Various occult themes are being used more and more in prime-time TV shows, especially in those aimed at youth. In this issue’s “Pulse” we take a look at some of the most popular, as well as a classic from the past and a talk-show. As Christians and Lutherans, we must be always vigilant and aware in fighting the forces of darkness (Eph. 6:10-18).
Show: Starring: Genre: Airs:
“Buffy the Vampire Slayer” Sarah Michelle Geller Action Superhero Drama Tuesdays, 8:00 p.m., UPN (last season)
Critique/Summary: “My mission is to save the world,” says Buffy, equipped with super strength, an incredible gift of timing, and captivating looks, along with her bevy of beautiful and able-bodied battlers (the “Potentials”). Obviously, there’s a “spiritual” dimension here, as the web-site proclaims:“Into each generation a Slayer is born. One born with the strength and skill to fight the vampires, demons, and monsters, to stop the spread of their evil and the swell of their numbers.” Sunnydale itself, Buffy’s home, sits on top of Hellmouth: a two-way street to an evil world that all the bad guys would very much like to unleash on earth in order to bring about its end. World-View: Clear distinction of good vs. evil. Justice vs. injustice. Beauty vs. ugliness/grossness. Simple enough: just beat up and kill the enemies. Objectionable Material: A few profanities. Flippant reference to extra-marital sex. Fighting and bloody violence. Recommendation: Because of age and desired power, teen girls will identify; because of looks and dress, boys will ogle–neither option is necessarily good.“Buffy” is interesting, even mesmerizing, but not always edifying. Show: “Angel” Starring: David Boreanaz Genre: Action Superhero Drama Airs: Wednesdays, 9:00 p.m., WB
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Critique/Summary: Angel, an apparently immortal vampire with a conscience, similarly to Buffy, wants “to save the world and a few lost souls,” including his own, all from his home-base of Los Angeles and elsewhere, including alternate dimensions. With assistance from his group, including his son Connor, he battles an assortment of weirdos and demonic creatures. World-View: Again, good vs. evil. Also, claims Angel,“We’ve all done horrible things. All we can do is try to make up for it.”Though struggling with his own fate, Angel is clearly a “good guy,” but this statement, and others of his, denies God’s power and God’s grace, as he tries (fruitlessly of course) to work out his own redemption, rather than relying on Christ alone. Objectionable Material: Nudity (bare back, non-frontal). Fighting/killing violence. Gross-looking characters. Some profanity. Recommendation: The characters are interesting: alternately funny, struggling, and strong.The special effects are cool. But the confusing plot(s) and the confusing world-view make this at least a non-must-see and maybe even a must-miss.
