On Mon, Sep 21, 2009 at 12:49 PM, Dave Sikula <[email protected]> wrote: > > From Cynopsis: "Penn Jillette and Teller, the comedic/illusionist team > made a deal to star in a project for ABC somewhat based on their own > lives, reports Variety. ABC gave the one-hour Penn and Teller project > a script order about a pair of Las Vegas magicians by night and > reluctant detectives by day." > > I like the boys (in spite of Penn's sleaziness -- remind me to tell > you about the time he tried to pick up on my niece), but this sounds > dreadful.
OK, I'm reminding you. I was recently talking with a friend about the next big shock-factor in television. There was a time when Archie Bunker's prejudices could shock America. Then there was a time when Jack Tripper could pose as a gay man to live with Suzanne Sommers and Joyce Dewitt, and that would shock America. Language used to shock people. Nudity used to shock people. Violence used to shock people. There are very few things that still cause people (actual people, not the PTC) to be shocked. In our society, I noted to my friend that atheism still causes a substantial portion of the population to go berserk, and that the next shocking TV show will probably feature a non-believing character. I also said that Bill Maher's caustic brand of atheism (where he insults those who "believe in the talking snake") probably wouldn't come first -- that there would be a kinder, gentler atheist. Then I said, "you know, like Penn." I used to listen to Penn's radio show almost daily (it was on the same time I was working in an office which forced us to take 60 minute lunches, a concept I'll never understand, as I'd much rather take a shorter lunch and leave earlier or arriver later... I ended up using the time listening to podcasts of Penn's show while creating a new database, which I believe is still in use at the OC DA's office, and for which I didn't get paid a dime), and Penn would freely discuss his "lack of vision." It annoyed me as someone who does believe in God, but whenever confronted, Penn would very calmly and politely state his reasons, and poke gentle fun at believers and non-believers alike. And he didn't make it his life's pursuit to bring people to his side. It was a part of him, for better or worse, and that was that. I think it would be interesting to see Penn play such an atheist on the show, not because I want to glorify his opinion, but because he could bring the debate front and center without it descending into petty name calling. And he could do so in an entertaining way. And it would shock people, which is what television is supposed to do. -- Kevin M. (RPCV) --~--~---------~--~----~------------~-------~--~----~ TV or Not TV .... The Smartest (TV) People! You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "TV or Not TV" group. To post to this group, send email to [email protected] To unsubscribe from this group, send email to [email protected] For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/tvornottv?hl=en -~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~---
