Pax, Amor, et Lepos in Iocando

Well, the new TV season is upon us. Which means it's time for Christians and others to start wailing and moaning about how horrible TV has become--especially during "the family hour."

And they're right--I mean, ugh! Everybody Loves Raymond is back and is there a less imaginative show around? Not to mention un-funny.

But there are some bright spots--I caught the first episode of Firefly last week--there's some real promise. In this look at the future, we have a cast member referred to as "the Shepherd." He's some sort of religious authority--a very itinerant preacher or somewhat. Last week he was played as a wise man, almost distant and above it all--yet he was quite concerned with the day-to-day things itself. Granted, he'll undoubtedly be the platform for all sorts of theological liberalism--but it's still nice to see religion in a nice (and necessary?) light.

And, of course, tonight's the season premier of NYPD Blue. We'll get to see how well they can follow up on one of the best seasons they've had in a looooong time. I can't wait!