Reviews by TVTome
Anything You Want (Pilot Episode)
In the series premiere of 7th Heaven, it introduces Eric Camden (Stephen Collins)- a minister & father of 5 children who's happily married and soon-to-be dog owner. His wife, Annie Camden (Catherine Hicks) is a stay-at-home mom raising their children. Matt Camden (Barry Watson)- the oldest child has picked up a habit of smoking and not being able to keep a job. Mary Camden (Jessica Biel)- the oldest daughter likes to play basketball a lot and is having a craving for wanting to kiss a boy. Lucy Camden (Beverley Mitchell)- the middle child is hoping to become a woman and getting her period very soon. Simon Camden (David Gallagher)- the youngest son is hoping to get a dog very soon, even though his parents tell him that he is too young. Ruthie Camden (Mackenzie Roman)- the youngest child is a happy and adorable 5 year old. Also, Annie learns some devastating news when her parents come for a visit. Annie learns that her mother has leukemia.
Family Secrets
Matt shocks his family when he reveals his secret---that he is very close friends with a teenage pregnant girl, Renee. Right away Matt tells them that he is not the father of her baby, but just trying to help her out. Meanwhile, Mary is keeping her new boyfriend a secret from Matt. Lucy gets a surprise with her secret crush on a classmate Jimmy Moon. Also, Eric gets a surprise of his own when he discovers his shoes keep on disappearing while Matt's friend Renee finds some help from an unusual ally- Eric. Finally, Annie reveals the shocking truth to Matt about his grandmother having leukemia.
In the Blink of an Eye
Annie continues to suffer through her mother's recent leukemia diagnosis. Annie then decides to go to Arizona to visit them and see what is going on with them. Meanwhile, Eric volunteers for a charity work, but he's unable to do it at the last minute. Matt then volunteers to do it, but his dating habits get him into trouble with the organization he is doing charity for. Also, Mary decides to call it a quits with Jeff while Lucy has her first real date with her classmate Jimmy Moon. Lastly, when Annie returns home with her parents, they decide to stay with her and the rest of the family so that they could spend some more time with them. By the end, there is one less Camden in the household when Annie has a dream about her mother saying 'goodbye' to her. When Annie wakes up she finds out that her mother had suddenly died in her sleep that night.
No Funerals and a Wedding
Following her mother's funeral, Annie's sunny demeanor turns to sadness, particularly after her father abruptly leaves to go back home in Arizona. Eric tries to counsel a young couple whose marital problems escalate during the post-funeral reception at the Camden home. Matt helps with the delivery of Renee's baby and after Mary breaks up with Jeff she discovers she was better off with Jeff.
The Color of God
When the Camden family learns that their friend Reverend Morgan Hamilton's church was burned down by a racist group, they invite the Hamilton's to stay at their home. The Hamilton's are staying with the Camden's until they install an alarm system at their home. Meanwhile, Simon has his own problems when defending his friend Nigel Hamilton after a racist comment was made to him at the playground. Also, Matt, Mary and Lucy have a hard time when trying to develop a good relationship with the older Hamilton children, Keesha and John. Lastly, Eric and Annie do their best to help Morgan and his wife Patricia get through their marital problems while Ruthie and Lynn Hamilton are having fun as 5-year-olds.
Halloween
With Halloween just around the corner, Lucy attempts to learn the truth about "The Mutant" Mike--- a mysterious recluse who's been accused of murder. Meanwhile, Simon prepares for the 'Annual Pumpkin Carving Contest' at the church and badly wants to be in first place. Also, Mary schemes to have the house all to herself when tricking all of her friends and family at where she is going to be. While the family prepares for the church's Annual Halloween Carnival, chaired by Annie, Eric has a bad attitude towards the whole holiday and discovers the real reason behind his hatred of Halloween when remembering a dramatic experience he had as an 11-year-old boy.
Saturday
After Mary unexpectedly un-invites her family to watch her play basketball at an important basketball game, the Camden's begin to make other plans for themselves. Lucy is angry at Mary because she invited Ashley--- a popular girl in Lucy's school to her game. Meanwhile, Simon, Ruthie and Happy get lost in town when pretending to be spies and following their mailman all over town. Lucy was supposed to be babysitting them, but was instead entertaining herself and Ashley by talking on the phone with her boyfriend Jimmy Moon. Also, Eric is faced with counseling a young boy who is once again on his drug habit that is affecting his family.
What will People Say?
The possibility of Eric having an extramarital affair is what the Camden children are assuming when they catch Eric escorting a woman to a hotel alone. Nevertheless, Annie struggles to give him the benefit of the doubt about his confidential church business. The whole entire Glen Oak Community buzzes with this gossip. Meanwhile, Simon endures the wrath of his classmates when his secret crush is discovered. He tries to con his way out of going to school, but learns from his family that embarrassment will be drawn away from him and on to someone else soon. Also, Matt tries to keep things moving slow between Mary and her new boyfriend.
See No Evil, Hear No Evil, Speak No Evil
After Annie and Matt are car-jacked, Matt fears of leaving the house while Annie appears unusually normal after being car-jacked. Eventually it hits Annie--- especially after losing her wedding ring and that her son could've been killed instantly. Meanwhile, Lucy fears that her relationship with Jimmy Moon will suffer when they both decide to run for class president. Also, in order for Mary to fit in with her basketball team friends, Mary thinks about getting a tattoo since the rest of the team is doing it.
The Last Call for Aunt Julie
Matt, Mary and Lucy make plans to get away from the family for Thanksgiving, but when Eric's sister Julie comes to spend the holiday's with them, plans are changed. After the family finds out about Julie's dangerous secret: her drinking problem- everyone decides it would be better to stay home. Eric decides to help his little sister overcome her problem at home rather than seek professional help- whether she wants it or not. Although, Annie is not comfortable with the situation, and is only concerned that the children stay safe after the unfortunate altercation between Julie and Simon earlier.
Now You See Me
The Camden's become suspicious when Matt's new girlfriend, Tia, wants to spend more time with the family than being alone with Matt. Lucy enlists the help of Matt to overcome her clumsiness in order to try out for the Cheerleading squad. Also, Annie yearns for more romance in her marriage with Eric and Simon tries to make himself invisible.
With a Little Help from my Friends
To help preserve a woman's pride, Matt lies to his family and secretly helps an old Mrs. Bink (guest-star Eileen Brennan) around her house. Eric becomes very concerned when Matt begins to miss church and is skipping school with Mary to help Mrs. Bink when he won't tell Eric and Annie about his secret. Although, Annie is calm about everything and knows that there is nothing bad happening and that there is a good reason behind all of this. Meanwhile, Eric tries to help a homeless family by breaking things in his church so that they can work to make the money and keep them off the streets. Also, Lucy is a little depressed over the lack of enthusiasm over her 13th birthday and that her father won't let her have a boy/girl party. Although, Lucy gets her wish by the end, and a little surprise when she finds out that her boyfriend's friend likes her. Lastly, Happy finally delivers her puppies and the Camdens begin to sell them.
Americas Most Wanted
Mary tries to impress her basketball team by stealing a glass from their teen hangout "The Varsity". Matt takes the fall for his younger sisters actions. Reverend Camden finds the glass in the house and makes Matt return it. Matt returns the glass and gets arrested when the store manager doesn't accept his apology for stealing it. Meanwhile, Lucy has a paper due and hasn't started it, so she takes one of Mary's old papers and puts her name on it. Eventually, she starts to feel guilty and admits to cheating. Also, Simon and Ruthie overhear their father talking about how he hates it when people in America don't know the National Anthem. Ruthie is afraid that if she doesn't learn it she'll be shipped out of the country. She asks Simon for his help. Lastly, after Matt's arrest, a court date is set and both Mary and Lucy insist on being there. Mary admits that she was actually the one who stole the glass. Suddenly there's a commotion at the back of the courtroom and in walks probably every athlete in their high school each carrying a stolen utensil from "The Varsity". By the end, they all have to help out on Saturdays to clean up "The Varsity".
Seven is Enough
All three Camden generations dread the annual visit of Eric's parent's, "The Colonel" (John Camden) and Grandma Ruth Camden. The tension between father and son is heightened when both Eric and "The Colonel" want to adopt a homeless & orphaned 10-year old boy, George. George had ran away from the orphanage he was staying at and was hiding inside Eric's church. Eric openly voices his disdain over his parent's nurturing skills. Meanwhile, Annie discovers the fate of her lost wedding rings when seeing them on a woman at the store.
Happys Valentine
While both couples, Annie and Eric & Patricia and Morgan Hamilton spend a romantic Valentine's Day camping, Matt is left in charge of the rest of the family and allows chaos to reign in the Camden household. His preoccupation with his date and Mary's party allows the dog Happy to slip out of the house in search of her puppies. When a car hits Happy the family holds a vigil, aided by a caring veterinarian. Simon blames Matt for the whole entire accident. Meanwhile, Lucy is enjoying her first Valentine's Day with her boyfriend Jimmy Moon.
Brave New World
Lucy asks' Eric to investigate her new best friend's white lies. Meanwhile, Matt intervenes when a bully harasses Mary. Also, Simon is jealous of Ruthie's new friend from her pre-kindergarten class. Lastly, Ruthie's first day at school brings melancholy feelings for Annie.
Choices
Mary meets a wild girl in detention who convinces her to sneak out of her house to attend a fraternity party. Although the party turns out to be an intimate double date with a driver who's been drinking all night. Meanwhile, Eric and Annie counsel a former associate pastor of Eric's who is burdened with a secret of his own. Also, Simon and Ruthie secretly buy ferrets. Keri Russell, "Felicity", guest-stars.
Faith, Hope, and the Bottom Line
Eric wants to hire an ex-convict as the church vestry's the opposition. Acting church treasurer, Annie must determine whether there is enough money in the church's budget to hire a new organist. Lucy becomes jealous after she makes Mary tutor her boyfriend. Simon and Matt are fearful about getting a tetanus shot. Lastly, Ruthie feels empowered by her new class phone list and decides to test the emergency phone numbers.
Its About George...
When Eric's parent's return for a visit with their newly adopted 10-year-old son George in tow, they are shocked to meet the boy's real father, who desperately wants to be a part of his life again. Meanwhile, Eric's sister Julie gets out of rehab. Also, with a little help from Matt and Mary, Lucy tries to prepare her boyfriend Jimmy for meeting her formidable grandparents, "The Colonel" and Grandma Ruth.
Say Good-bye
Matt is uneasy when Annie's oldest friend Rachel, a boy-crazy divorcee makes a pass at him. Meanwhile, Mary makes a public singing debut at a coffee house. Also, Ruthie decides to say goodbye to her imaginary friend Hoowie, and Lucy is inconsolable when her best friend, Suzanne, moves away from her.
Dangerous Liaisons (Part 1)
Annie's father, Charles is visiting the Camden family, but he has a new girlfriend Ginger. Annie is really upset that her father is already seeing someone, since her mother died only a couple of months ago. Matt meets a girl at the airport, Heather. He later asks her on a date, and learns she is deaf. Lucy takes Simon's advice and dyes her hair blond. While at the park, Mary meets a guy, Wilson and his SUPPOSED little brother Billy. They go on a date later that evening. The next day at church, Annie storms out. Mary decides to follow her mother, but is hit by a speeding car when she chases her across the street.
Dangerous Liaisons (Part 2)
In the first season finale, Eric calls the kids from the hospital and tells Matt to take the kids to a new cafe. When they arrive at the cafe, the kids find out it is for the hearing impaired. Matt sees Heather in the restaurant. He asks the waiter how to say he's 'sorry', but Ruthie helps him by signing to Heather 'he loves you'. Annie apologizes to her father who tells her he needs to be happy again. Annie finally understands her father. The next day, Matt learns that Michael Towner (the guy who used to harass Mary) was the one driving the car that hit his sister. Michael then goes to the hospital and apologizes to Mary. When Jimmy sees Lucy's hair, he tells her he doesn't want to go out with her anymore. Wilson tells Eric that Billy is his son and asks him if he can still date Mary. When they get back from the hospital, Eric tells Mary that she might take a long time to heal, and that she might never play basketball again. The whole family ends up playing basketball together.