I have already heard some ...
Question: I have already heard some fans of
The Book of Daniel talk as though anyone who dislikes the show is automatically "intolerant" or "close-minded," but that is, in itself, an example of intolerance. Not everyone who dislikes this show does so because they hate homosexuals, disapprove of religion being a part of a TV show or think that clergy are actually perfect in real life. My objections to the show are based on the show. I felt like it was just trying too hard. It was trying so hard to present "real" people and establish an irreverent tone that it simply piled flaw after flaw, secret after secret, and problem after problem into one family without bothering to take time to really explore or go beyond the big reveal.
Answer: This is a very fair criticism, and you're not the only one to take this view. The critical reception was mixed, some enjoying
Book of Daniel's reckless and messy qualities and others finding it over the top and all too easy to resist. I like it because it's different and well acted and executed, but I can see why others wouldn't. Richard, for example, who wrote in with a lengthy dissent that expressed a feeling of detachment from the show's characters, whose flaws branded them as weirdos and kept them from being sympathetic in his eyes. He concluded, astutely, "If (I mean,
when) this show fails, I'm afraid the religious naysayers are going to claim credit that it failed because it dared to depict the 'holy' in an 'unholy' manner, but I think it is doomed because it failed the major requirement of any successful show, which is to give the viewers a person to root for."
I don't entirely agree with Richard's take — for one, I find Aidan Quinn's portrayal of Daniel to be wonderfully appealing and sympathetic, whatever the character's weaknesses — but I do agree it will be a crying shame if the religious-right watchdogs claim a victory should Daniel not survive. Given the low ratings and the timid response from advertisers, who should truly be ashamed of themselves, Daniel's fate is clearly tenuous. But much of this would likely be the situation regardless of those who tried to torpedo the show preemptively. Daniel is a risky series, and I'm glad NBC gave it a shot. Bottom line: I'll accept any criticism of a show, even when I disagree, as long as someone takes the effort to watch.
