7th Heaven

The Duprees, a Muslim family, has trouble fitting in. Eric is disappointed at the neighbors when they have prejudice towards the Duprees. Annie throws a block party. Roxanne counsels a troubled teen, Jordan. Cecilia's house is robbed by Jordan's friends. Kevin starts the neighborhood watch. Chandler and Paris want to date. Peter says that he doesn't mind them dating. Fred, an elderly neighbor, asks Kevin to do his chores for him. Lucy fixes him up with Mrs. Bink. The neighbors learn to not judge by race, religion, or anything else.



This was a great episode! The only thing that I didn't agree with was when Ruthie said that Protestants and Muslims believe the same God. Muslims believe in Alah, not Jesus Christ. I really liked seeing AJ Trauth, who played Jordan, in a more serious role. He is known to play Twitty on Even Stevens. I'm glad Eric helped out by showing that prejudice is not okay! This episode gets a 10!

Wow, with the exception of feeling that one storyline was rehashed already this was an excellent episode. The whole storyline again with the Dupree's and them not being accepted in the Glen Oak community because they're Muslim was a great, but an already told about storyline. Does anybody remember the "Suspicion" episode back in season 6? A few things are different but the premise of both is the same. But between the two this episode was better at executing the storyline and was better written and more well acted (Remember Yasmine's acting? Oy!). But anyway this episode was pretty great. Let's break it down…



Eric and Annie: Finally! We get an episode where Annie spends a good portion in it, and is actually incorporated with the rest of the family again. She actually was seen throughout the WHOLE episode with the family. What a relief. As always Eric did a great job with his point into the whole controversy over his neighbors not accepting Muslims (and French) into their neighborhood, although would we expect anything less from him. If only the story line didn't seem so used already back in since Suspicion. Although I do find it surprising that after all these years with Eric knowing and helping his neighbors and community in Glen Oak that you'd think they're be more understanding of new people in town, no matter if their Muslim, French, pink, yellow, etc. Although, I guess it wouldn't be a stress that people's real true colors don't come out until they're face with it, especially in a small town like Glen Oak. It was also great to see in this episode that Eric and Annie were in a lot more scenes together like they used to. Writers, take note, Catherine Hicks is just as important and vital to series as Stephen (Eric) and needs to be more incorporated in the show again like you did in this episode. We the fans want more Annie!



The Dupree Family: What can I say I liked them? I felt really bad for the parents when they were talking to Eric and you could see they were genuinely good people trying to make the best of things and minding their business. Between Jill's family and Yasmine's family I like Jill's better. Although, I am glad that the writers did acknowledge Yasmine in this episode even though she didn't appear. At least we know the fans are aware they're addressing the same issue again.



Chandler and Paris: Finally, I'm starting to like Chandler again. I guess it's because it's the first episode this season where Chandler and Roxanne are not in most scenes together and are not bickering. It surprised me very much that (I can't believe I'm saying this) Chandler and Paris had a little chemistry going on. Shocking? I know, especially when learning about this storyline the first time about them getting together, but it worked. It was actually kind of funny and cute when seeing Peter sees them kiss and make out on the porch when accidentally pressing the doorbell. I still doubt this relationship won't go beyond a few episodes as I do expect (but not looking forward to) Chandler and Roxanne getting back together later on in the season. Maybe even a wedding. You know every season there's got to be a wedding on "7th Heaven."



Roxanne and Jordan: Again, just like Chandler, I really am starting to like Roxanne again. Writers, keep Chandler and Roxanne apart for a while. They're more likeable. Anyway, it was nice seeing Roxanne helping a troubled teen (although shouldn't Eric be doing that?) and trying to see the best in him. She also did a good job when after finding out that he was an accomplice in the Cecilia and George's break in. I'm glad Jordan's mother agreed with Roxanne to place him under temporary arrest to get the truth out of him. Sometimes you do need to put troubled youths behind bars as for them to finally talk and stop lying. Plus, it also helps set kids straight by seeing that are where they'll end up permanently if they don't straighten out. Although if I were George I'd be more upset at Jordan if he had knew the people who stole his stuff and actually took some of his stuff (Cecilia's earrings) and gave it to another. I would've press charges, but being that right before Eric gave a speech that we all have to tolerate and be human to each other I guess I understand why he didn't press charges.



Kevin, Lucy and Fred: It's really nice that we saw Kevin pursuing his idea of performing the "Neighborhood Watch Program" in the neighborhood. Fred in this episode was just too funny. The scenes with him and Kevin at his house were hilarious with him mowing his lawn and making him a sandwich when he took Kevin literally of coming over "day or night." It was quite obvious that Fred was lonely and needs someone. There was no other great idea than have him being paired off with the delightful Mrs. Bink in the end. They both do fit each other.



Cecilia and George: I felt bad for Cecilia and George in this episode as they're house was robbed. Although I do wonder how Simon was able to pay for those earrings he gave her. I'm no expert but those earrings didn't look cheap. But also, I wonder in all of this, where is Cecilia's mother? We only met her once in one episode last season.



Overall this episode was pretty strong as it was well written and the acting was great. If the storyline over the Muslims just didn't seem so rehash from the "Suspicion" episode 2 years ago all would've been perfect. But even so it's very surprising seeing how the series is still quite strong without Barry, Jessica and David. Of course it's not the same, but still, it's satisfying and these episodes without them are still very entertaining. But luckily, we'll still see Matt and Mary later on in the season. Until then, let's look forward to next week's episode—--Martin returns! And Lucy stinks in baseball.





Grade: **9 out of 10**



Rants and Bits:

*Mrs. Bink, please come back more often. As always you were a hoot!



*That kid who played Jordan, A.J. Trauth--- what's up with the hair!?



*I have no complaints whatsoever of the twins in this episode. It was a really nice scene with them and Ruthie when they were so curious on "what's a Muslim?"



*How old is Ruthie? 13? Then why is Eric picking her up like she's a baby in this episode at the end? She's too old for that!