Touched by an Angel (1994)

Episode Overview

Michael Russell is facing terminal cancer, a reality his father, Whit, struggles to come to terms with. A potter, Whit is wary of modern technology and urged Michael to leave the city for their family farm after his diagnosis. What Whit doesn't know is that Michael and Penny have used gamete fertilization, making Jolene the surrogate for their child. Under the impression that the pregnancy is natural, Whit refuses to be involved in his grandchild's upbringing. Following one of Whit's outbursts, Jolene goes missing. As Michael's condition worsens, the arrival of Andrew adds to the tension. Monica uses a thoughtful metaphor to help Whit accept the unconventional pregnancy. Tragically, Michael passes away just as his son is born, and during a visit to his grave, Tess arrives with Jolene and the baby. She hands the infant to Penny, who mourns that Michael never got to hold his son. Tess offers comfort, reminding her that he lives on through their child.