matter, often relating situations involving gang violence or even teen suicide. The family did not always win and that is representative of how life really is. The series tended to be upbeat, but rarely strayed into the area of saccharine sweetness. From the few episodes I had seen I was rather hoping for a DVD release so I could go back and see it from the beginning. Thanks to Paramount Home Entertainment, my prayers were answered.

The 1st season set offers up all 22 episodes in a nice, neat 6-disc package. Once again, Paramount has gone the way of the individual slim cases that slip into a larger box, and I couldn’t be more pleased. These are much easier to handle than the old foldout packaging. All of the episode are presented in their original full screen format, with Dolby Digital English Stereo (and French, if you’re so inclined…) and look and sound as better than they must have during their original broadcast.

I was hoping that after sitting down to start watching the1st season set, I would take enough notes to be able to point out particularly good episodes, but I think I failed miserably. I was so impressed by the entire season that it would really be tough to touch on any high points. It was great to see Peter Graves (“Mission:Impossible”) back in action as Eric’s father in a couple of the episodes, as well as the great Eileen Brennan as an older ‘friend’ of their son Matt. One episode that I did feel stood out was “The Color of God.” It starred Dorian Harewood as a Reverend whose church is burned down by a hate group. Racists really get my ire up, so when they are the subject of any series It catches my interest.

“7th Heaven”, over the years has been honored, and deservedly so, by the Parents Television Council, The Media Project's Shine Awards, Entertainment Industries Council's Prism Awards, Viewers Voice, Anti-Defamation League, Film Advisory Board, The Academy of Religious Broadcasting, Kids Choice Awards, Teen Choice Awards, Family Friendly Forum Awards and the TV Guide Awards.

If that doesn’t tell you it’s a show worth watching, I don’t know what will.

Episodes:
Anything You Want
Family Secrets
In the Blink of an Eye
No Funerals and a Wedding
The Color of God
Halloween
Saturday
What Will People Say?
See No Evil, Hear No Evil, Speak No Evil
The Last Call for Aunt Julie
Now You see Me
With a Little Help From My Friends
America’s Most Wanted
Seven is Enough
Happy’s Valentine
Brave New World
Choices
Faith, Hope and the Bottom Line
It’s About George
Say Good-bye
Dangerous Liaisons, Part 1
Dangerous Liaisons, Part 2

Starring: Stephen Collins, Catherine Hicks, Barry Watson, David Gallagher, Jessica Biel, Beverley Mitchell, Mackenzie Rosman
Extras:
Specifications: Full Screen
Studio: Paramount
Release Date: 9/14/2004
Region 1
MPAA Rating: NR
Website

We'll give an 7th Heaven: Season 1 a B.