It is a rarity that any television series lasts 11 seasons. In fact, it’s extremely rare. It is also almost impossible to have all 11 seasons be fantastic, as there has to be natural highs and lows for any television show’s run. But when writers try to do something completely different just to keep a show going, fans have to be worried. This is the case for 7th Heaven and its seventh season.
7th Heaven centers on the Camden family. Minister Eric Camden (Stephen Collins) and wife Annie (Catherine Hicks) are the head of a family containing seven children, all of whom are reaching various ages where hormones are raging, love lives are going through their ups and downs, careers are being considered and abandoned, and everyone is busy learning tough life lessons. In the seventh season, Eric has heart bypass surgery and then decides to stop being a minister. 22-year-old Matt (Barry Watson) is settling into married life. Meanwhile, Robbie (Adam LaVorgna) moves out of the Camden’s family garage apartment, which clears the way for Lucy’s (Beverly Mitchell) police officer boyfriend Kevin Kinkirk (George Stults) to move in. In addition, Simon starts dating a new girl named Cecilia; even 11-year-old Ruthie (Mackenzie Rosman) gets a boyfriend while encountering the one person who is not willing to deal with her typical “Ruthie” behavior.
This season marked the regular cast departures of the two oldest Camden children, played by Jessica Biel and Barry Watson. Starting with this season, they would only appear on “special occasions”. So to fill the void, a bunch of new characters were introduced this season, including Jeremy London, who plays Eric’s replacement minister, Dr. Chandler Hampton; music “star” Ashley Simpson as Simon’s girlfriend; George Stults as Lucy’s boyfriend; and Rachel Blanchard as Kevin’s beautiful blonde partner in the police force. There were also notable guest appearances from Mayim Bialik (of Blossom fame) and former American figure-skating champion Tara Lipinski. The acting at the top of the cast is still great this season, and all of the guest stars do a respectable job with what they are given. But the chemistry between the cast this season is noticeable different with those subtractions, and it clearly affected the overall quality of the series.
Since Biel and Watson weren’t around this season, only 3 Camden children could really contribute significantly to the series this season. So that meant the writers had to focus the storylines on the newer characters, instead of the regular cast of characters. As a result, the drama during this season feels more forced than usual. It’s almost like they had to manufacture drama just to keep things interesting on the show. But for the most part all of the classic 7th Heaven elements remain intact this season, including each and every episode featuring a lot of talking and a message to be learned at the end.
There is no doubt that 7th Heaven was hurt by the departures of Barry Watson and Jessica Biel. The new focus of the show towards the newer characters will probably disappoint hardcore 7th Heaven fans, but it was either that or end the show. Some would argue that the show should have ended, but it would last for four more years. Fortunately, there are still enough “long-time coming” moments during this season that will have hardcore fans either cheering or crying. That should be enough to satisfy them and convince them to continue buying all of the seasons as they come out on DVD. However, casual fans of 7th Heaven should be warned. This season is not the same 7th Heaven that you have watched and enjoyed in the past.
Episodes:
Disc One:
Episode 1 – Monkey Business (Part 1)
In the seventh season-opener, Kevin is now living in the garage apartment and is madly in love with Lucy and waiting for the right time to ask Lucy to marry him. Kevin invites his new rookie partner Roxanne over to meet Lucy who takes one look at her and flies into a jealous frenzy. Robbie is jealous of Kevin because he feels as though Kevin is like a new big brother and is taking over Matt’s place. Robbie, who has been lamenting the departure of girlfriend Joy, may also be ready for romance when he runs into Kevin’s partner Roxanne, an old classmate from 7th grade. Ruthie is asked to babysit a chimp which lives across the street. Ruthie also invites her boyfriend over which stuns Eric. Mary desperately tries to keep her mysterious new boyfriend, Captain Jack Smith a secret. When he unexpectedly shows up at the Camden home, no one is more surprised than Eric to see the good-looking 40-something pilot standing in the doorway.
Episode 2 – Monkey Business (Part 2)
Simon’s paid dating service is becoming profitable until Cecilia (Ashlee Simpson) rats him out to Eric. Meanwhile, when Mary threatens to leave home over her relationship with Captain Jack Smith (guest star Grant Goodeve), who is twice her age, Eric confronts Jack who lets the news slip that he and Mary are relocating to Fort Lauderdale and Eric and Annie are at a standstill. Lastly, Kevin sets Ruthie straight on who’s the adult and who’s the child in this household.
Episode 3 – The Enemy Within
Ken Smith (guest star Pat Boone) pays a visit to Eric and Annie to accuse Mary of seducing his son. He threatens to sell the land next to the church if Mary doesn’t break up with Jack. Simon finds out from Cecilia that a girl from his dating service is pregnant. Simon turns to her to try to help her. He convinces her (with the help of Det. Michaels) to drop her baby off at a hospital where the baby can go for safe keeping. Lucy wonders if Kevin has ever been with another women after she catches Ben reading her journal. When Ben picks Ruthie up from school, he sees a girl making fun of her and then she makes fun of him, which leads to the vice principal (guest star Cindy Williams) calling the police.
Episode 4 – Bowling For Eric
When Eric learns that he must undergo double bypass surgery, he calls a family meeting to share the news but loses his nerve at the last minute and decides the group should go bowling instead. His odd behavior surprises everyone, especially Annie who grows more concerned when Eric’s brother-in-law Hank (guest star Ed Begley, Jr.) shows up unexpectedly. Meanwhile, Robbie pesters Kevin about helping him make a parking ticket disappear. Lastly, Lucy continues to question whether Kevin has ever been with another woman.
Episode 5 – The Heart of the Matter
The extended Camden clan wrestles with their emotions as they await the outcome of Eric’s double bypass surgery. While under anesthesia, Eric hallucinates that he’s Elvis, performing “I’m All Shook Up,” “Don’t Be Cruel,” “Teddy Bear” and “Rock-A-Hula-Baby.” On the romance front, Lucy finally realizes that Kevin is the one and that she’s ready to marry him, but he refuses to propose until Eric gives them his blessing. Simon complains to Annie about the absence of Matt and Mary during their father’s health crisis. Meanwhile, Sarah also comes to Glen Oak to wish Eric well.
Disc Two:
Episode 6 – Regarding Eric
Lucy is asked by a developmentally challenged friend, Paul (guest star Gordon Billinger), to convince his parents to let him join a traveling troupe of puppeteers, “The Famous People Players”. Meanwhile, Eric is feeling low because he is stuck at home recovering from surgery and really wants to get back to work despite doctor’s restrictions, so Annie asks the kids to help make him feel needed by going to him with their problems. Ruthie takes this suggestion to heart and secretly tells Eric how he should be helping everyone with their romantic entanglements. His meddling leads to chaos for everyone involved. Lastly, Kevin learns that Ben is planning to extend his temporary stay in Glenoak.
Episode 7 – Gabrielle Come Blow Your Horn
Eric is stunned to find out the church has hired a new associate pastor, Chandler Hampton to help out while he recovers from his heart surgery. Meanwhile, Lucy is furious when she and Ruthie spot Kevin and Roxanne in a jewelry store–as she thinks they’re picking out her engagement ring together without her. Meanwhile, Simon listens unenthusiastically as Cecilia tells him all about her new French boyfriend. Lastly, a loud, chain-smoking housekeeper (guest-star Phyllis Diller) sent by “The Colonel” arrives to provide order in the Camden household.
Episode 8 – Peer Pressure
Eric and Rabbi Glass (guest-star Richard Lewis) pay a visit to the church to spy on the new associate pastor (Jeremy London). Meanwhile, Ruthie is in big trouble when she’s caught slow dancing with her boyfriend when she’s supposed to be babysitting Sam and David. Meanwhile, Lucy asks Simon to dig up some information on Roxanne during his ride-along with her and Kevin in their patrol car. Lastly, Kevin has some explaining to do to Lucy after he runs into his ex-wife (guest-star Mindy Burbano).
Episode 9 – Lost Souls
Eric’s strange post-surgery behavior leads him to make a life-altering decision that shocks and worries Annie. The reverend considers another calling when the ministry begins to lose its appeal. His plan to abandon his religious duties is hatched after a new neighbor mistakenly calls him “Mr. Camden.” Fed up with everyone bringing their problems to him, Eric becomes more and more apathetic toward his family and community. Meanwhile, Lucy turns to the new associate pastor for advice when she sees Kevin and Roxanne having too much fun dancing at the pool hall. Concerned when he can’t find Lucy, Kevin interrupts Simon and Cecilia’s date to enlist their help.
Episode 10 – A Cry for Help
In the midst of a career crisis and much to Annie’s dismay, Eric takes a job as a talk DJ at a college radio station, but things become serious fast when Eric and his producer (guest star Usher) find themselves counseling a male student who calls in threatening suicide during his first shift. Meanwhile, Lucy refuses to spend time with Roxanne which puts Kevin in an impossible situation. Later on, Roxanne asks her boss to assign her a new partner as tensions simmer between her and Lucy. Ben is almost arrested when he accompanies Simon and Cecilia to an underage club. Lastly, and Ruthie tries to figure out a way to breakup with her boyfriend (guest star Oliver Adams) without making him cry.
Disc Three:
Episode 11 – Sunday
Eric gives Annie his manuscript to read but she’s not happy to learn that he’s been spending his time writing “smut” instead of his comeback sermon for the church. Meanwhile, Simon and Cecilia discuss having sex for the first time and naively share the news with their parents—which doesn’t go to well when Cecilia’s father finds out. Lastly, Lucy sets out to spy on Roxanne and Chandler on their first date.
Episode 12 – Back in the Saddle Again
Eric begrudgingly agrees to see a therapist (who offers unsympathetic advice) in order to appease Annie who is at her wits’ end with him. Meanwhile, Simon is ecstatic when Cecilia’s father agrees to let him see Cecilia, but feels hurt and confused when she starts avoiding him. Roxanne becomes suspicious when a pretty girl seeks council from Chandler. Lastly, Ruthie is shocked to learn that her new upbeat friend Katelyn (guest-star Katelyn Salmont, Rosman’s real-life step sister) suffers from cystic fibrosis.
Episode 13 – It’s Not Always About You
Annie is plagued with curiosity about what goes on during Eric’s therapy, but panics when his doctor invites her to attend one of their sessions. Meanwhile, Lucy tries everything to get excused from jury duty, upsetting Kevin in the process when her views of the judicial system are different from his own. Also, Chandler confesses the extent of his feelings for Roxanne after she is stabbed on the job by a homeless man. Lastly, Ruthie fears that her parents may be heading for divorce court after overhearing them fight.
Episode 14 – Smoking
Eric tries to help Chandler after the young minister learns that his father is dying of lung cancer, but Chandler rejects Eric’s aid and pushes him away. Lucy accepts a date with Chandler’s chain-smoking tattooed brother Sid (guest-star Jason London) in order to make Kevin jealous enough to propose to her. Elsewhere, Annie is shocked when she finds a pack of cigarettes in Simon’s bedroom. Lastly, Ruthie’s friend Peter begs her to lie and not tell his mother that he smokes.
Disc Four:
Episode 15 – I Love Lucy
Kevin goes all out to create the perfect romantic setting for Valentine’s Day. Lucy doesn’t want to attend because she had him agree not to propose on Valentine’s Day. Eric and Annie convince Lucy to go. Kevin invites all the Camdens, his brother Ben and their mom (guest-star Bo Derek) to be there with him when he finally gets down on one knee to propose to Lucy. Meanwhile, Roxanne overhears Chandler practicing his own proposal to her but she asks him to wait so they won’t steal Lucy and Kevin’s thunder.
Episode 16 – Stand Up
Lucy confesses to her dad that it will break her heart if he doesn’t perform the ceremony at her wedding and he struggles with the decision to return to the church. Meanwhile, Simon catches Cecilia’s father’s (guest-star Brad Maule “General Hospital”) business manager stealing from petty cash. Also, Roxanne’s policeman father (guest-star John Bennet Perry) tries to bully Chandler into ending his relationship with Roxanne. Also, Ruthie and Peter try finding Ben a girlfriend with his training dog, but things go awry once they lose the dog. Lastly, Annie hijacks Lucy’s wedding by making all of the decisions herself without paying attention to any of Lucy’s wishes.
Episode 17 – High Anxiety
When Eric and Annie learn that their friends, Morgan (guest star Dorian Harewood) and Patricia (guest star Olivia Brown), are facing a marital crisis, they draw on their own recent problems to stop their friends from making the same mistakes. Meanwhile, juggling her studies and planning her wedding leaves Lucy stressed, but when she confides to Kevin that she might quit school, he threatens to call off the wedding. Also, Simon and Cecilia go to a G-rated film to try to avoid thinking about sex and get kicked out for making out. Ruthie tries to find Ben a new girlfriend because Mary wants to get back together with Ben and Ruthie doesn’t want Ben to get hurt. Lastly, Roxanne decides to resign from the police department when she feels that her father was kicked out of the police department unfairly.
Episode 18 – We Do
When a nasty thunderstorm rolls through the region and threatens to postpone Lucy and Kevin’s wedding, everyone scrambles to make it to the church in time. Mary (guest-star Jessica Biel) barely catches the last flight in and brings a surprise guest with her – Matt. Chandler and Roxanne rush to pick up Ben and his mother (guest star Bo Derek, “10”) who are stranded at the airport in Las Vegas, but tensions run high and a fist fight breaks out; and Matt (guest star Barry Watson) gives Lucy some very special brotherly advice when she confesses to pre-wedding jitters.
Disc Five:
Episode 19 – That Touch of Bink (Part 1)
Eric and Chandler enlist the help of Mrs. Bink (guest star Eileen Brennan) to raise money for the church’s leaky roof, but it turns out she needs a little help of her own. Meanwhile, Ruthie’s boyfriend, Peter (guest star Scotty Leavenworth), suspects that his mother’s new boyfriend has some secrets to hide; and Lucy and Roxanne have a girls’ night out on the town during which Lucy shares intimate details of her newlywed life. Meanwhile, the twins steal money from their parents, Kevin, Lucy, Simon, Ruthie and from the can in the kitchen.
Episode 20 – Dick (Part 2)
After Ruthie’s boyfriend Peter (guest star Scotty Leavenworth) grows more suspicious of his mother’s (guest star Shannon Kenny) new fiance (guest star William R. Moses), Reverend Camden steps in to counsel the threesome and get to the root of their problems. Meanwhile, Chandler provides pre-marital counseling to a couple (guest-stars Mayim Bialik and Bradley White) who don’t seem destined for the altar; Cecilia confides to Simon the reason she doesn’t want her parents to renew their wedding vows; and Roxanne tries to convince Chandler to return home to see his dying father.
Episode 21 – Life and Death (Part 1)
Eric flies to New York in a last attempt to convince Chandler’s dying father (guest star Dan Lauria) to make peace with Chandler before it’s too late. Meanwhile, Matt (guest star Barry Watson) and Sarah (guest star Sarah Danielle Madison) suspect that she might be pregnant and Matt’s co-worker lets the news slip to Eric; Lucy fears she might also be pregnant, which causes her to panic and push Kevin away; Mary (guest star Jessica Biel) tries to find Eric to tell him that she did something stupid; Lucy offers her classmate Christine (guest star Tara Lipinski) a temporary place to live, unaware that she’s hiding a big secret; Simon is crushed when Cecilia refuses to go to the prom with him; and no one can understand why Ruthie is acting especially strange.
Episode 22 – Life and Death (Part 2)
In the seventh season finale, unable to convince Chandler’s father (guest-star Dan Lauria) to see his son before he dies, Eric is forced into tricking him. Meanwhile, Eric, Annie and Sarah’s mother Rosina (guest-star Laraine Newman) get together to surprise Matt (guest star Barry Watson) and congratulate him on the wonderful baby news. Mary (guest-star Jessica Biel) confides a big secret to Lucy. Simon gets turned down by a potential prom date. Ruthie gets her period and tries to hide the news from everyone. Kevin recognizes Lucy’s houseguest Christine (guest-star Tara Lipinski) as a girl who was previously arrested for prostitution. Lucy takes a home pregnancy test without telling anyone. Lastly, bad news arrives on the Camdens’ doorstep in the episode’s final moments.
Once again, the video is given in fullscreen color with an aspect ratio of 1.33:1. The transfer is good, but not great since this is only fullscreen. But there are no major problems at all.
The audio included is English Dolby Digital 2.0 Stereo sound. The dialogue and music come out loud and clear. The audio, like the video is basic, but there are no major problems here either.
There are no extras for this season’s DVD set, which is always disappointing.
Hardcore fans of 7th Heaven will probably buy this season to complete their sets, but it is not as much of a “must-buy” as previous seasons. The show is definitely not in its prime anymore, so this wouldn’t be the best place to start if you are new to this show. Casual fans of the show will only want to rent this show first before making his purchase decisions.
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Paramount Home Entertainment presents 7th Heaven – Season 6. Created by Aaaron Spelling. Starring Stephen Collins, Catherine Hicks, Beverly Mitchell, Mackenzie Rosman, David Gallagher, Adam LaVorgna, and George Stults. Running time: 971 minutes. Rated: Not Rated. Released on DVD: November 11, 2008.Available at Amazon.
