NBC Pairs Jesus, Pill-Popping Priest in TV Pilot

[Newsjock]

http://www.reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml?type=topNews&storyID=7941926

BURBANK, Calif. (Reuters) - NBC, praying for new hits as it weathers a post-"Friends" ratings slump, may soon be bringing Jesus to prime time -- not as a biblical miracle worker, but as a modern-day private savior for a pill-popping priest.

That's the scenario for "The Book of Daniel," one of several pilot dramas developed at NBC as possible additions to its 2005-2006 schedule and showcased on Thursday for a gathering for advertisers.

... According to NBC's promotional materials, its pilot drama depicts Jesus as a "contemporary, cool" figure who appears as a personal confidant to an Episcopal minister named Daniel Webster (Aidan Quinn), who in turn is wrestling with family issues and a dependence on prescription pills. The cast co-stars Oscar-winner Ellen Burstyn as Daniel's church superior and newcomer Garrett Dillahunt as Jesus.

more

[punpirate]

1. Why am I not surprised?.... n/t

[Jack Rabbit]

2. I can just hear what the fundies will say, and for once I'll agree

Image from Kill Your Television

[nothingshocksmeanymore]

3. succinct, JR

:hi:

[no_hypocrisy]

4. I remember on "Soap" that the priest, Father Tim, wanted to give

Oreos as the wafer and had the hots for Diane Canova on the show.

Daniel Webster sounds like a normal guy who wears a collar.

[w13rd0]

5. I'll watch the show...

...if just ONCE they have Jesus emerging from the water closet after "taking his kids to the pool".

[norml]

6. Now if only they can make it a musical it would be complete.

It has great camp potential.

[The Doctor.]

7. I'll suspend 'judgement' until I see what the writers have concocted. nt

[Teaser]

8. I want a pill popping Jesus.

That would rock.

[dhinojosa]

9. They can re-use the "I'll be there for you' theme song

awwwwwwwwwww.

[OneBlueSky]

10. betcha we'll be seeing lots of religiously themed programming . . .

from the networks in the next couple of years . . . helps in disseminating the corporatocracy's propaganda package to a receptive audience of right-wing sheeple, don'tcha know . . .

[saracat]

11. It can't be all bad if it has Aden Quinn! Actually, it has potential.

I hope the fundies heads implode!:)

[Rex]

12. By episode 10 Daniel will be fighting Satan in a 1 on 1 grudge match

with kewl FX and Daniel will win and be granted kewl new powers by Jesus like flight or xray vision... :crazy: