The Book of Daniel
(5 out of 5 stars)
Simply put, this is the best show you never saw on television. The Book of Daniel was a short lived series that aired on NBC for a mere three episodes before it was canceled. The complete series spanned seven episodes altogether, the final four were filmed, but never had the chance to air. Why was it canceled? I could go on for pages in regards to my own personal opinion as to why such an intelligent, witty, funny show could meet such a quick end, but to sum it up: It simply offered a view of religion that struck a nerve with many of the Religious Right. It offered compassion, sympathy, understanding, and open-mindedness…and sadly, those traits have no place in some people’s views on religion. For some, those are empty words that are spoken, never practiced.
The Book of Daniel stars Aidan Quinn as Daniel Webster, with a family only a man of God could have the patience for. From his alcohol dependent wife, to his drug peddling daughter, to his adopted horn ball and gay republican sons, the good Revered certainly has his hands full. As if that’s not enough however, Daniel himself has an addiction to painkillers, his father is cheating on his wife (with a female Bishop no less), and his church is partnered under the table with the mob.
Did I mention that on occasion, Daniel also sees, and speaks, to Jesus?
At this point, you may be skeptical about my earlier claims that this show offers compassion, understanding, etc., you may instead think you’ve stumbled onto the review for some kind of sordid soap opera, well let me back up and explain. The Book of Daniel tugs at your heart strings, as it takes a topic as sensitive and as controversial as religion, and spins it on his head. In a society such as ours today, it’s so rare to see religion used as a tool to comfort and inspire, as opposed to a weapon of discrimination. Sure, when you’re introduced to the show you’re a bit in shock by how “out of control” some of these characters seem, but as you are welcomed further and further into their lives, you start to see the good that lies underneath. It’s hard to judge the daughter for possessing marijuana when she’s also giving her house’s nanny (who has a severe pain disorder) a drug that provides her with much needed relief. You find yourself grieving and in pain right along side of Daniel and his wife when you come to see that their addictions to painkillers and alcohol, respectively, have come as a result of losing their son to cancer only a couple of years ago. You can’t really judge Daniel’s father for falling in love with the Bishop, when you see his heart breaking every second he spends with his wife, who’s been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and doesn’t even recognize him anymore. As for his sons, his adopted son Adam is your typical horny teenager, but your heart will break for him all the same as he’s met with prejudice and discrimination on the basis of his ethnicity, by members of the very church he attends. You’ll shake your head in disbelief as he’s barred from seeing his girlfriend, simply because his parents, who are suppose to be “people of God”, don’t want a “mixing of the races” under their Christmas tree someday. As for Daniel’s other son, Peter, this is the plotline that really brings it all together for me (and I’m sure, was sadly the main complaint of conservative viewers.) Witnessing Daniel interact with his son Peter really gave me hope that someday religion and homosexuality could walk hand in hand. Seeing Daniel and Peter joke about his sexuality so casually, and to discuss it so openly among the family really leaves you in awe at first, and as you watch the show flashback to the day’s when Peter’s twin brother was still alive, you start to understand how Daniel and his family came to accept Peter for who he is in spite of their strict religious affiliation. The story of Peter’s coming out, and of his twin brother’s death (which spans two episodes, and sadly never got to air on television,) will have you on the verge of tears. Be forewarned, Daniel’s daughter Grace (played by Alison Pill), will sing “Time After Time” at some point in these episodes, and send chills down your spine.
I can not stress enough how badly everyone should watch this show. If only it had somehow survived the barrage of complaints of those too narrow-minded to understand the potential this show had to redeem organized religion in the eyes of mainstream society. Those who complained this show mocked religion should have taken a closer look, and realized there was no mockery, only an attempt to humanize the cold stereotypes many Christians have unfairly received as a result of extremists. Please run down to the GLBT library and pick it up today. Laugh, cry, and grow with the Webster family, then pray to whatever God you believe in that we’re lucky enough to see a show this insightful grace our lives again.
Important Reminder: