AllMovie

The opening episode of Touched by an Angel's eighth season introduces the series' newest regular: Valerie Bertinelli, in the previously recurring role of bespectacled novice angel Gloria. As Monica (Roma Downey, Tess (Della Reese) and Andrew (John Dye) do their best to indoctrinate Gloria in the intricacies of their Earthly responsibilities, the plot proper gets under way with William Russ guest-starring as agnostic college professor Thomas North (William Russ). Armed with an ancient map, North goes on an expedition in search of the fabled Ark of the Covenant--accompanied by the Angels, who hope to dissuade the professor from disturbing the sacred religious artifact. Sharing screen time with the main story is the of 88-year-old Catherine Knight (Julianna McCarthy), whose bitter life experiences have caused her to lose faith in everything except her grandson Paul (R.D Robb)--who happens to be the person who sent Prof. North off on his quest for the Ark!