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| A conservative watchdog group is taking issue with NBC about its upcoming midseason series The Book of Daniel for its risque depiction of a fictional Christian community, according to The Hollywood Reporter. The American Family Association, a longtime critic of irreverent broadcast television shows dating back to the 1970s, began urging people on its Web site last week to send e-mails complaining about Daniel to NBC Universal chairman Bob Wright, the trade paper reported. The Rev. Donald Wildmon, chairman of the AFA, assailed NBC for the protagonist in the series, which he describes as a "drug-addicted Episcopal priest whose wife depends heavily on her midday martinis." Wildmon also criticizes portrayals of homosexual characters on the series, as well as its "very unconventional" inclusion of Jesus himself, who is depicted in Daniel as having regular conversations with the priest. "The Book of Daniel is a fictional drama about an Episcopalian priest's family and the contemporary issues with which they must grapple," an NBC spokesman told the trade paper. "We're confident once audiences view this quality drama themselves, they'll appreciate this thought-provoking examination of one American family." Book of Daniel, starring Aidan Quinn, begins airing Jan. 6. NBC is owned by NBC Universal, which also owns SCIFI.COM. |