TV Shows

By Rev. Eric Andrae

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).

“Buffy the Vampire Slayer” Sarah Michelle Geller Action Superhero Drama Tuesdays, 8:00 p.m., UPN (last season)

“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. Clear distinction of good vs. evil. Justice vs. injustice. Beauty vs. ugliness/grossness. Simple enough: just beat up and kill the enemies.A few profanities. Flippant reference to extra-marital sex. Fighting and bloody violence. 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.

“Angel” David Boreanaz Action Superhero Drama Wednesdays, 9:00 p.m., WB 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. 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. Nudity (bare back, non-frontal). Fighting/killing violence. Gross-looking characters. Some profanity. The characters are interesting: alternately funny, struggling, and strong. The special effect 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.

“Bewitched” Elizabeth Montgomery, Dick York Sit-com Saturdays, 6:00 & 6:30 a.m., Hallmark Bewitched is a classic hit from the 1960s. In this light-hearted comedy, Darren often finds himself in some sort of humorous predicament. His wife, Samantha, a good witch, can travel far and fast, while also taking different forms (cat, bird, etc.): as such, she can either help him out or make him nervous—perhaps she’s spying on him. Be faithful and honest and understanding and supportive. And make cute jokes. All problems solved in 30 minutes or less.None. The humor is at times thin and strained. Montgomery (Sam) shows how one can be attractive without looking slutty. If you’ve had a long day, you can turn your brain off and relax–no deep thoughts or dark demons in this one.

“Crossing Over with John Edward” John Edward (good thing he was available or they would’ve have to think of a new title) Psychic “reality” talk-show Monday-Thursday, 11:00 & 11:30 p.m., Sci-Fi John is kind (manipulative) enough to psychically “read” the “connection and energy” (communication) of the dead. They “come through” to him from “the other side” using “phone cards” (contact names), and he has to “acknowledge” their desires and permit/cause these “reunions.” His readings are rather general, but get more specific as the living urge him on while supplying greater detail. In one episode (5 May) an alive mother says, “It was the best day of my life when my [dead] daughter ‘came through’.” An alive son says, “I no longer feel grief, but only relief that [dead] Mom is still with us.” Pastor Andrae says, “This emotional manipulation is pure anti-Christian nonsense. The best day of our life is the eternal day of resurrected life with Christ. And grief is turned into joy, and mourning into dancing, NOT because Mom is still with us, but because (if) she died in Christ we know that she lives, singing his praises before his throne, waiting for our sure reunion in paradise.” The disclaimer in the closing credits (this is “not advice, instruction, suggestion, counsel, or factual...[it is] solely entertainment”) flies by so fast I had to watch it 6 times (my pause button didn’t work) and just proves what a sham this shameful show is. 1) Throw stuff at the screen (but clean it up before Mom and Dad see the mess, and make sure it can’t actually break the screen. I recommend popcorn). 2) Pray for John Edward and his guests. 3) Get a Psychic dictionary if you’re actually going to understand the show’s vocabulary. (I’m kidding about #3–don’t buy the dictionary—poor stewardship and all that).

✠ “We should fear and love God that we may not curse, swear, use witchcraft, lie, or deceive by His name, but call upon it in every trouble, pray, praise, and give thanks” (see Exodus 20:7; 1 Sam. 15:22-23a, 2 Chron. 33:6-7, Rev. 18:22-24, Gal. 5:19-21).

✠ Man, sinful by corrupted human nature, has no free will in spiritual matters; salvation is all God’s doing (1 Cor. 2:14, Psalm 51:5, Rom. 10:17, Acts 16:14b, Rom. 9:16).

✠ We are not to lust after power; God reveals himself in and through “weakness” (Matt. 5:2-12, John 13:1-5, Gal. 6:14, Luke 1:46-55).

✠ Our relationships with others, whatever condition they may be in and wherever they may be, are only through Christ (Luke 16:19-31, John 14:6, Revelation 6:9-11, 1 Tim. 2:4-5).

✠ See also: “Lord of Our Life and God of Our Salvation” (Lutheran Worship #301 or Worship Supplement #786).