7th Heaven: The Fourth Season

7TH HEAVEN:COMPLETE FOURTH SEASON - DVD Movie

The millennial edition of TV's longest-running family drama gets off to a stressful start when Eric Camden (Stephen Collins) has a heart attack. It turns out to be a mild one, but sets the tone for much of the season. From now on, the minister and father of seven is going to try to take things easier. Suffice to say, the new touchy-feely dad drives the other Camdens crazy, but they do their best to support his recovery. Meanwhile, college sophomore Matt (Barry Watson) finally flies the coop and gets an apartment with family friend John (Chaz Lamar Shepherd, who becomes a regular cast member) and continues to see girlfriend Shana (Maureen Flannigan). Other developments include a spiky 'do for 13-year-old Simon (David Gallagher), community service for Mary (Jessica Biel) due to vandalism ("Sin and Expiation"), and a disappointing diagnosis for Annie's father ("Forget Me Not"). That leaves Lucy (Beverley Mitchell), who decides what to do with her life, Ruthie (Mackenzie Rosman), who gets her first boyfriend, and the twins (Myrinda and Zachary Brino), who celebrate birthday number one. The show also widens its scope to tackle concerns outside the home, like the treatment of women in Afghanistan ("Yak Sada") and the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II ("Dirty Laundry").

As with previous years, season four ends with some surprises. In this case, Matt and Mary make crucial decisions about their futures. Eric and Annie (Catherine Hicks) are particularly upset by Mary’s choice, so much so that touchy-feely dad (briefly) becomes furious dad. Guest stars include Soul Food's Irma P. Hall ("All by Myself"), Moonlighting's Allyce Beasley ("Liar, Liar"), and 'N Sync's Lance Bass ("Who Do You Trust"). --Kathleen C. Fennessy