The Book of Daniel

Wow that was actually a really awesome show. I didn't really know what to expect but that was great. I was just kinda putting it on for the sake of watching the first five minutes and seeing what it was like and maybe switching to it on commercials but wow! I ended up watching the whole 2 hours and flipped to OTHER shows on the commercials. I was wondering about the big hype on it being wrong and actually somewhat agreed by how the commercials portrayed it but it wasn't like that at all. I am not religious even though I've tried lol... but i loved the way they portrayed Jesus. They showed him as a human being and i loved it. So anyways.. what i was trying to get across was that i loved it and it's a great show! I also loved how they embraced their son's homosexuality.. they showed him not really wanting it but at the same time accepting him for who he is and loving him anyway.

I have avoided network television (except sports, news and weather) for years due to steady stream of mind numbing "reality shows" and the worst writing since television first became a staple in the American home.

Finally a well written, creative and well cast show that dares to bring comedy back by poking fun at religion. Plus, it does this within the constraints of Network censors.

It still needs some work with timing and character development, but given a chance it could become the most original and best comedy since SOAP.

Somebody learned for Susan Harris.

Great Show.

Finally---a realistic look at "church" in America: an often unholy sometimes ungodly mix of church politics, dysfunction and human frailty. A few fundamentalist preachers will rant, aghast, from the pulpit tomorrow (Sunday, Jan. 8, 2006) about this premiere and bandy about such terms as heresy and blasphemy without a notion of their true meaning, or diplomas from accredited institutions of higher learning. But a majority of thinking Christians (and Jews, Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, atheists and agnostics) will recognize a story about people easy to care about, who remind us that life isn't about halos and wings and covered dish suppers--it's about struggle, addiction, suffering, disappointment, redemption, and love.

Presented in a genius blend of outrageous fortune and unexpected moments of grace, The Book of Daniel is a reason to stay home on Friday nights.

I've heard all the bad press on this "anti-Christian" show. Well, I am a Christian. I am also a conservative, real conservative. I find myself loving old reruns and old movies quite a bit and disliking "modern" shows more and more. Yet, I'm still trying to decide where I stand on this show. I actually recorded it so I could watch w/o missing anything.

Something I loved was when Daniel asks Jesus if he is chosen, since Jesus so often talks with him. Jesus responds. that he talks to most people, but most don't listen. As a Christian, I can totally agree with that concept. I also love Daniels apparent practice of grace. Grace is the concept that allows Christians to accept people without judgment. But, it's one thing not to judge people, it's quite another to let someone play with fire, w/o telling them they'll be burned.

For example, when that engaged couple comes to him for counseling. My church and most other churches will tell the couple that sex before marriage is wrong, instead he gives them advice less out of the Bible, and more out of Dr. Ruth's handbook.

Outside of my Christian viewpoint, I've one other criticism of the show. It's trying too hard. This one family has a gay son, another son that has sex with every girl he meets, a daughter that is dealing drugs, a father/husband that appears to have an addiction to his pain pills, an alcoholic wife/mother, a lesbian sister in law, a mother/grandmother that has Alzhimers--sorry for the spelling on that one-, a father/grandfather that may be having an affair, and a best friend with mob connections.

SLOW DOWN!!!! I know that we all have problems, but egad, can't they let someone be normal.

I am glad of the positive portrayal of Jesus though. Was I the only one that noticed he was wearing a seat belt?

I enjoyed watching the 2 hour premiere of this show. It was light-hearted and I thought the character development was great! The issues of the characters were real situations that probably exist more than you would think in families. Aiden Quinn is fantastic as Daniel. The person who plays his wife is funny as well. The adopted son was a little obnoxious at first but I think that was just part of developing the character. I really liked the scenes when Daniel talks to Jesus. Again is mostly light-hearted. It shows the close relationship he has with Jesus and how he always looks to him for guidance. I hope they develop the Nanny lady's character more in the future. I felt they kind of left us hanging when it came to her. I think she will be an important part of the plot line of the show. This show makes me want to start going to church again! I hope this show has a long shelf life. I recommend it totally!