Open Discussion – September 24, 2008
Sep 24, 2008 by Vic HoltremanIt’s Wednesday so that means it’s time for our weekly discussion post/open forum.
Talk about whatever you like as long as it’s related to movies, TV …
It’s Wednesday so that means it’s time for our weekly discussion post/open forum.
Talk about whatever you like as long as it’s related to movies, TV or Screen Rant itself.
Around the web:
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Heroes, Battlestar Galactica, and apparently the Sarah Conner Chronicles have an element of personal faith in them.
With Heroes, the bloom is already off the rose, because we know that Linderman is “god” and that Nathan is inviting an old sex fling into his private circle.
BSG’s messiah complex has been just creepy. Eclipsed only by the creepier cylons’ god fixation.
Babylon 5 had some faith moments. I’m watching the series for the first time, and they had a whole show based on the concept of Christian forgiveness. They also had a show with strong advice by preachers.
Deep Space 9 gave respect to the Bajoran religion and prophets.
I have thought of science fiction being a somewhat agnostic genre, and have thought that non-religious folks might have a problem with spiritual elements in a series. After watching B5, I conclude that if personal faith can be a part of a story, or even come to the forefront at times, if the show spends time on all aspects of the fictional culture.
Babylon 5 and its creator are very spiritual.
The entire shadow war, is good vs evil, or is it,,,?
Holly crap Vic are you taking Ginko Bibloba?
Oh come on jc, what, you never read “DUNE”, “Stranger in a Strange Land”, “The Nine Billion Names of God”, “Manifold: Time”, “Machine Goddess” and “The Race For God.” Not to mention “X-Files”, SG-1, all the other “Star Trek” you didn’t mention..it’s practically oozing out everywhere.
Oozing faith, that sound like an “X-Files” episode right there.
It’s a good thang.
Star Trek was anti-God or sans God. DS9 was the exception. I’m not talking about books, but the science fiction/superhero genre. I’ve never watched X-Files, I got enough paranormal with Kochak (Night Stalker?)
Jc, how is Star Trek anti-God ???
Sorry JC, I’ve always found the superhero genre to be really spiritual, especially the darker ones like Hellboy and Ghost rider!
Really STTOS?? I guess you never saw episode 54 “Bread and Circuses?” Episode 67 “The Empath” has an alien take on a Christ like quality. Episode 52 “Omega Glory” portrays the Yangs as having a faith in a higher power and of the Devil.
All those TNG episodes that went on about Klingon’s and Sto-Vo-Kor, like episode 149 “Rightful Heir.”
In “X-Files” Dana struggles with faith in God and her faith in science. You missed out there, X-Files wasn’t all paranormal. I do admit the paranormal stuff was less interesting IMO. So I agree with you on that point.
The “DUNE” mini series hits both genres. Quite well I think..
I have to bring up the awesomeness that is Eagle Eye. Easily 2nd best film of 08 in my opinion. Wait for the reviews but I doubt any will have a negative tone.
Non stop white knuckle ride
Well just got word today “Eagle Eye”, “The Day The Earth Stood Still”, and “Madagascar 2″ will be released for IMAX showing.
Mind you most of these films weren’t filmed in native IMAX but are up-converted from another format 35MM to IMAX for example. I’m unsure where “Madagascar” stands on this, but since it’s playing in both venues I suspect an up-conversion for it as well.
@790
I totally don’t get the “Ginko Bibloba” reference.
@Atomic Popcorn
I’ll have a review of Eagle Eye up on Friday. I’m really torn… while it was overall satisfying as an action flick, but it was also pretty ridiculous.
Vic
Lol Vic,,,
Ginko Bibloba, is a natural herb that’s used to improve memory…
@790
Ah, ok… now I get it.
Vic
LoL
Star Trek TOS was anti-god? Hmmm. Uhura mentioning that the Son was the Son of God in “Bread and Circuses”; in the episode “Who Mourns for Adonis”, Kirk says “We have no need for gods. We find the One sufficient”; who is the One?
Also, Battlestar Galactica was created by a Mormon. The LDS faith believe that heaven is located in a system called Kolob; “Kobol” spelled differently.
Ok all Firefly and Serenity Fans Joss Whedon is not the only one with a new show look for Nathan Fillion as Richard Castle in Castle coming as a ABC mid-season replacement also go to castletv.net to check out the rest of the cast
I don’t think TOS was anti-God. However I do believe that TNG had a definite atheistic point of view.
Not to mention Socialist.
Vic
thats why I liked TNG better
thats why I think star trek 5 failed at the Theater
Hey Vic any one ever tell you that you look like Rorschach (Jackie Earle Haley ) LOL
I would say TNG is more agnostic than atheistic. There are definate Socialist ideals in the show.
Star Trek 5 failed because it was directed by a hack. Mr. Nimoy, if you let Shatner get near a directors chair again, I will have to trim those Vulcan ears of yours!
I wonder if there is something about american tv. Being a Brit, often found the whole faith thing creeping into shows from your side. Even ones supposedly anti it. I remember watching the Simpsons episode where Homer doesn’t go to church and wondering what the big deal was. Plus he went back.
I’ve seen a number of shows which will question, question, question, then leave it a bit more hopeful at the end.
British TV doesn’t have that problem, although we also get the messiah complex now and then. Just look at the new Doctor Who, and RTD is a well known atheist!
But you have Red Dwarf, definitely leaning to no-god, and other shows just got on with the scifi.
I just wonder if leaning pro-faith is something that needs to be done in the US because of mainstream thinking.
Then again, faith and philosophy would be part of questing through the universe. As long as it isn’t too preachy, I’m fine with it.
@David Dale
As a matter of fact, I have been told that before.
And here I thought I looked like Brad Pitt…
Vic
@Mr. Git
Gee I hope the Brits don’t perceive American TV as pro-faith.
That’s scary.
Honestly, what I watch wouldn’t be shown in religious circles anyway. But that’s a whole nothing post.
It just seems odd to me that Sarah Connor and now Heroes are getting real symbolic on Christ.
Its the timing of it all,,,,
I meant to say “especially Next Generation.” I think I edited it out by mistake. For instance, one episode had the Federation studying a race prior to First Contact, where their cloaking technology failed and the people started worshiping them. The show belittled faith in general.
Old Man, John Taylor, I’m just about old enough to have watched TOS during its first run. I could never get over the fake props. I have a styrofoam boulder quota, you know. I thought it was like watching a bad puppet show. In fact, Pigs In Space had better special effects.
“Gee I hope the Brits don’t perceive
American TV as pro-faith.”
Ha. Ha Ha. HAHAHAHA!!!
I’m sorry, I don’t see how ANYONE could perceive American TV as a whole as being pro-faith.
Vic
Wtf???
JC,,,, “their cloaking technology failed and the people started worshiping them. The show belittled faith in general.”
Belittled faith,,, ???
How does anyone know that the (ancient astronauts) that are clearly depicted in the tombs of some of the pyramids on Earth, didn’t have the same prob.
Havnt you seen the pictographs of ancient ufos visiting earth back before Christ.
Ever see the episode “Inner Light” ???