Okay, I’ve never watched an episode of Survivor. It’s just not my cup of tea. As a matter of fact, I think it’s kind of ugly. All that scheming and conniving for what? Fame and fortune–at least that’s how it looks to me.
But last night’s new History Channel series, The Bible, now that’s good stuff. Edifying in the truest sense of the word.
So how to reconcile the creator of The Bible also being the creator of Survivor? Well, writers love to play “what if?” So let’s try this:
What if God wanted to get the story he’s written out to a wider audience? What if he gave the ideas for shows like Survivor and The Voice to a one of his followers named Mark Burnett knowing they’d be hugely popular with the audience he wanted to reach? And then what if God gave Mark the idea to make a 10-hour miniseries about The Bible knowing his previous success would ensure the series was made and aired?
Well, I’d say God was pretty smart. So what if I’m not a fan of reality TV? I heard Mark Burnett interviewed. He said that the way you get shows made is by having successful shows under your belt. People in Hollywood look to the people who have already proven themselves.
I wonder if The Bible would have been made if it’s producer hadn’t been wildly successful with more mainstream material? I’m guessing not. Suddenly, I think maybe Survivor isn’t such a bad show.
Meet Sarah
Good points regarding how to “get the message out.” But one must be careful to get the story right. While I could not watch it last night, several of my history scholar friends made comments on FB that there were errors in some of what was portrayed. Granted most comments by “the average Joe” on FB were glowing.
The above comment was supposed to be “Bible scholar friends”
Mark Burnett and Roma Downey were very upfront about making a few adjustments for the sake of telling a cohesive story. (Since you can’t tell it ALL in just 10 hours.) They hoped it might even inspire viewers to “check up” on them by reading the Bible. What they didn’t do, was change the message.
My kids asked me why I wasn’t watching this round of Survivor, I told them that I refuse to waste more of my time watching people behave so poorly for money. We watched the last round because some of the players were Christians and wanted to see if they lived their faith, This round? Mmm, nope.
I only managed to catch a few minute of The Bible last night, but the production values are what I expected from Mark Burnett. He does nothing half-way. Nothing.
I loved the whole two hours. Abraham was perfect, but I found Moses a tad too cheery. Next week–Joshua kicks you know what!
All of my FB friends were speculating on how the conversation would have gone as Abraham and his son were coming down the mountain… Several people thought Moses a bit “off.”
We won’t be able to see it until it comes out on DVD…drat!
The ‘Survivor’ dude may not be a bad choice; not to be irreverent, but the Bible does have its share of scheming and conniving, even among the dudes who eventually get righteous.
What a fantastic point! A little Survivor road to Damascus? Now that I’d watch!