The next writer of Iron Man appears to be Justin Theroux, the same man who recently wrote another Robert Downey Jr. flick 'Tropic Thunder,' according to Variety || Jonathan Murphy will follow 'October Road' producers Josh Applebaum, Andre Nemec and Scott Rosenberg to 'Life On Mars' to play Detective Chris Skelton, according to TV Guide || Kristen Bell will return to the third season of 'Heroes' to play Elle Bishop in a multi-episode arc, according to People magazine || Ntare Mwine, who most recently starred in 'The Riches,' will do a nine-episode stint as an 'artistic African' during the third season of 'Heroes,' according to The Hollywood Reporter || Tricia Helfer, who plays Number Six in 'Battlestar Galactica,' has been cast in the Fox pilot 'Inseparable,' according to The Hollywood Reporter || The next writer of Iron Man appears to be Justin Theroux, the same man who recently wrote another Robert Downey Jr. flick 'Tropic Thunder,' according to Variety || Jonathan Murphy will follow 'October Road' producers Josh Applebaum, Andre Nemec and Scott Rosenberg to 'Life On Mars' to play Detective Chris Skelton, according to TV Guide || Kristen Bell will return to the third season of 'Heroes' to play Elle Bishop in a multi-episode arc, according to People magazine || Ntare Mwine, who most recently starred in 'The Riches,' will do a nine-episode stint as an 'artistic African' during the third season of 'Heroes,' according to The Hollywood Reporter || Tricia Helfer, who plays Number Six in 'Battlestar Galactica,' has been cast in the Fox pilot 'Inseparable,' according to The Hollywood Reporter ||

SFOTV: What Does God Need With A TV Show?

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By ED LEFT
Source: SyFy Portal
May-12-2008

The Merriam-Webster online dictionary defines "supernatural" as "of or relating to an order of existence beyond the visible observable universe; especially: of or relating to God or a god, demigod, spirit or devil; a departing from what is usual or normal especially so as to appear to transcend the laws of nature."

I bring this up because of a recent discussion I had regarding two science-fiction and fantasy genre shows, "Eli Stone" and "Saving Grace." I read a posting indicating that God was not sci-fi. With that I agree. However, I will say that within the confines of a dramatic presentation, like the series named above, God, and his agents, are fantasy.

I don’t intend to get into theology, and won’t debate the existence of God, but I do believe that television shows that depict God and his agents can’t help but be fantasy. If a show is not a documentary or a docu-drama, then it comes under the heading of a simple drama.

The above referenced discussion isn’t the first time I have had this debate with someone. A few years ago, when the series "Joan of Arcadia" was on the air, my posts regarding the show were moved from the site's sci-fi and fantasy board, to general TV. I was told the posts were moved because some members of the board my be offended by inferring that God was fantasy. When I tried to state my case, I was told plainly that God wasn’t fantasy, and that my posts couldn’t remain on a genre board.

In case you’re not aware of the show, "Joan of Arcadia" aired on CBS for two seasons beginning in the fall of 2003. The series revolved around the concept of God having conversations with a high school girl, discussing life and ideas, and asking the girl to perform tasks that helped her learn the lessons God was trying to teach. All in all, it was a very family-friendly show. It didn’t preach, and didn’t lean toward any one religion, but showed God as a being who believed in the potential of man.

The concept of faith in a deity should be strong, and one would think should transcend having your deity referenced as fantasy. I have to wonder about that faith if it can be shaken so easily. Please, let me know your opinion on this topic.

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