Joan of Arcadia

Dear friends. I wanted pause for a moment today and put in a plug for show that many of us have been missing. It’s important, because it has a religious message that can open doors for conversation with those who fall in our sphere of influence. Time does not permit me to be more creative because I want to get a posting out prior to tonight’s episode, if only barely. If you miss it tonight, please take a serious look at viewing it, or taping it, next week. So rather than reinvent the wheel I like to quote a wise woman who works to promote such programming. She challenged me not only to watch Joan of Arcadia more, but also to help get the word out so that we, as believers, can send the message that we would like more such programming. Here is what media guru Elana Frink had to say:

JOAN OF ARCADIA is one of exactly two shows on network television to routinely discuss issues of faith- God is a recurring character, even. As religious Americans, you’d think that we’d all support this show, hold Joan watching parties, serve Joan-esque appetizers, and discuss it at length with our non-Joan-watching pals. Instead, JOAN languishes “on the bubble”, which is what entertainment industry people say when they don’t want to come right out and say “hey, this show is going to get cancelled if the numbers don’t get better.” Now, I know that some people who know their Bible better than I do have issues with the show not being Christian enough in its depiction of God. I empathize. But I also know that, for television networks, the choice is not between “A biblically inaccurate show about God” and “A biblically accurate show about God”. It’s between “Joan of Arcadia” and, pardon my crudeness, more T&A. Mainstream shows about God are a hard sell and, frankly, I’ll take what I can get. If we can rally enough support behind Joan, Hollywood will realize that Christians do watch TV- if it’s good. It’s up to us to train them to give us what we want. I’d like to ask you for three things today. First, will you mention JOAN on your blog today? The first new episode is tonight night (Friday) at 8 PM, 7 Central, and we need to get people watching. Not only could you talk about it being on the bubble, but you can be first on your block to know the dish about the season finale. On the one hand, Joan discovers why God chose her, and on the other, she discovers that there’s another person out there in contact with a greater power- only the greater power at hand is a dark one. Second, will you give JOAN a chance? It’s been preempted for March Madness, but as I said, the first new episode airs this Friday, April 1st, with four new episodes after that. Third, will you tell your friends (especially those with Nielsen boxes, hehe) about it? From experience I can tell you that JOAN is a great, low-pressure way to reach out to non-religious pals. If you’re looking for a way to start talking about faith, this could be it. In closing, I’d like to quote a gentleman with the Salem radio network I was speaking with earlier: “You may not love Joan of Arcadia, but you’re sure not going to love the alternative.”

I think Elana makes a very compelling argument. Last year we learned from “The Passion” that a main stream religious media event can have a huge impact if we can just get people in front of the screen. The same is true with television. So watch Joan of Arcadia tonight. If you read my words on Saturday or Sunday, then watch it or tape it next Friday … then talk about it at home, at school or around the water cooler. Even if you struggle with some of the theology, remember that it’s also entertainment and that’s something to discuss as well. There is so little truly worth watching these days so let’s fight for this one. I’d be interested to hear your comments about the show and, if I get enough response, I’ll deal with questions and comments in a future entry. Each of us has a voice, and this is something to talk about. Joan of Arcadia, Friday nights at 8:00 PM. Be there. Watch, listen … and then make yourself heard.