Full Metal Lunchbox

 


I just found out that NBC cancelled my new favorite TV show, "The Book of Daniel" after only four episodes.

Perhaps it's just the caffeine talking, but I am seriously PISSED OFF.  Once again the american taliban (who claim to be Christians) have decided for themselves what I can't be allowed to watch from my own living room.  When it comes to a few thousand nut jobs versus 5.8 million TV viewers, might makes right I guess.  A few phone calls from the right people were enough to make NBC show themselves to be the little scared pussycats they are.

For those of you who didn't have the chance to tune in, let me tell you a little bit about a show you'll never get to see.  The Book of Daniel was a comedy-drama about an Episcopal minister (played by Aidan Quinn), his family, and the goings on of a church set in upstate New York.  So-called Christian conservatives found the show offensive because it depicted a priest, his family, and parishioners struggling with real-world problems that some might consider sinful.  Oh, that and the lead character is able to see and talk to Jesus (who is portrayed as a nice guy who wants to help).

More thoughtful viewers recognized the show's value because of the approachable, human side of the church it showed.  A church after all isn't just an institution: it's real people with real lives.  Some Episcopal leaders have gone so far as to applaud the Book of Daniel for this very reason.  As quoted on the Blog of Daniel:

“How cool is it that a progressive Episcopal priest has a shot at being a prime-time drama protagonist,” says the Rev. Susan Russell, senior associate. “How surprising might it be to many who tune in to find out there actually is a church where women can be bishops – clergy can be human – and there’s enough good news around to extend to everybody?”

Though only airing four episodes, the Book of Daniel managed to give even cynical me a greater appreciation for Christian values, such as "turn the other cheek."

But, so help me God, if I ever bump into one of those letter-writing, bible-thumping, network-boycotting, artistic-censoring, troublemaking rightwing conservative bastards I'm going to KICK THEM IN THE NUTS.

Thank you for listening.