Highway to Heaven

In “The Smile in the Third Row”, Jonathan encounters a stage actor who claims that God regularly attends his performances, a notion that makes him sceptical. The actor’s assertion forms the central conflict of the episode. The show also includes a guest appearance by Lorne Greene, famed for his role in Bonanza.

The Smile in the Third Row is a television programme formatted as an individual episode. It falls within the episode genre, offering a brief, self‑contained narrative that slots into the larger series framework. The title hints at a particular moment of observation, setting the tone for the story that follows. It was produced for television audiences seeking concise storytelling. The central figure, Jonathan, approaches the unfolding events with a healthy dose of scepticism. He encounters a stage actor who makes an extraordinary claim: that God is a regular attendee of his theatrical performances. Jonathan's doubt drives the interaction, creating a tension between belief and disbelief that underpins the episode's core. Their conversation unfolds backstage, highlighting the contrast between performance and belief. Adding a notable presence to the cast, the episode features guest star Lorne Greene, best known for his role in Bonanza. Greene's cameo adds weight to the philosophical debate presented. His appearance brings a familiar face to viewers, linking the production to a broader television landscape through his recognised performance history. Overall, the episode centres on the clash between Jonathan's sceptical outlook and the actor's conviction about divine attendance. By juxtaposing ordinary doubt with a claim of celestial observation, the story invites the audience to consider the boundaries of faith within a theatrical setting, all within the concise format of a single episode. The episode resolves without offering a definitive answer, leaving the viewer to reflect.