Los Angeles Mayor George Ridgeway is underway in his gubernatorial campaign. It brings all about what one expects for the trouble, including the crackpots. One of those crackpots is Benjamin Strand, with a particular grudge against Ridgeway. He of course becomes the main suspect when Ridgeway is gunned down with Strand's own pistol.
Of course, there is someone out there besides Mark who is sure the man is innocent. That woman is George's own wife Lauren. She would know; she's the one who killed him. Mark is soon on her trail, finding out there is far more to George Ridgeway than anyone knows...
"Guardian Angel" displays symptoms of the following tropes:
- And Starring: Catherine Hicks receives the special appearance credit as Lauren Ridgeway.
- Asshole Victim: George Ridgeway was murdered because he was molesting his stepdaughter. Jack says he got just what he deserved, and the man ain't wrong.
- The Alleged Car: Mark's jaguar breaks down once again, forcing him to pull up to the fundraiser in his car while it's attached to the flatbed of his tow truck.
- Chekhov's Gun: The photo of Strand holding a newspaper of Ridgeway announcing he's running for governor helps crack the case, as the image has Melissa's statue for her mother in the background.
- "Eureka!" Moment:
- A very sad one, as when Mark almost touches Melissa's shoulder, she flinches and pulls away. This clues Mark into the fact that someone has been touching her.
- Norman getting Mark involved in a photoshoot for Community General allows him to see the connection between Lauren and Benjamin.
- Frame-Up: Lauren sets up crackpot Benjamin Strand to take the fall for George's murder.
- Mama Bear: Lauren shoots George dead for raping Melissa, and says she would kill him again without hesitation.
- Nephewism: At the end of the episode, Melissa is living with her aunt, since her stepfather is dead and her mother is on trial for murder.
- Shout-Out: Melissa gives mark one of Meat Loaf's albums as a thank you gift.
- Take That!: Mark gets in a shot at Los Angeles taxis circa the 90's:Mark: Norman, have you ever taken a taxi in this town? They don't ask you "what time", they ask you "what day?".
- Title Drop: The name of the episode comes from the inscription Melissa Ridgeway made on her angel statue to her mother.
"To mom, my guardian angel. Love, Melissa"
