Touched by an Angel

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Episode 414: “Deconstructing Harry”

Episode 414: “Deconstructing Harry”
Original Air Date: January 4,1998
Written by: Burt Pearl
Directed by: Burt Brinckerhoff
Produced by:

Martha Williamson
Jon Andersen
R.J. Visciglia, Jr.

Guest Cast:
Doris Lainie Kazan
Stella Polly Bergen
Lydia Victoria Jackson

Monica and Tess arrive at the DMV where Tess has been instructed to obtain a driver’s license.  Now ready to take the driving portion, Tess meets her instructor and assignment, Doris.  Midway through the driving test, Doris tells Tess to follow a hearse which leads them both to the funeral of Harry Applegate.  Doris enters the funeral and steals the ashes of her former lover as Andrew arrives outside as a state policeman.  With Harry’s ashes in her arms, Doris commands Tess to flee while Harry’s widow, Stella convinces Andrew to pursue in his patrol car.

Monica prays at the DMV where she is still waiting for Tess to return and soon is guided to her next stop in the journey that both Doris and Stella are now taking.  Doris tells Tess they are going to Pizmo Beach where she is going to spread Harry’s ashes.  Instructed by Doris to find food, Tess stops at the “Heaven on a Bun” where Monica is now working and quickly exit.  Andrew then arrives with Stella and Monica tells him they are going to Pizmo Beach.  Tess and Doris then stop at a gas station to use the restroom and exit quickly.  Andrew and Stella arrive soon thereafter as Doris realizes she left her wallet and picture of Harry in the gas station bathroom.  When she and Tess return to the station, Stella is in the restroom and gives out a cry as she learns that her husband’s mistress is outside the door.  Doris wastes no time fleeing the scene.  Monica tells Andrew that the two women must not meet yet and he stalls Stella’s pursuit, citing engine failure.

Tess and Doris then stop at Del Ray’s Honkytonk where Tess tries to convince Doris that there is a better life for her than the lie she lived with Harry.  Harkening back to a happier time, Doris sings “We live on Borrowed Time” and the two have dinner on the house.  No longer wanting to hear what Tess says’, Doris attempts to leave as Tess’ car is being stolen.  Andrew and Stella then arrive and the confrontation begins.  Stella pulls a gun on Doris and the both Andrew and Tess try to appeal to reason.  Doris gives Harry’s ashes to Stella as Andrew takes the gun.  Stella then begins to insult Doris and they are soon wrestling on the ground.

As both women rail on each other, the waitress from the Honky Tonk explains that Harry spent every Saturday night at the Honky Tonk, talking to her about the dilemma of his situation with both women.  The waitress then explains that Harry was constantly in turmoil over the life he was living.  Andrew then reveals himself and explains that Harry’s dying wish was to reconcile his life with his loved ones.  Andrew tells Stella that while it is too late to repair her marriage, God can repair her heart if she will let him.  Doris apologizes to Stella for the pain she has caused and Stella accepts.  With Harry’s life now reconciled with his loved ones, his ashes are swept into the air as all wish him a fond farewell.

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