In the grand landscape of 80s pop culture, the A-Team was a mainstay with its unforgettably iconic characters and a blend of high-octane action, laughs, and life lessons in each episode. One often overlooked episode that was instrumental to character development was "The Only Church in Town," where Templeton "Face" Peck ventures off on his own. In this article, we delve into fifteen aspects of this standout episode of the A-Team.

The Essential Plot

"The Only Church in Town" is an episode that sees Templeton "Face" Peck, typically seen as a womanizer and con-artist, grapple with his past in unexpected ways. After receiving a cryptic message from a nun claiming to know about his past, he goes off alone to Central America to find her. But Face doesn't find Sister Teresa, but another nun named Sister Margaret who knows his mother.

Despite the rest of the A-Team's absence, the show retains its distinctive elements—danger, action, gadgetry, and heart. More than that, this episode gives viewers a deeper glimpse into Face's backstory, showing a dimension to his character seldom seen in previous episodes.

A Departure From Previous Episodes

"The Only Church in Town" breaks the usual mold of A-Team episodes. Face embarks on a mission without his fellow team members. Solo ventures are rare in the series, highlighting this episode's unusual character-centric structure. Several scenes where Face interacts at the convent show him in a light usually reserved for his interactions with the team, showing just how much he's shaped by his relationships.

This garners viewer empathy, adding another layer to people's perception of him. Whether it was the somberness of the church, the dangerous setting, or a blend of both pushing Face to change his dynamic, this new perspective broadens the audience's view on his character.

The Villains

In classic A-Team style, the villains of this episode are menacing Central American guerrilla fighters. Led by a cruel and unrelenting Colonel, they add the necessary levity of danger and action to the episode. But it's not just the physical threats that make them memorable; it's their ironic existence within the safe confines of a church compound in peril.

Persistently threatening Sister Margaret's orphanage, they demand a portion of the rice provided to feed the children. This plot device not only shifts the episode towards a darker tone but also raises the stakes for Face, whose goal to keep the orphanage and the children safe becomes more personal.

The Sacred and Profane

"The Only Church in Town" juxtaposes the sacred Catholic Church with the profane existence of violent criminals. This unique narrative choice adds tension and enhances the storyline. It embodies Face's struggle, his acceptance of his identity while reckoning with his unknown past, in a powerfully symbolic way.

The church and the nuns represent hope, stability and the good in people, a stark contrast to the destructive guerrilla forces symbolizing lawlessness, greed, and violence. This dichotomy heightens the severity of the choices Face makes throughout the episode.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "The Only Church in Town" isn't your typical episode of the A-Team. Its narrative deviance adds depth to an otherwise humor-driven and action-packed series, examining Face's character profoundly. It explores untouched issues such as identity, belonging, and morality through the guise of a cherished childhood show. If you haven't already, settle down for a worthwhile evening of rediscovering Templeton "Face" Peck in this unforgettable episode.

FAQs:

1. Q: Does this episode focus more on drama than action? A: The episode maintains a balance of drama and action, but successfully deepens Face's character with emotional components.

2. Q: How does "The Only Church in Town" affect Face's overall character arc? A: This episode develops Face's character significantly by revealing his past and showing his range of emotion.

3. Q: How important is this episode to the rest of the A-Team series? A: As an episode focusing on character development rather than the usual team mission, it holds a special significance. It provides background and depth to Face, making him more relatable and human to viewers.

References:

1. A-Team, The. "The Only Church in Town". NBC. Original Air Date: October 16, 1984.

2. Brooks, Tim, and Earle Marsh. The Complete Directory to Prime Time Network and Cable TV Shows, 1946-Present. Ninth edition. Ballantine Books, 2007.

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