7th Heaven (season 8)

7th Heaven (season 8)
Country of origin	United States
No. of episodes	23
Release
Original network	The WB
Original release	September 15, 2003 – May 17, 2004

Season eight of 7th Heaven—an American family-drama television series created and produced by Brenda Hampton—premiered on September 15, 2003, on The WB, and concluded on May 17, 2004 (23 episodes).

Cast and characters

Main

• Stephen Collins as Eric Camden
• Catherine Hicks as Annie Camden
• Beverley Mitchell as Lucy Camden-Kinkirk
• Mackenzie Rosman as Ruthie Camden
• Nikolas and Lorenzo Brino as Sam and David Camden
• George Stults as Kevin Kinkirk
• Ashlee Simpson as Cecilia Smith
• Rachel Blanchard as Roxanne Richardson
• Jeremy London as Chandler Hampton
• Scotty Leavenworth as Peter Petrowski
• Happy as Happy the Dog

Recurring

• Tyler Hoechlin as Martin Brewer (16 episodes)
• David Gallagher as Simon Camden (7 episodes)
• Barry Watson as Matt Camden (5 episodes)
• Jessica Biel as Mary Camden (2 episodes)

Episodes

No. in series	No. in season	Title	Director	Writer(s)	Original air date	Production code
155	1	"The Long Bad Summer" (Part 1)	Joel J. Feigenbaum	Brenda Hampton	September 15, 2003	3.87
The Camdens are on what is most likely the most depressing family vacation of their lives at their beach house. Simon is crushed after unintentionally "killing" a classmate in a car accident. As everyone exhausts themselves trying to help him through, they all have problems and concerns of their own. Kevin and Lucy ponder whether or not they are ready to have children. Ruthie's boyfriend Peter starts spending increasing amounts of time with the Camdens, and he even tags along on their vacation. Ruthie learns a huge secret about Mary, and Simon's painful ordeal puts a strain on Eric and Annie's marriage. To be continued...
156	2	"An Early Fall" (Part 2)	Joel J. Feigenbaum	Brenda Hampton	September 22, 2003	3.65
Mary makes a surprise visit home to deliver unexpected news to her parents. Elsewhere, Simon tells Cecilia that he needs space, while Kevin and Lucy adjust to married life. A little confession from Roxanne leads to the demise of her and Chandler's relationship. Eric ponders Simon academic future now that he refuses to go back for his senior year of high school, and Annie prepares for a potentially disastrous dinner engagement.
157	3	"PK"	Harry Harris	Brenda Hampton	September 29, 2003	3.80
Eric accompanies Simon to a Board of Education meeting to try to secure him an early graduation, and Simon finds he has something in common with his new adviser: They're both the sons of preachers. Kevin is tricked into babysitting Detective Michaels' six-year-old, and Cecilia watches over the twins. Meanwhile, Lucy sees Chandler kissing an attractive woman in church and wonders whether Roxanne should know or not, and Peter tries to keep Ruthie safe from a bully.
158	4	"I Wasn't Expecting That!"	David Jones	Paul Perlove	October 6, 2003	3.73
A mysterious teenager named Martin wanders into the Camden home and spends some time with the family. Meanwhile, Matt's father-in-law approaches Eric for advice about his troubled marriage. Kevin is humiliated after being attacked on the job by a woman during a domestic violence dispute. Ruthie and Peter struggle to complete a school project, Ruthie wonders why Peter always calls her honey or sweetie. Simon is upset that nobody seems to care about his departure for college in a few days.
159	5	"Simon's Home Video" a.k.a. "The Kid Is Out of the Picture"	Deborah Raffin	Chris Olsen & Jeff Olsen	October 13, 2003	4.96
The time has come for Simon to seek early admission into college, so he prepares a video essay to go with his application. This gives him an opportunity to finally open up about the devastating past few months in his life as he discusses his future plans, reveals unique information about his family members, and reflects on his distinctive relationship with each one of them.
160	6	"Charity Begins at Home"	Karen Arthur	Sue Tenney	October 20, 2003	2.73
During his Sunday sermon, Eric proposes that instead of a financial contribution, everyone should make a commitment to reach out and help someone in need. Kevin and Lucy argue over where to volunteer their time, while Ruthie learns a secret about a shy, withdrawn classmate from school. Elsewhere, Eric calls his new son-in-law Carlos and asks him to fly in for dinner without Mary. Annie is jealous that her twin sons are bonding so much with Cecilia, and old feelings resurface between Chandler and Roxanne when they continue running into each other.
161	7	"Getting to Know You"	Harry Harris	Sue Tenney	November 3, 2003	3.98
Eric and Annie throw a "Welcome to the Neighborhood" party for Ruthie's Muslim friend Jill Dupree (Randa Sabbah) and her parents (Kamal Marayati and Yareli Arizmendi), but the Duprees are hesitant to attend. Eric is shocked and disappointed when he learns that his neighborhood is not a friendly place for Muslims. Meanwhile, Cecilia's house is robbed while she and her dad (Brad Maule) attend Kevin's first Neighborhood Watch meeting; Roxanne mentors a troubled 16-year-old (A.J. Trauth) and suspects that he might be involved in the robbery, and Chandler finds himself attracted to Peter's mom Paris (Shannon Kenny).
162	8	"Baggage"	Harvey Laidman	Sue Tenney	November 10, 2003	4.86
Eric arranges for Peter and his dog to visit a drug rehab center to cheer up the patients. Peter bonds with Nick (Joe Penny) and helps him reconnect with his estranged son. Meanwhile, a very uncoordinated Lucy finds out that Kevin has been secretly coaching the Glenoak Police Department husband-and-wife softball team and demands that she be allowed to play. Just before his first date with Paris (Shannon Kenny), Chandler receives a letter from Roxanne telling him she still loves him. Martin (Tyler Hoechlin) confronts Cecilia about her lingering feelings for Simon, prompting Cecilia to call Simon to let him know she has a new boyfriend. She is also surprised when he admits that he is also dating someone and Ruthie is jealous of Cecilia and Annie's close relationship.
163	9	"Go Ask Alice"	Joel J. Feigenbaum	Brenda Hampton & Shawn Kostanian	November 17, 2003	4.98
Eric is brought in by the school board to help investigate the local high school Principal, Ms. Jones (Meredith Baxter), when more than one concerned parent questions her behavior. When a female student disappears, all fingers point at Ms. Jones, but Eric believes strongly that the student's father may be the real culprit. Elsewhere, rumors about Martin (Tyler Hoechlin) upset Cecilia, who then regrets talking to Ruthie about her feelings.
164	10	"The One Thing"	Fred Einesman	Fred Einesman	November 24, 2003	3.86
Matt and Sarah (Sarah Danielle Madison) begin their student rotation in the ER, but get off to a bad start by arriving late and angering Dr. Norton (Dennis Boutsikaris), the attending ER physician. Matt and Sarah's relationship is tested when Matt quickly demonstrates an aptitude for the work, but Sarah accuses him of trying to make himself look better than the other students, especially her. However, Matt ends up looking foolish when he can't figure out how to turn off the ringer on his cell phone and he gets stuck fielding calls from his family. Matt's day ends tragically, leaving him to question his destiny.
165	11	"When Bad Conversations Happen to Good People"	Harry Harris	Brenda Hampton	January 5, 2004	4.92
Matt returns home to tell Eric and Annie that Sarah has left him and he's dropping out of medical school. Rabbi Glass offers Matt marital advice. Meanwhile, Kevin must decide whether or not to tell a very jealous Lucy that his ex-wife (Mindy Burbano) is in town and they got invited to dinner with her. Martin's aunt (Keri Lynn Pratt) asks Eric to step in and talk Martin into moving to New York with her and Chandler asks Peter how he would feel about Chandler marrying his mother someday. Peter thinks something is amiss when his mother goes out of town for a business trip. Ruthie keeps something from her mother.
166	12	"The Prodigal Father"	Harvey Laidman	Brenda Hampton	January 12, 2004	3.65
A distraught Peter learns that his alcoholic and mean-spirited father, Vic (Bryan Callen), who abandoned his family three years ago, has changed his ways and wants to be part of Peter's life again. In the wake of this monumental news, Chandler must decide how this will impact his relationship with Paris (Shannon Kenny) and Peter. Meanwhile, Ruthie feels that Peter is pushing her away during this chaotic time and Eric finds a philanthropic way for the community and his family to embrace Vic.
167	13	"Major League"	Joel J. Feigenbaum	Sue Tenney	January 19, 2004	3.59
Eric feels he must intervene when Martin, who recently moved in with the Camdens, is recruited by a professional baseball team, the Miami Gators and considers dropping out of school. Meanwhile, Ruthie enlists Lucy's help to convince their mom that she should be allowed to attend a couples party with Peter. Finally, Chandler's mother (Concetta Tomei) pays him an unwelcome visit when he is named executor of his father's estate. A rift happens between Lucy and Annie where an angered Lucy considers moving. Lastly, Cecilia teaches Sam and David on how to ride a bike.
168	14	"Healing Old Wounds"	Harry Harris	Brenda Hampton	January 26, 2004	3.87
Martin's father, Bill Brewer takes a short leave of absence from tour duty to return to Glen Oak and talk to Martin about pursuing baseball instead of college. Although, their reunion turns sour when Bill is caught making out with Roxanne, which leaves Martin less than thrilled. Meanwhile, with Paris's ex-husband Vic now back in the picture for Peter they begin to re-evaluate their relationship on where they stand. Lastly, Roxanne gives her two cents on her political beliefs as well as the war in Iraq.
169	15	"Don't Speak Ill of the Dead or the Living"	Joel J. Feigenbaum	Brenda Hampton	February 9, 2004	3.83
Annie's half-sister Lily (Michelle Phillips) returns as she shows up on the Camden's doorstep to discuss an important family matter regarding their father, Charles. Eric tries to figure out why Annie does not want to talk to Lily when she shows up. Meanwhile, Cecilia sets Martin's friend Mac (Kyle Searles) up with a girl from school, but later rejects the offer when he remembers a horrifying moment that happened in school back when they were in the 1st grade. Ruthie and Peter's school project lands them in trouble when they create a newspaper featuring false and derogatory stories about two former U.S. presidents. Lastly, Roxanne turns to Chandler when she finds herself faced with a moral dilemma as she is keeping a secret from Kevin regarding Det. Michaels.
170	16	"The Anniversary"	Deborah Raffin	Sue Tenney	February 16, 2004	3.98
Matt returns to celebrate his special "secret" two-year anniversary with Ruthie. She tries to desperately avoid seeing the rest of the family as Matt doesn't want the rest of them to know he's in town. However, when Lucy discovers the secret, she, Eric and Annie go crazy trying to figure out why he's in town, they pay a special visit to the Glass in-laws. Meanwhile, Martin shares something special with Cecilia about himself when he takes her out on the town. Also, Annie accidentally lets it slip to nurse Kelly that Matt and Sarah are married on the phone. Lastly, Vic invites Paris to spend a special evening with him, but she does not want to go because she thinks he might propose—which is exactly his intentions.
171	17	"Two Weddings, an Engagement, and a Funeral"	Harry Harris	Sue Tenney	February 23, 2004	2.69
Annie's half-sister Lilly (Michelle Phillips) is getting married and wants their ailing father Charles to walk her down the isle. Annie worries that the wedding ordeal might be too much for her father. Meanwhile, Fred (Al Ruscio) and Mrs. Bink (Eileen Brennan) attend premarital counseling with Chandler, but Fred's mother (Carol Arthur) tries to put a stop to the wedding because she thinks Mrs. Bink is a gold digger. Lastly, two mentally challenged people, Jimmy (Glen Poehlman) and Pat (Pam Rawuka) decide to get married after just one date together. The couple ask Chandler to perform the ceremony for them, but Jimmy's parents (Dick Van Patten and Patricia Van Patten) try to put a stop to it.
172	18	"Angel"	Peter Medak	Brenda Hampton	March 1, 2004	3.98
The Camdens, especially Lucy and Ruthie, grow concerned that an unusually joyful Annie isn't dealing with her true emotions following the death of her father Charles, but the happiness proves to be infectious as it soon spreads through the family and all over town. Meanwhile, Eric tries to convince an unhappy Chandler that he should consider adoption, which leads to a meeting with a lawyer (Randy Spelling). At the same time Chandler is approached by a mysterious young girl who gives him a cryptic message before she disappears.
173	19	"There's No Place Like It"	Joel J. Feigenbaum	Elaine Arata	April 19, 2004	3.57
Prospective homeowners Lucy and Kevin are ready for a fight to the finish when they learn that Chandler and his soon-to-be-adopted son Jeffrey (James Henrie) are their rivals in a bidding war on a house. However, the conflict sparks an idea with Eric and Annie who decide to use their savings to buy their house from the church. Meanwhile, Ruthie is upset with Martin because she thinks he will get the garage apartment instead of her when Lucy and Kevin move out, and Peter suspects that his dad, Vic (Bryan Callen), might be having an affair.
174	20	"High and Dry"	Harry Harris	Jeffrey Rodgers	April 26, 2004	3.42
Lucy and Kevin celebrate their one-year wedding anniversary and contemplate whether they are ready to start a family, but things do not go off smoothly as Lucy refuses to drink champagne with Kevin during their dinner. Cecilia and Martin realize that their relationship may face a rocky future if Cecilia goes away to college. Chandler's foster son asks him to rid their house of all alcoholic beverages. Peter lies to Ruthie about his plans for the evening when she asks him to help her baby-sit the twins. With that, Peter goes missing, but concern turns to disappointment when Eric and Vic find him drinking alcohol with his friends at the park. When Peter calls to apologize Ruthie tells him that he loves him but she can't date him if he drinks. Lastly, a new couple in town calls on Eric and Annie for help...on decorating their new home.
175	21	"Lost and Found"	Harvey Laidman	Paul Perlove	May 3, 2004	5.98
Lucy finds her husband Kevin and his partner Roxanne in a compromising position while on an undercover police assignment, Cecilia and Martin's relationship hits another bump in the road when their after-school commitments get in the way of one-on-one time, and Chandler may have bitten off more than he can chew as a new parent. Meanwhile, Ruthie and Peter, who get lost during a school field trip, cross paths with "Lost Boys" Nicodemus and Jacob, who not only take care of them until Reverend Camden arrives, but also share the heartbreaking story of their struggle to stay alive during the civil war in Sudan.
176	22	"Little White Lies" (Part 1)	Joel J. Feigenbaum	Sue Tenney	May 10, 2004	8.96
It is Camden chaos all around when Matt, who is having problems in his marriage to Sarah (Sarah Danielle Madison), returns to Glen Oak for a visit and runs into his ex-girlfriend Heather (Andrea Ferrell) on his flight home. Simon unexpectedly announces he is coming home for the summer. Also, Lucy sets out to discover why Roxanne is suddenly too busy to hang out with her as she is convinced that Roxanne is secretly trying to become a detective behind Kevin's back. Ruthie keeps a secret about a fellow student from her parents. Lastly, Martin learns that his baseball teammates think he's having sex with Cecilia. To be continued...
177	23	"Little White Lies" (Part 2)	Joel J. Feigenbaum	Sue Tenney	May 17, 2004	8.09
The Camden chaos continues with Matt, who is trying to salvage his marriage, questioning whether he still has feelings for his ex-girlfriend Heather (Andrea Ferrell). Meanwhile, Simon's return to Glen Oak creates conflicted feelings for his ex-girlfriend Cecilia, who is torn between her feelings for Simon and her current boyfriend Martin. Also, Ruthie's foreign exchange student friend Maria (Samantha Sandoval), appears to be making the moves on Ruthie's boyfriend Peter; and grandparents-to-be Eric and Annie hop a plane for New York, despite Mary's (not appearing in the episode) repeated pleas for her family to stay away during labor. Note: This is the final episode for Ashlee Simpson, Rachel Blanchard and Jeremy London.