It's a Wonderful Life — well, at least it seems that way on GUIDING LIGHT, lately. I was reminded of that Frank Capra classic because today's episode was so heavy on feelings of despair and then redemption.

Phillip telling his family about his terminal illness reflected the same sort of hopelessness that the movie's George Bailey felt; neither would get to live the life he wanted. Phillip is actually dying, but George lost his grip on his destiny when he had to take over the Bailey Building & Loan and let his little brother go to college. From that point on, George faced a long, slow death march through Bedford Falls.

The sequences with Buzz and the Cooper clan moping around Company waiting for the bank to foreclose on them was very similar to George, Mary and Uncle Billy trying to keep the Building & Loan open until close of business on the day of the bank run. Meanwhile, Blake, Ashlee and Cyrus raced to finish their book manuscript by 6 p.m., in order to qualify for an advance that would keep the wolves away from the Cooper door. The authors submitted their book with two minutes left — just like George ended the day with $2. Then Blake and pals marched into Company with their check, just like the townsfolk brought baskets of money to the Bailey house to stave off financial ruin.

And that was one amazing book advance! It was enough to pay off both mortgages on Company, buy a new stove, replace the roof and send Daisy to college! Blake claimed the sum was so large because Coop had a "good reputation." Whatever that rep was based on, it must have been pretty terrific.

And the final parallel: Every time Cyrus lies, an angel gets its wings!