Touched by an Angel: George Zarko, aka the "Colonel," sits on a park bench watching kids play war. Monica thinks her assignment is to help the elderly Army veteran find the joy of living. But Tess responds that what really needs is to be understood. She gives Monica's swing a push, and the her human form transforms into that of an 80-year old woman. Entering the retirement home where George lives, Monica meets him and Stephanie Hancock, the officious Nurse Director. Tess, the volunteer Activities Coordinator, persuades Stephanie to use pet therapy to alleviate the patient's loneliness, while George grouses to Andrew, the facility's cook, that a resident has recently died and no one seems to care. Monica inadvertently inspires the veteran to rebel by lowering the flag to half mast. Irate, Stephanie plans to kick him out of the home. But Monica intercedes on George's behalf, vowing to be responsible for him. This selfless act endears Monica to him, and Tess warns her to be wary of how close she gets to the man. Tess's suspicions are validated when he makes a pass at Monica. Matters worsen when Lorraine McCully, Monica's new roommate, attempts to play matchmaker for the would-be-couple. Despite Stephanie's orders, Tess unlocks the piano in the social hall so Lorraine can entertain the residents. Wary of George's affection for her, Monica agrees to dance with him but gets winded. Stephanie is furious that Tess disobeyed her and demands the piano key back. Meanwhile, Andrew tends to Monica, who now understands the frailty of the human heart. Lorraine also frets over her friend and recalls the heartbreak when her husband was declared "Missing in Action." Monica has a talk with George during which she reverts to her younger form. He hastily exits, but she finds him the next day back in the park. Though discouraged that the angel cannot return his affection, George is convinced to share the truth about his past. He publicly confesses that he was not an Army colonel but a cook. Lorraine, realizing that he served with her late husband, Jimmy. She produces a letter in which he praises George's cooking. He then, in turn, is able to tell her how her husband died, sacrificing his life to save others, including George. As a content Lorraine plays the piano, Tess prompts Stephanie to admit she locked it up because it reminded her of her father who stopped letting her take music lessons.

Starring:

Della Reese, John Dye, Roma Downey

Genre:

Drama, Family, Fantasy