The Conversion

Disclaimer upfront: I was going to give this an 8, but the presence of Rebecca DeMornay automatically bumped it up. It still deserves the rating though!

My favourite episode so far, in large part because of the presence of Frank Whaley (who I've been a fan of since I first saw him in Career Opportunities) and Rebecca DeMornay (who I've always had a crush on because she's gorgeous AND because she's a damn good actor), but not only because of them. Speaking of the cast though, John Savage does a great job as the 'guardian angel'-styled stranger our lead character encounters.

It's a really good "It's A Wonderful Life" type of story which aims to remind the viewer that everything we do can have implications for people we've never met. Every decision we make, every action we take, can send unseen ripples out through the world and eventually impact dozens upon dozens of people we have never met, and likely will never meet.

The episode also handily avoids being seen as overly preachy and religion-focused by not actually telling us exactly who this stranger is and where he comes from.

A young businessman involved in financial manipulation ends up in prison, while his accomplices go unpunished and turn their back on him. After release from prison, he decides to retaliate, but things go wrong and he ends up seriously wounded and guilty of triple murder. On the run, a complete stranger approaches him and offers him a chance for redemption and a new beginning. The episode is very atmospheric and deals with the inner struggle of the individual between good and evil, selfishness and selflessness, instinct and self-control, material and spiritual. Although its mostly two men talking at the restaurant table, this is the best episode of the series so far, and it's unlikely they'll surpass it.

7,5/10

This story had such a profound effect on me. My drinking career ended in early 1997, but I think my recovery began 20 months earlier, when I saw this episode. I had to WANT a different life before I could be willing to take action. "The Conversion" inspired me to want it. I love that it's set around Christmas. I think there are subtle nods to "It's a Wonderful Life" and "A Christmas Carol," both stories of redemption. Every time I hear Enigma's "Return to Innocence," this episode flashes through my mind. I tear up every time I watch it.

How ironic that this episode, which is all about how your actions affect others, relies heavily on a song that stole its most recognizable melody!

The episode itself has long been one of my favorites, since I saw its first airing when I was a teenager. I always hoped to be like Lucas, trying to help people when I could. In reality, it isn't as easy as on a TV show, especially when we don't have Lucas's special ability (which I won't spoil for you here). I just saw it again for the first time since that first airing when I was in high school, and 30 years later the end still makes me cry.

The only reason it loses a star in its ratings is because it uses that song that committed the crime of copyright infringement, theft, stealing someone else's creative work. That doesn't fit with the message of this episode.

What better way to depict the journey of an unenlightened state into a state of ENLIGHTENMENT. This episode has been my inspiration for 11 years and counting, since I first saw it back in '95! Is there anything so selfless? Watch this episode to find out what exactly I am talking about. Possibly these beings are from the inner earth, the heart of mankind.. the hollow place where ancient secrets are held. Maybe ascended masters from the center of space and time.

Caught in the middle of a struggle between right and wrong, good and evil. A man is presented with a guru, a guide.. a friend. When life seems to be at its end and the walls are closing in all around, will a second chance make a difference.. an opportunity to start new is only available to those who are able to see the opportunity. This episode is a battle between the inner struggles of selfishness and selflessness!

Definitely a must see episode for all those interested in the journey of life and its purpose. 50 Stars and 10 Thumbs up! - Solarstone 2012