7th Heaven - The Complete First Season

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Summary: This is the best 7th Heaven item yet!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Review: The 7th heaven dvd is awesome. You can watch over and over again and never get bored. It's the GREATEST 7th heaven item yet. No matter what the cost this is a mmust buy. Before u no it the 2nd season will be out. Let's hope they will all be as great as this dvd. Between Aunt julie and the last episoide it's great. Watch The part of the last episoide in French.

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Summary: Sappy, Unrealistic, and Badly Written
Review: "7th Heaven" is an hour-long, family, dramedy (part-drama, part-comedy) series that ran on The WB. It's about a Protestant minister and his family. For you Star Trek fans, Reverend Eric Camden is played by Stephen Collins (Willard Decker in "Star Trek: The Motion Picture"), and his wife, Annie Camden, is played by Catherine Hicks (Dr. Gillian Taylor in "Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home"). The couple have 5 children when the series starts and 7 children when it ends. I'm reviewing the series as a whole, because, quite honestly, I can't remember any stand-out episodes from any season, and I can't remember which season that the stand-out episodes are in. The stories just blur together after a while. Basically, the family deals with different issues, such as sex, teen pregnancy, smoking, alcoholism, drug use, rape, etc. Since the father is a minister (he was originally supposed to be a psychiatrist; it was changed for some reason), Christianity is sometimes brought up. It isn't constantly mentioned, but it's there. I have quite a few problems with this series. The characters equate Christianity with good morals. The two do not mean the same thing. I'm sure that this would offend a lot of non-Christians that might try watching this series. It probably offends even some Christians. The writing is frequently terrible. The plots are sometimes ridiculous, such as the episode where Matt (the oldest son) is a medical intern at a hospital and carries his cell phone, turned on, in the hospital. That's a big no-no. Worse, his family keeps calling him on his cell phone throughout the day (for no reason than to get their 1 minute of air time in that episode), and Matt does not know how to turn the cell phone off. Even worse than that, he doesn't have enough sense to remove the batteries. Instead, he throws the cell phone away! And this guy is a medical student? That's only one example of the bad plots through this series. The writing gets even worse when they try to do an "issue" episode. The writers have no sense of subtlety and instead beat the issues over our heads repeatedly, such as with the numerous September 11 episodes (including the one where they paid tribute to a fallen Marine in Iraq; the bulk of the episode consisted of praying, singing, reading e-mail from the Marine, and a lot of hokey dialogue). The writers also seem to have no imaginations. Whenever one character has a problem, other characters have to have a similar problem in the same episode. This is done repeatedly and is unrealistic. Ruthie (Mackenzie Rosman), the youngest daughter, and Lucy (Beverley Mitchell), the middle daughter, have to be absolutely the most annoying television characters ever created. They frequently get jealous, they stick their noses in other people's business, they demand attention, and they sometimes throw temper tantrums and growl in frustration. Lucy eventually studies to become a minister and even becomes the new Associate Pastor at the church while in training! Who would allow such an unstable person to teach moral lessons?! Later in the series, the two new, twin boys, Sammy and David, are born. The twins that play them can't act at all. They often repeat each other ("You're in trouble!" "Yeah, big trouble!"; "I'm sorry!" "I'm really sorry!" "Yeah, I'm really sorry, too!"). Over the years, the series has added new characters that have come and gone (such as boyfriends for the girls, girlfriends for the boys, and an associate pastor for the church). These characters take away focus from the family, and I never care what happens to any of them in any episode. The Camden parents have a habit of taking in some homeless boy every so often, who each are added to the main cast for a few years. The early seasons don't have as many of these characters, and the final season got rid of most of them to put more focus on the family. The oldest daughter, Mary (Jessica Biel), eventually moved away, since the actor wanted to leave the series to pursue a film career. She made a few guest appearances since then but finally disappeared completely, only to be referred to by the other characters. Mary even gave birth to her own child off-screen, which was incredibly stupid. The oldest son, Matt (Barry Watson), eventually was reduced to a recurring character, due to the actor undergoing chemotherapy. The younger son, Simon (David Gallagher), was also reduced to a recurring character, due to the actor attending college. Right before Simon stopped being a main character, they did an episode where he submitted a home-made video to a college to gain admitance or something like that. The episode had him narrating over still images from the previous seasons of the series, talking about his family and neighbors (which was unrealistic, of course, since it broke a lot of his father's confidentiality agreements) and basically recapping most of what happened on the series up to that point. If you watch that episode, you'll really get a sense of just how stupid this series is. No family that I know of has had this many problems. No girls that I know of have had as many boyfriends as Mary and Lucy have had. You don't notice these things when watching this series once per week, but you probably would when plowing through an entire season in one weekend on DVD. While there's a well-done episode every so often, the episodes are usually mediocre at best. I recommend watching a few episodes on TV before deciding on whether to get the series on DVD or not. If you do decide to get it, against your better judgment, then at least it's good for some laughs.

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Summary: 7th Heaven- Television without Pity
Review: ...but I don't really care. I really can't stand this show on most occassions. There are a few good episodes, I'll admit that. But they in no way stand out in my mind. This season actually wasn't as bad as most of the following ones.

For one thing, this is not how a pastor's family behaves. I'm a pastor's kid, I know other pastor's families, and I don't know of any of them that are anything like this. The only character I really like tends to be Eric (the father), and I was really annoyed when he decided NOT to quit the church after his heart surgury. The mother is annoying and the children are weird. The only one I thought had potential for normality was Ruthie, and then they kept giving her sappy, stupid lines that I wouldn't put in a greeting card, let alone broadcast on TV.

All in all, this is a pretty painful show to watch for a whole hour, let alone watching a whole season. There's a lot of things that happen that aren't even really "allowed" by churches, like the whole family butting into private matters between Rev. Camden and his parishoners. The children are chastised for minor infractions, the kind most parents *wish* were all they had to deal with; the big problems are usually left for friends and other one-episode characters. The writers seem to try to be all-inclusive, unprejudiced, etc., but it doesn't always work. In fact, 9 times out of 10 it just makes the show artificial and weak.

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Summary: Worry not, fans....
Review: 7th Heaven will eventually be released on DVD. Many of the TV favorites have already come out, so I am sure it will only be a matter of time before this one gets its turn. I agree that it is a great show, with priceless moments between husband and wife Eric and Annie (played to perfection by Stephen Collins and Catherine Hicks) that have helped make the show so well-received over the years. There is plenty of criticism going around about the show's lack of realism and such, and I will not argue that 7th Heaven occasionally goes into that area, but then again, what TV show doesn't?? What sets 7th Heaven apart is its willingness to address very real issues that many do not want to talk about (teen pregnancy, alcoholism, self-destruction, suicide, peer pressure, and plenty more). The family and children all have different personalities and problems to get through, but their faith in God and their ability to convey that in daily life is what makes the entire show. The plots probably reached their peak at about the time when Mary started going through all her rebellion issues; I haven't enjoyed the show quite as much more recently, but I still love it and would definitely invest in the DVD's. They will probably come out once the show finishes its run--and I think it has just one season remaining. I'm glad the show has done so well over the years and that people have responded to it; it has a lot of morality and family values that society needs right now. Can't wait for the DVD's to come out--please make it soon!! =)

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Summary: 7th heaven the show that could and still does
Review: 7th heaven, it's a show that is about Family, foremost. The show isn't afraid to tackle the tough issues, yet it is done in such a way that the whole family can still enjoy it. In its 8 ½ year run, it has tackled school shoots, holocaust, teen pregnancy , Cutting, Racism, spousal abuse and much much more In Jan the show will be going in to the 2nd half of its 9th season and it is still going strong, now it has had it ups and downs, but has hung in there. There are many realistic things about the show, and then there are some that aren't but that's except since it's only a television show. 7th heaven is a show that can be enjoyed together by the entire family; there are very few shows like that today, sometimes I think of it as a 90' Walton's. I think long time 7th heaven fans and new ones will truly enjoy this first season DVD. For those of us who have been watching since Day one it will be like going back in time, seeing why we first feel in love with the series. For those who didn't see the first season it will show you how the Camden's started out. I give it a 5, but would give a 10 if the ratings went that high

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Summary: Endearing and Enduring WB Hit Show
Review: From the start, 7th Heaven was different. Not a show that followed the same formula of Spelling's other works (Beverly Hills 90210 and Dynasty), 7th Heaven was about a minister's family. The Camdens are like any family with its problems and crisis, but this show also celebrates the simple things in life - births, weddings, school, friends, things that happen to real family. The writing is crisp, and the style is easy-going, with a sense of humor. Like a friend of the Camden clan, we are sucked into their everyday concerns until, we too, share tears at the wedding and laugh at babysitting accidents along with the Camdens. Catch missed episodes and beloved episodes in this excellent first season. Other recommended series that deals with family relationships: Smallville, Gilmore Girls, Queen B Superheroine, and Everwood.

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Summary: The Answer Is Home....
Review: Hallelujah!. That was the reaction of millions of people around the world when a show like 7th Heaven was created and put on television. A nice, clean, wholesome show for the entire family. It premiered on The WB back in 1996, and has become the network's #1 show for 5 seasons in a row!. While other, hip shows got all the attention, this quiet family drama got all the ratings. The show centers around The Camdens. A large family living in the fictitious town of Glen Oak, CA. Dad Eric Camden(Stephen Collins), is the local reverend, and his wife Annie(Catherine Hicks), is one the busiest and caring mothers around. They have 5 kids. 16 year old Matt(Barry Watson), 14 year old Mary(Jessica Biel), 12 year old Lucy(Beverly Mitchell), 10 year old Simon(David Gallagher), and little 5 year old Ruthie(Mackenzie Rossman). We can't forget their dog, Happy, either. The show centers around the lives of the clan, but also their willingness to reach out and help others that are in need. With Eric being the local reverend, it just comes with the territory. Season one is a fantastic debut season. The writers have a way of making the family realistic, even though some people criticize it for being unrealistic. As if they know every single family in the world. One of the show's strong points is hitting on issue of today. Season one will hit on teen pregnancy in the episodes "Family Secrets" and "No Funerals And A Wedding", stealing in the episode "America's Most Wanted", drugs in "Saturday", spousal abuse in "What Will People Say", racism in "The Color Of God", death in "In The Blink Of An Eye", alcoholism in "Last Call For Aunt Julie", sexual harrasment in "Brave New World", and lots more. Plus, the episodes just deal with life in general. The ups and downs of normal family living with 5 kids and two parents. Storylines like Lucy wanting to join the cheer squad in "Now You See Me", Simon wanting a dog in "Anything You Want", holidays in "Halloween", and 'Happy's Valentine", visits from the grandparents Ruth and The Colonel in "Seven Is Enough", and later on in "It's About George", and the ongoing issue of dating and boyfriends and girlfriends. The writing dealing with the issues is very real. The message is made very clear and it's those types of storylines that the writing is the strongest. Some accuse it of being preachy, but it's not. It just lays out the situation, the message, and brings a resolution, or somewhat of a resolution, to it and that's it. Not preachy. The writing does have a tendency to fall into the 'weak' category at times, but when it's hitting on all cylinders, it's got it right. The acting is the same. While Stephen Collins and Catherine Hicks are pros and act circles around everyone else, the kids struggled with the acting in the earlier seasons. Not all bad, but not all great. Barry Watson was one of the best, and David Gallagher grew into an impressive young actor. Especially in the 8th season. Many moments, with Collins and Hicks, have been emmy worthy, but as usual with The WB, it goes unseen. Why is the show so popular and successful?. Because it's good. It's warm and inviting and makes you feel hope. It is supposedly so out of the norm and so ultra-unhip, but that's exactly what makes it hip and cool. People have been bombarded with nothing but violence and adult type themes and harsh language on TV for years and it's what they know. A show like this isn't going to be understood by a lot of people because it doesn't follow the norm of other shows. That's why it's good and has been such a success for so long. The show has had, and is continuing to have, the last laugh. Visiting Glen Oak and stepping inside the Camden clan's large, homey house and witnessing their life's adventures is a joy and a delight. It has truly become the ultimate family show, and thank god there are people out there who understand how badly it's needed.

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Summary: 7th heaven is the best show ever created!!!!!
Review: Hi, I am 7th heaven's number one fan.. and after telling you why I think you would agree with me. I have three episodes on tape which I watch over and over again without getting tired of them. I'm always singing the theme song around the house and it drives my mom nuts hehe! But what does that matter to me? just kidding. Well anyway lets get on with the subject. Why hesitate to put 7th heaven on DVD? Well all that I have to say is DON'T HESITATE! There are so many 7th heaven fans out there that want this DVD to come out... it's their dream come true. Well at least it's mine. But seriously... soo many people are waiting for the opportunity to buy it! It's been the best show on the WB for 4 seasons and I cannot believe there is still not a DVD out for the show. That's CRAZZY! The show is so touching and great for the family that there should be no reason to doubt that no one is going to buy it. You would have to be nuts to think that. This show is great... and to all the 7th heaven cast memebers out there GOOD LUCK! And keep it up!! it's the best show ever created... and I would never miss an episode. I LOVE YOU GUYS. And fans.. keep trying to get this dvd out on the store shelves because it means a lot to me and I'm sure it means much to you too! :) Thanks again Amazon I hope you consider my request xoxo! 7th heaven RULES. <3 :)

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Summary: Uplifting and fun
Review: I am thrilled to see 7th Heaven had found it's way to DVD. I found the show by accident and fell in love with it. While it isn't always the most realistic view of life it is uplifting and fun. I usually feel better about my own family and life after each show. It leaves me with a warm feeling.

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Summary: 7th heaven is great
Review: I have been watching 7th heaven since day one aug 26,1996. Its the one show i never miss. Its a show that is really truly for the whole family to watch, possible the best since the Waltons. they deal with issues that many people deal with. I have read many stories of people who their life changed due to episode on this show. For example i knew this girl in high school who was a Cutter, i didnt know it but when we were talking about 7th heaven she mentioed that after seeing the episode dealing with it she went out and seeked help.
I would buy a 7th heaven dvd as im sure most fans would and i can only wait for the day when it hopefully comes out. Id also recommed it to anyone who just wants to have one show their entire family watchies wether you have 8 year old or a teenager, or an eldery family memeber living with you