Amen

There were several strong episodes during the first season of 'Amen,' and this is surely one of them. In fact, if anyone needs convincing about Sherman Hemsley's talent, this is the one that puts those doubts to rest. The magic stunts he performs to thwart the prowler combine inspired comic bits and Hemsley's own real-life abilities to do magic. What's great about the burglar scene, in particular, is how he has to be talented enough so that we believe he can pass as a real-life magician, but also, he has to be somewhat inept to show that the character is a novice or amateur. That takes incredible concentration and that could not have been the easiest scene for Hemsley to do. The filmed result is superb, and I think it rivals anything Lucille Ball, Red Skelton or John Ritter ever did on television. The final scene where he performs again for the kids shows the natural rapport that this actor has with youngsters and is another reason this series is so special.