Posted on 12/27/2005 3:12:45 PM PST by NYer
NBC has begun promoting a new weekly show in January that centers around a troubled, pill-popping Episcopal priest played by veteran actor Aidan Quinn, who talks with a manifestation of Jesus, played by Garret Dillahunt.
"The Book of Daniel" is being touted as the riskiest new show of the year. It is also billed as the only show on television in which Jesus appears as a recurring character.
It's a drama with comedic aspects and is being kicked off Jan. 6 with back-to-back episodes. It is scheduled to air regularly Friday nights at 9 p.m. The cast also includes Ellen Burstyn and Susanna Thompson.
As NBC itself explains the show, it focuses on "an Episcopalian minister and father. He finds himself conversing with Jesus -- his mentor and friend -- who helps navigate family problems, church politics and even his nagging reliance on prescription painkillers."
Comedienne Phyllis Diller plays a member of Daniel Webster's flock.
NBC executives have been excited about "The Book of Daniel" for a long time, though the show failed to make its fall lineup. Dillahunt is said to play a "hip, modern Jesus."
"This challenging new series is our first announced drama for midseason as we continue to seek different out-of-the-box projects," NBC Entertainment President Kevin Reilly told the Hollywood Reporter.
In the case of Islam, the TRUTH of it would be very upsetting for Muslims. I'd love to see a movie based on Ishaq's accounting (Sirat Rasul Allah) of the life of Muhammad.
Great! Just great! Another milestone for American pop culture...
Oddly, if these guys want to take a shot at making Jesus a recurring character in a mainstream show, I'd be willing to watch before pronouncing judgement.
The thing that turned me off about it was the gay Republican. I could see multiple hostile rounds coming from that nest that would have sent me hitting the clicker. If you are going to pull that kind of thing, why not instead have a pro-life greenie as a son instead?
I guess the guy is writing about half of what he knows. He knows the gay part, but I'm not sure about the Republican part.
Even still, I'll end up watching just to see where it all goes. If the gay republican ends up being a true conservative with a reproductive/gender disorder, I'll be happy. Happier still if he becomes hetero in some distant episode.
As for Jesus, the screwed up kids, and the Episcopalian priest, it all depends on how doctrinal Jesus actually is.
Aiden Quinn is a veteran actor?
Sure wish we could ZOT television shows!!!!
And over ice cream!
Will last about three weeks.
What about South Park?
When my wife saw some of the promos for this "show" she said, "Well, that looks like one we can easily miss." Can't argue with that.
Until then enjoy the "ride". Jeff
This is the next in a series of threads about this topic that has been posted with The Rev's email attached.
I am tired of people preaching that they know better what I should and should not watch.
I plan on watching it also. Just to boycott this boycott.
Ice cream is haram you are an evil Zionist!!! /sarc off :) :) :)
Send-Complaint-Email-to-NBC-Later-PING
Should know better...
I like the way you think
I thought the fat Dixie Chick was married to a Mohammeden.
I saw on another board that NBC has only ordered 8 episodes, not the full season of 13. And Friday at 9pm against 24 gives it the cushion of low expectations.
Burns was a fine God.
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