| NBC's 'The Book of Daniel' Latest Target of Faith-Based Censorship |
| Written by D.L. McCracken | |
| Thursday, 12 January 2006 | |
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A quirky new show debuted on the NBC television network last Friday night across the U.S. and Canada but not everyone was given the option of viewing it. The Jack Kenny production of The Book of Daniel aired on January 6 in a two-hour premier of the limited six-hour series. Touted as a comedy/drama, 'Daniel' stars Aidan Quinn as Father Daniel Webster, an Episcopal priest. If you're thinking this is just another version of Seventh Heaven, think again - Father Daniel's family is actually believable and gasp! - they're far from perfect. Susanna Thompson plays Father Daniel's stressed out better half who has a penchant for dry martinis sometimes with two olives. Together they have a daughter who sells pot to fund entry into a Japanese animation school; an adopted son of Asian ancestry and overactive hormones; and a natural son who is gay but not completely out of the closet. Then there is the brother-in-law who went on the lam with millions of dollars of church money leaving behind a flustered wife who suddenly discovers she is a lesbian. Father Daniel himself is obviously a man of God with a deep abiding faith, a love of family, and a bottle of Vicodan hidden in the glove box of his car. And last but certainly not least there's Jesus himself. Played by Garret Dillahunt Jesus can be seen only by Father Daniel. Although he is decked out in Jesus-like apparel right down to the white robes and sandals, he seems like a nice sort of fellow...down-to-earth with a keen sense of humour. The two-hour premier was one of the most enjoyable programs this writer has seen in quite some time. By far, The Book of Daniel has claimed the distinction of being THE most innovative and refreshing concept on television today. But somebody always has to at least attempt to ruin the good ones and this is no different. At last count at least four NBC affiliate stations in the U.S. refused to air the show because of its "unconventional" content including no doubt that fact that an Episcopal priest has a gay son. Oh the horror. The American Family Association (AFA) has also decided to single out this program for portraying christianity in an unflattering light. Funny, the Jesus cahracter looks just like what I imagined he would with obligatory flowing robes, long hair and all. On their website the AFA has posted a petition against NBC which anyone can send with a simple click of the mouse. The letter that will be forwarded to NBC Chairman Bob Wright is as follows: "I am disappointed that NBC has decided to air "The Book of Daniel." I know that AFA will keep us posted on which companies desire to underwrite this program. "We are told in Hebrews that "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever." Obviously you don't believe that. It would be beneficial to all if NBC showed a little more respect for Christians who believe the Bible. "I ask you to inform all NBC affiliates, in writing, (according to your testimony before a Congressional hearing last year) they are not required to air this program if they choose not to." Apparently the good folks over at the AFA take exception to the Jesus character, describing him as "very unconventional white-robed [and] bearded". They don't like the family either and describe them as, "a 23-year-old homosexual Republican son, a 16-year-old daughter who is a drug dealer, and a 16-year-old adopted son who is having sex with the bishop's daughter." Sounds like life to me. A good rendition of life anyway. But then again, good christian people like the American Family Association do not want the public exposed to real life but rather the old "Leave it To Beaver" life where Mom and Dad sleep in twin beds and being gay meant being were very happy. The Book of Daniel is a wonderful depiction of a real family with real problems and real joys. But in the end, The Book of Daniel is fiction. Pure fiction. Why is the American Family Association afraid of a piece of fiction? Is it the whole gay thing? I'm going to go out on a limb here and offer the American Family Association a guarantee. I'll even include my email to be used if it turns out I was wrong: I guarantee that not one person, not even impressionable teenagers will turn gay from watching this show. To everyone else, check out the show this Friday and enjoy it for what it is - a piece of fiction that is very well written. In case the guarantee falls through, D.L. McCracken can be reached at This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it |