I love controversy, mostly because 90% of the time I hear about something that is supposedly 'controversial' it ends up being nothing of the sort. The news picks up on the antics of a handful of moronic (and generally unemployed) people who are 'offended' by this, that or the other. Being that I spend a lot of time watching the area of entertainment, I usually see this in the form of some movie or television show that has someone 'up in arms.' The most recent example of this was the short-lived "The Book of Daniel" that aired a few episodes on NBC. I knew little of the series before it aired, and was only aware that it was about a flawed priest who talks to (and sees) Jesus. Well, right off the bat there were Christian groups calling the show offensive. They wanted it pulled from the network before it aired a single episode. Now this is an important point coming up, so stay with me. The show had not aired. No one in any of these Christian groups had even seen the show and they were judging it.

Keeping in mind that I'm a rather open-minded Christian, I'm embarrassed by those who profess to share my faith yet are so blinded by it that they propose to judge things sight unseen.

Personally I wanted to see the show for myself to see if it was any good first, and in any way offensive second. I just cannot pass judgment on anything without seeing it for myself. I watched the first couple of episodes and found it to be quite entertaining, while the only things I could find remotely 'offensive' would only be seen as such by those whose I.Q.'s run along the level of topsoil.

I believe there were those who took umbrage that the lead character, Daniel Webster (Aidan Quinn), was a priest was addicted to medications. Making matters worse, his wife (Susanna Thompson) enjoyed the occasional drink to sooth her nerves. Now, I don't know about you but I've known a lot of people in the church (the ministers included) who had their fair share of problems. After all they, as well as the members of their family, are human. Humans are prone to giving in to their human side, regardless of who they set their faith in. While it's true that those who lead the church need to act as an example to their congregation, there are few who can actually do it perfectly.

There was also a problem with Webster's seeing Jesus. This one really gets to me because Jesus is supposed to be there for us to lean on. In the series, Jesus is played by Garret Dillahunt, who was most recently seen in two separate roles in "Deadwood." The guy is a terrific actor, and his portrayal of Jesus made him out to be a decent guy with a pretty good sense of humor. I kind of liked the way he was presented, which was as a positive influence on a flawed family.

The network eventually gave in to the minority of misguided Christians and pulled the series, but Universal is giving the members of the Christian community that can actually think for themselves a chance to see the remaining episodes with a recent DVD release. All seven episodes that were created are offered up, and I can see where the show improved with each one. Had it been given a chance, NBC might have had a rather unconventional hit on their hands.

My only complaint about the set is that aside from a few deleted scenes there are no other extra features. These are the kinds of shows that beg to have some interviews and featurettes. After all the show suffered from the 'controversy' bug and I have to believe that the cast and crew would have loved an opportunity to answer the charges. I would jump at a chance to hear what some of them might have had to say.

Aside from that, and the fact that the show just kind of ends with a few situations unresolved, the DVD still offers some solid entertainment along with a great underlying message about the follies and foibles of being human.

Episodes:
Temptation / Forgiveness
Acceptance
Revelations
Assignation
Withdrawal
God's Will
Betrayal

Starring: Aidan Quinn
Extras: Deleted Scenes
Specifications: Widescreen (1.78:1). Dolby Digital 2.0 Surround Sound
Studio: Universal
Release Date: 9/26/2006
Region 1
MPAA Rating: NR
Website

We'll give The Book of Daniel: Complete Series a B-.