#309 Samuel Rising

Writer: Jason Katims
Director: Patrick Norris
Production Code: 3ADA09

First aired: December 18, 2001

Description

In a heart-tugging Christmas episode, an autistic child seems to develop a supernatural bond with Max, who is forced to consider if, in some way, his own lost son is trying to reach out to him through the child.

Meanwhile, the “Christmas Nazi” returns as Isabel attempts to make her first Christmas with Jesse as perfect as possible while also trying to shepherd the annual holiday festival to success. To that end, she recruits Maria and Liz as elves to help Michael, who’s playing the part of Santa in an attempt to get close to Maria again. In addition, Kyle meets his father’s new girlfriend for the first time.

Guest starring are Gavin Fink as Samuel Turner, Sean O’Bryan as Warren Turner, Colleen Flynn as Rebecca Turner and Navi Rawat as Shelby Prine.

The episode was directed by Patrick Norris from a script written by series executive producer Jason Katims.

Main Cast

Shiri Appleby (Liz Parker), Jason Behr (Max Evans), Katherine Heigl (Isabel Evans), Majandra Delfino (Maria DeLuca), Brendan Fehr (Michael Guerin), Nick Wechsler (Kyle Valenti), William Sadler (Sheriff Jim Valenti), Adam Rodriguez (Jesse Ramirez)

Also Starring

Gavin Fink (Samuel Turner), Yvonne Farrow (Dr. Lynette Ramey), Alison Ward (Deb), Zachary Isaiah Williams (Zeke), Christopher Plumley (Paul), Haley King (Another Kid), Gene Borkan (Santa #1), Cole Dodson (Santa #2), Alejandro Patino (Santa #3), Bret Loehr (Kid #1), Sean O’Bryan (Warren Turner), Colleen Flynn (Rebecca Turner), Navi Rawat (Shelby Prine), Jenevieve Norris (Kid #2)