Amen

Considering the long wait involved, this has to be one of the more satisfying episodes of 'Amen.' In some ways, the wedding scene is a repeat of the earlier, ill-fated version back at the beginning of the fourth season. Again, the deacon (Sherman Hemsley) brings Thelma (Anna Maria Horsford) up to the altar, and again, someone passes out-- this time, the minister-- and again, the wedding is stalled. But Thelma and Reuben do finally marry, with Reuben performing the ceremony, no less! It is a rather inspired, if not far-fetched, plot device. What makes the episode truly extraordinary, however, is the deacon's surprise for the wedded couple: a group of children drummers and dancers perform at the church and lead the congregation out to the reception. Moments like these make 'Amen' a treasure to be cherished. The show, at its best, is a successful combination of humor, spirituality and artistry.