Did anyone watch this last night? I saw most of it and thought it ridiculous, but enjoyed it just the same. Presentation and content made it clear they are trying to imitate Desperate Housewives in many ways. I like that there is a spiritual component to it and that it's really ticking off the conservative Christians!

I hope the fellow choir singer (his set up date's brother) becomes a regular as he was cute, IMO!

I only saw a couple of minutes at the end of the show... not enough to have an opinion. I am impressed that there is an Asian character, "Adam (Ivan Shaw, "All My Children"), his 16-year-old adopted Chinese son, a handsome and cocky high school jock with a wicked sense of humor." An Asian character that's a hot jock and not a bespectacled nerd or an martial artist. Yay, I say!

The show is heavily influenced by Desperate Housewives and maybe a little bit of Six Feet Under. It actually got to be pretty funny towards the end. The writing is a bit rough but given time this show could become pretty good.

In regards to the choir boy, somehow I think he'll be sticking around for a bit. I loved the whole idea of Peter's grandfather getting him to show up for choir practice to meet a girl, only for him to meet a guy - who turns out to be the girl's brother.

Christian Campbell (Peter) seems to play a lot of gay roles (e.g., Trick & The $treet), very cute.

To be honest I wasn't interested in this show when I'd first read about it. But now I hope this show does well in the face of all this ridiculous criticism from the conservative groups.

I watched it and have heard a lot of good things out of it. If NBC is smart they will move it to a really good time slot (not Friday)...Something on Tuesday or Thursday...Maybe Sunday...I thought it was funny and was a good showing of an American Family...Not necessarily just a priest's family.

I thought it was OK. There's not much showing Friday nights so I'll be watching. I've always been a fan of Aidan Quinn.

But I have to say, what's up with the Episcopalians? There's a gay son, a lesbian sister-in-law, two Bishops having an extra-marital affair, a drug-dealing daughter, what did I leave out?

I agree the Asian son is hot and fun to watch. I liked Christian Campbell, but didn't like his long hair in the show. I'm glad he cut it a bit shorter in the second hour. (Weird, huh?)

They're really throwing a lot at Aidan's character. I say it's too much. And the writing is just OK, not up to the standards of Desperate Housewives' first season.

On a side note, isn't it neat how they have those stained glass windows motif going into commercials? That's how they used to do it on the old dramas like Wild Wild West. Brings back memories of the old Hollywood dramas. wink

Oh come on now. You're stooping to the level of those whom you so freely criticize. To have such opinions based on spite is ridiculous.

I have my share of criticisms and chastisements of the so-called Religious Right--admittedly I've never been fond of the R.R.--but I am very troubled by a show like this. I'm far from a holy roller and have my share of sins and problems, but as I said, I am really troubled by this show. I'm also somewhat saddened.

I just think it's unnecessary.

It's entertainment. It's the show's creator's vision or statement or whatever. You're free to reject it by changing the channel. Unfortunately, the nut groups that are protesting this don't want to give you the same freedom. They just want anything that offends them removed from the air.

No doubt the network appreciated Daniel's religious protestors raising the series' profile in the news media. Really, they're so predictable and obedient -- as Jack Abramoff and Ralph Reed know so well.

(Ok, sorry, OT, just making a point about the marketing plan for the series... wink )

I like the show a lot. Alcoholic/vicodin dependent preacher with a gay son and alcoholic wife. The Asian son is hysterical in his cockiness, especially when he suggested his new sister might want to try him out since they're not really related. Funny shit!

I hate the talks with Jesus, though. Lame.

I enjoyed the show and thought it was interesting, though overstuffed. And they tried a little too hard to be edgy.

They also crammed a lot in two hours and I have no idea how they'll fit all those plots into one. However, I did not like the Asian son. His smarmy attitude wore on me quickly and I don't find his snarky comments abuot his gay brother funny. I know it's supposed to be cute, but it just comes across as mean.

Christian Campbell was cute as a button as always. I loved the scene between he and John Driscoll, who played the choirboy he met. Though how anyone can say they're not in the closet while they date a woman so others won't think he's gay is beyond me. I do want to see where the story goes though; the guy's clearly got issues. But then, so does everyone on this show.

Aiden Quinn was very, very good. And I didn't even mind the Jesus character. I thought I'd hate the gimmick, but they used it just enough to make it tolerable. I also think the stained glass thing is cool.

And apparently, there are even more gay characters to come other than the ones we met in the first episode. I believe one of the mobsters involved in the rebuilding of the church will be gay.

All in all, it's an interesting way to pass an hour. I'll check it out next week.

Anthony

It was OK, but I'm bored with Hollywood trying to make shows just to piss off the religious right, and this show just screams that to me...

I was very intrigued by the "previews" written up about this show. Sorry I missed the first episode.

I'm most curious about the "character" of Jesus. Boy could that one go places. Wonder if "Jesus" will have anything to say about his on sex life or reputed lack thereof.

As far as pseudo-Christians being upset with the show, how could "The Passion of the Christ" be exceded in vulgarity?

[ January 08, 2006, 03:10 PM: Message edited by: sportinlife ]

I don't have to change the channel because I choose not to watch such crap, though no one will ever see me screaming my lungs out demanding that NBC not air this. They have the right, just as they have the right to broadcast a show portraying, for example, gays as perceived child molesters; or Nazis as effective military and governmental leaders; or anything else that would result in one group or another protesting.

[ January 08, 2006, 11:47 AM: Message edited by: MIB ]

Fact is, this show has been endorsed by mainstream Christian groups. Daniel sruggles to live the life he thinks Christ would expect of him.

the people who criticize this show are the same ones that want to see any church scandal swept under the rug

they want to see idealized versions of the clergy when we all know that these are human beings just like ourselves with the same problems and concerns

Just to play devil's advocate here for a second. If there was a show that depicted gays as negatively as this show seems*** to portray religious folks, GLAAD would be writing letters of protest. We expect the rigious right to lighten up when it comes to shows like this, but the gay community won't when it comes to negative portrayals of 'mos. Kind of hypocritical, IMO.

***I say seems because I didn't see the show.

[ January 09, 2006, 01:21 PM: Message edited by: KingChildress ]

If you haven't seen the show, why do you presume it treats anyone negatively? The only person I know who saw it said it was interesting and treated the religious folk as complex. Don't be so quick to call us hypocritical especially when you don't have all the facts.

I'm interested in hearing what troubles you about the show. What in particular troubles and saddens you. My curiosity is sincere. I'm wondering if I missed something. Did you watch the show or are you basing your unhappiness on second hand information?

MIB, I'm not sure I understand your argument. Are you saying that portraying an Episcopal minister with real life issues is equivalent to portraying gays as perceived child molestors. The priest has an alcohol/prescription drug problem, the "problem" of having a gay son, a bisexual secretary "problem" and a lesbian sister "problem". Which one of these things do you find to be so offensive or shameful? The gay son? The alcohol problem? Lesbians? I understand the religious right considers these "problems" equivalent to pedophilia but I don't understand why you seem to equate them.

I hope you realize that if NBC had produced the show without the gay and lesbian parts of the story line, we wouldn't be having any of this controversy. That's why your defense of their offense is confusing to me.

It seems to me that this portrayal, although over the top, is probably more realistic than most of the sugary sweet portrayals of priests that we've gotten used to. I'm not sure why it is so threatening to people to see a priest as human with human issues. I saw nothing that I considered blasphemous or even Episcopal negative. By the way, I'm Episcopal. It seemed that he was very spiritual and caring in the face of his surroundings. To me that is the important point. Unfortunately kindness, compassion and tolerance is VERY offensive to a lot of fundamentalist Christians. I know, I USED TO BE a Southern Baptist.

[ January 10, 2006, 04:56 PM: Message edited by: UMRebel/Bucfan ]

OK, clue in a guy who doesn't watch TV (much). What is Book of Daniel, and how much does it relate to the book-of-same-name?

LXN

I found the show very entertaining & quite funny.

Unfortunately it is on at the same time as "Battlestar Galactica" and nothing gets in the way of my watching that. wink

I am taklking about interpretations. There are people who are offended by the show. Not many people here, but religious folks and perhaps others. My point is that we (me included) are ridiculing people who are offended by a show like this but then groups like GLAAD will demand a show that maybe doesn't depict gays in anything less than a holier than thou way be preempted while praising a show like this that clearly bothers some. That is what is hypocritical. Wasn't accusing any individual here of being such.

Ahhh...I dunno. Perhaps I was being a bit too judgmental. Maybe I'm overreacting, though mildly so; but to answer your question--I'm just troubled by something like this that portrays the Son of God like it does. Sometimes I feel like saying, "Lord, I'm sorry you're being treated like this."

It would be the same, for example, if Mary was depicted as some young girl who got knocked up and was considering an abortion or something. I'd be quite disturbed by the Blessed Mother depicted that way, perhaps more so than if her Son was treated poorly, because it's just plain bad when someone makes fun of one's mother.

That's just the way I feel. I'm sure many won't understand this, but it comes from the heart. I hope it answers your question.

[ January 12, 2006, 03:39 PM: Message edited by: MIB ]

I saw it and enjoyed it as well. A bit all over the place but that was probably because they were trying to establish each of the characters and not really focusing on one story line. I wasn't troubled by the religious angle but thought it was depicted respectfully. Will have to see what develops with future episodes but do not believe that simply depicting Jesus with human characteristics and even a sense of humour should lead it to be condemned. People might relate more to that depiction than they do to hell fire and brimstone wrath of God story lines.

That's cool MIB.

Still interested in knowing if you watched the show or are basing your discomfort on second hand information.

I am a Christian and an Episcopal and I wasn't offended by it but there again we Episcopals are hard to offend when it comes to religious issues. I think the difference may be in how we perceive Christ. Though I revere Him and acknowlege his Divinity, I also think of him as human and as someone with a sense of humor. I know when I was a Baptist this concept of Christ was not possible for me to consider and I assume the same may be said of Catholics. I hope you understand that people who have this casual relationship with Jesus don't mean any disrespect. To the contrary sometimes I think we have more respect for his message than those who see him as an untouchable, super serious, judgmental diety. To me he's not just my Savior, he's my bud. I hope this will help you to understand where the show is coming from. It is showing that there are Christian responses to things such as alcoholism and homosexuality that don't include condemnation and ridicule. And it also shows that, unlike the fundamentalist mentality, Christians are humans and have issues just like everyone else. I enjoy seeing these things presented from a spiritual point of view without all the hate and fire and brimstone that we've come to associate with the "Christian" response.

Hope that helps you understand where I'm coming from.

[ January 12, 2006, 03:54 PM: Message edited by: UMRebel/Bucfan ]

I really try not to form opinions on books and movies unless I've read or seen them. It's not fair to do so otherwise. I first heard about it from a reviewer who gave it a positive review. I guess it's just a feeling I have, one that I admit might be simply a subjective, biased one. It might be interesting to note that I'm not foaming at the mouth over this series or screaming protests like many others usually do.

I know, and I agree with you. The Roman Catholic Church tries to remind us that while Jesus is God, He also is fully human, like you and me in all ways except sin (lucky Him!). Perhaps this is why I'm simply fascinated by Christmas when we celebrate His birth. It's mind-boggling to think a little tiny baby, perhaps 6 or 7 lbs., is also God, the Supreme Being. eek! Over the holidays, my brother, father, and I briefly and casually discussed this. I asked: when Jesus was in the womb, only a few months old in Mary's \"tummy,\" who was running the show up there? You mean to tell me that tiny unborn baby was still in charge? Whoa!

Of course, this seems incredible and awesome mainly because our human minds are incapable of fully grasping the enormity of this.

Mine, too, as I'm sure He knows this. I just hope he's a White Sox fan, though. I have too many Cubs fan friends already!

It's just a TV show just like "Father Dowling" or "Home Front" or "I'll Fly Away."

I really don't see what the big deal is.

Aren't every one of us the child/son of God?

I saw most of tonight's episode. At first I couldn't get into it, found the scenes seemed to be going nowhere. But by the end I found I was liking the show and the characters. Wish it wasn't on Friday nights... but I'm such a loser, I'm usually home anyways.

Yes, we all are children of God, but there is only one Son of God. wink

I watched Sat night's episode with some friends who had also enjoyed the first episode. We were disappointed with this one- very predictable, over-acted,and not too interesting-, but we'll stick with it!

Looks like I won't be watching the show. Nashville is filled with southern baptists and the show will not aire here.

If it proves to be popular elsewhere the resistance will probably weaken or at least the affiliate will bow to making a few bucks instead of the complaints. One big negative that I didn't mention from the last show was that Jesus had a much more limited role- he helps to make it interesting and more than a poorly done Desperate Housewives.

The day before the first episode was to appear, the local NBC station said that they had received so many phone calls and e-mails that they had decided not to air the show. On Friday, The Wichita Eagle (our newspaper) reported that the station had received 300 requests not to air the show. It was spearheaded by the pastor of the largest Southern Baptist Church here (one of the biggest homophobes, who got the marriage ban passed in Kansas). The talk on several radio stations was about this decision that morning. I decided that I was going to call the tv station and complain about not even having the option to make my own decision up, but that others had made it for me. This was about 9 am, and several others in my office agreed with me. At 11 am the station had received over 800 phone calls and e-mails voicing the same complaint. Because of this they immediately made a reverse decision and agreed to air the program.

I have watched both episodes and have enjoyed it. The first one, trying to introduce all the characters, was a little fast and busy, but this week's episode was enjoyable. I will continue watching it.

I forgot to say in my last post, that the pastor that tried to keep the show off the air said on the radio, "I really don't think it is a good show for our familys to see. My biggest concern about this show isn't the pill popping pastor, the alcoholic wife, the drug addicted daughter, the homosexual son, nor the sexually promiscuious son. My biggest concern is that the homosexual writer of writer of this show is just out to attack Christianity."

I don't see how this show is attacking anyone. Knowing churches, pastors, and their familys I see this as a very accurate protrayal of some. All of this may not happen to one pastor in real life, many of these situations have happened to individual pastors.

This show should really be called Secrets and Lies. Although all sorts of improbable things happen, I find it much more believable (and palatable) than, say, Desperate Housewives. In a way, I'm reminded of an old favorite of mine, Ally McBeal.

And what's with all the gays on the show? The priest's son is gay (but has sex with a woman--in the back seat of the bishop's car--because he doesn't want to hurt her feelings ). The priest's sister-in-law has a lesbian fling, but on the last episode expresses interest in a man (as the housekeeper says, "Girl, you need to make up your mind"). And then the mafia guy confesses to the priest that he's gay... and that he finds the priest attractive (well, it is Aiden Quinn... who doesn't find him attractive?).

I kind of wish Jesus would do more or say more.

(And what's with the dead sons? Both Book of Daniel and Crumbs are about families coping with a dead son in their history.)

[ January 21, 2006, 04:37 PM: Message edited by: canmark ]

I think the writing and acting on Desperate Housewives is much better. I've never liked Aidan that much as an actor and don't find him attractive/interesting sexually(I'm sure he'll be heartbroken!). I thought Friday's show was up from the week before, but still no big deal.

From this morning's paper, doesn't sound like this show has much life left....

I believe NBC only ordered 8 episodes, anyway, and it seems like they skipped one (in the "previously on..." segment before the show Friday there were scenes that hadn't aired, making me wonder if NBC cut an episode. It will be interesting to see what happens. I like the show - the family interactions are much more believable than anything on Desperate Housewives, tho the show does get a bit too melodramatic at times. I love the relationship between Aidan and his wife, and with all of his kids, too. It's too bad these groups are protesting it when it seems to be more pro-religion and pro-God than most series on TV - it just chooses to deal head-on with the issue and many people see that as disrespectful or irreverent. I disagree. Raised Catholic, I rebelled quickly when I came out. It's nice to see a different view of God and religion, one where people are happy and enjoy their faith, and are not always apologizing for being a sinner (which is pretty much all I got out of years of Catholicism - the ability to feel like crap for who I am).

Apparently NBC is giving up on this show. A spokesperson stopped short of saying the show was cancelled; only conceding that it has been "dropped from the schedule".

It's official. NBC has canceled this show.

Great show, however, Friday nights when no one is watching??? Gotta love programming!

The network denies that it was pressure from conservatives that made them drop the show. They say it's just ratings. But it seems suspicious to me that they would drop the show based on ratings from only two or three weeks of airing. And they already had a show set to air Friday but pulled it to run a rerun of Law and Order instead. Since they spent the money already on making that episode, why not air it? Seems suspicious to me.

This happens all the time. Emily's Reasons Why Not on ABC was pulled after one airing. I don't know if it was or wasn't pulled because of the protest, but it's not uncommon for shows to be pulled quickly. In fact, it is more uncommon for networks to allow shows to try to develop a following, unfortunately.

What? Emily's Reasons is gone? It wasn't great, but I thought it was cute. And they had some hot guys on the show. I thought maybe it was scheduling that they didn't have the show on after the first week. Wow, TV land is so cutthroat these days. I guess unless you're some bachelor, you don't get very far at ABC.

The Book of Daniel has been cancelled, but you can still see the series if you visit the NBC website. They plan to 'air' the remaining episodes each Friday night. You have to be using Internet Explorer and a PC computer believe. I've heard it doesn't work if you're on a Mac.

Anyway, last week's episode was superb and only makes me angrier that the show was cancelled without really getting a shot. I don't want to spoil it for anyone so I won't discuss details, but there's a very nice scene between Christian Campbell and John Driscoll, a really disturbing cliffhanger and a final shot that I thought was stunning (the rest of the show as great too). Can't wait until next Friday.

Anthony

I haven't seen the episode online, but have a screen grab of the "scene" with Christian Campbell. SPOILER: You can check it out here.

I echo Anthony's post earlier about the online episode that's currently viewable on the NBC site. If you haven't seen it, you should definitely watch it now before they switch it out on Friday. The first half of the show is pretty much what we've gotten in the first few weeks of this series that aired on TV. But the final 10 minutes is very dramatic and important for the gay community and I think it's worth everyone's time to watch it and discuss it, and hopefully watch how the story continues this Friday.

[[NOTE: The NBC site has been acting weird today and I think it's because of the flood of people going to view the show online that's been creating a log jam. See, the network should have kept it on the air.]]

[ January 30, 2006, 03:44 PM: Message edited by: batboy ]

Thanks for the tip-just watched it (and no commercials!). It was a good episode. I still think they could use JC to better effect, but he was a little more involved in this one. The show reminds me of Family in some ways.