‘The Book of Daniel’ Cancelled by NBC
After only four episodes, NBC has cancelled their controversial new show “The Book of Daniel”, the debut of which I reviewed recently. The quickly waning number of viewers to a disappointing low is creditted for the decision by the network to forever shut “The Book of Daniel”, but the American Family Association (AFA) is taking credit for this “victory”.
While I hope the show was cancelled for it complete lack of quality writing (which I still suspect is the case), I certainly hope it was not because of the AFA and other Christian groups calling for boycotts and protests. The last thing Christians need to be identifying with is reactionary fundamentalism that prides itself at bullying society to our narrow view of “morality” that has little to do with the heart of our faith. (See In Defence of Freedom)
At this point, NBC has not plans to air the remaining episodes, though I suspect they could make a killing on the DVD’s. You heard it here first!
That’s what happened with the Firefly series – it made tons of money on the DVD sales. The writing was of far supirior quality, though.
Think of it:
“Now Available on DVD. The unseen episodes of the controversial NBC series, The Book of Daniel. Ahead of its time, now see the show many think you shouldn’t have the right to see. Extra Features include: Deleted Scenes; Interview with the shows radical creator; Cast Interviews, including Jesus on why He joined the show. In Stores This Easter!”
heh…
Ugh. Tons of publicity for a half-rate show. And all thanks to Our Friends the AFA.
i caught the second part of last weeks show. awful. dreadful. after your review i only wanted to see Jesus in all his hippy splendor anyway. man, what a dissapointment. i expected him to dispense some fortune cookie wisdom and all he did was sit there, on the couch, and smile. i did enjoy the elderly black woman who was smoking pot for medicinal purposes only after stealing from the drug dealing daughter of the pill-popping priest! wow! say that three times fast.
Drew,
That says it all, doesn’t it.
Peace,
Jamie
I agree that there wasn’t anything particularly appealing about that show, but I say let the AFA claim the victory. Then we can point it out to them when they fail to succeed in some other arena they have no business being in. We can say, at least you got the Book of Daniel off the air. That’s something, right?
Wanderer,
Excellent idea! Man, you should be in politics (wink). Thanks for that.
Peace,
Jamie
actually, jamie, what says it all is that a group of people somewhere actually gave the greenlight to the project in the first place. it was nothing more than a bad idea that had little potential. add to that the poor and shallow writing you mentioned in your review…and voila! instant trash.
the dissapointing part is that the AFA did claim a victory over its cancelling. i think what they are failing to realize is that maybe, just maybe, a large part of TV watching society just doesn’t care for poor creativity. there are still people who have some concern for the morality of a program as well as the integrity of a show. i agree with your idea that “The last thing Christians need to be identifying with is reactionary fundamentalism that prides itself at bullying society to our narrow view of “morality” that has little to do with the heart of our faith.”
for some reason i have been thinking a lot about this today. thanks for keeping me posted. i had already decided i would not watch the show again nor even keep informed of it.
drew.
Drew,
I am not so sure. With a writing makeover and basic plot shave, it might have been a good idea. They just tried to make too much happen. Jesus was so gimmicky in the story, it was a waste of a paid cast member. Given the chance, I would love to write a show with a similar twist. I am sure the AFA would still hate it, but what do I care?
Peace,
Jamie
dude, i will support you. i am a huge fan of your writing. i love you wit (via the emails we exchange). you have a sound grasp on the theological. you can save budget by staffing and filming in canada. count me in!
and honestly???? i didn’t even know about the AFA until your original post. i am starting a petition. book of daniel: part deux!
Drew,
Thanks! I’d love to give it a try some time, but I don’t think I’ll quit my day job.
Peace,
Jamie