The Book of Daniel - The Complete Series
Picture:
C+ Sound: C+ Extras: C- Episodes: C
Some say
there should be a separation of church and state, I propose on the other hand a
separation of church and television. The Book of Daniel compiles as an out
of control drama, based in upper class suburbia, centralizing on a Minister and
his dysfunctional family. There is the
pain killer addicted Reverend, the alcoholic wife, the gay son, the emotionally
disturbed daughter, and man-whore/adopted son; throw in a crack-head kid in a
wheel chair and we got ourselves a Life-Time movie of the week. This dramatic series riddled with dysfunction
leaves the audience asking why. The
acting caliber of the show is quite good, but the constant chaotic nature of these
characters’ world is less than desirable.
It seems
as though before the audience can grasp one issue in this family’s life another
problem arises, which to some extent may the writers’ intention, but overall it
leaves an audience confused and unable to relate. Beyond the personal problems of the family,
the great Reverend (Aidan Quinn) deals with a missing church treasury of $3
million dollars, which finds its way to the hands of the local Mafia who
connive their way into becoming the construction company for the church’s new
school. Overall, the show’s loose focus
and uninspiring drama is where the show fails, in this now canceled series.
The
quality of DVD’s picture is not bad, but often times is off balance and too
bright in its anamorphic Widescreen 1.78:1 presentation. The sound is just as good as the picture,
which doesn’t say all too much, but being presented in Dolby Digital 2.0 Stereo
lacks in many ways and contains problems of balance as well. The extras for this 2 DVD, 8 episode set are
less than stellar, lacking in content.
All that is offered for this short lived series is a few deleted scenes
and nothing more. Presumably another
special feature could be the 4 extra episodes which were never aired on
television, but having four extra episodes on a set that is only eight episodes
to begin with is not too much of a stretch.
In the
end, The Book of Daniel was somewhat
enjoyable but overall forgettable. Many
actors on this series had better past projects and this reviewer is certain they
will find more inspiring ventures. It is
apparent for many reasons why this was a short lived series, even appearances
by Jesus himself could not save this show (seriously, Jesus made appearances!).
Skip this DVD set and pray for better
television.
- Michael P Dougherty II
