Customer Reviews

The Book of Daniel - The Complete Series

5 star:		(60)
4 star:		(10)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

I loved this show - it depicted the human side of religion. I was incredibly disappointed when the network pulled the plug on this show. I don't know what the ratings were like, but I doubt they were low enough to merit a mid-season cancelation. This well-done series deserves a second chance - I'd love to see it on a cable station. Don't be bullied by the lobbyists! I'm glad to see it's being released on DVD!

I'm so pleased that this wonderful show will be available to enjoy again; I only saw a few episodes because our affiiate in Milwaukee bowed to the protests of a small few, and it was taken off. It's been a while, but I remember Aidan Quinn giving a fine interpretation of a conflicted man; a just and right and Christian man, facing issues that affect all of society. Also, a family man, with those profound concerns as an added challenge. As I recall, Jesus Christ had conversations with him, and this seemed to offend some closed-minded fundamentalist types. What I found intriguing was that we all like to think of our own clergymen as having some kind of connection to the Lord. Clergymen pray, and all this show portrayed was a clergyman's converations with the Lord, and his interpretation. Apparently, anyone who didn't appreciate "The Book of Daniel" are those who don't believe in prayer or their clergymen. Anyone who thinks that Jesus Christ isn't with us all the time shouldn't call himself a Christian. If the fundamentalists are offended by this show, then I'm offended by their idiot, closed-minded approach to spirituality. This show must have been especially interesting to the agnostics, if only for it's soft approach to a touchy subject matter. I write this with absolute respect to other religions, but encourage them to witness a well-written show, rife with humor as well as serious subject matter, to know that no one, even a clergyman, has all the answers, and that the Lord, whatever you may call him, is always there and it's comforting to know that we're not alone. We're also not alone with a brilliant cast and writing staff, that attempted to portray life and its foibles with aplomb and generous amounts of common sense. If you don't like it, don't watch it. How hard is that to understand...? I particularly liked the idea that Jesus was portrayed with a sense of humor; the doom & gloom fundamentalists can stew in their virtue. Let the (majority) rest of us alone.

Elated would be an understatement as to how I feel about this show being available for purchase on DVD. This was THE only quality television show available to watch before it was cancelled (and we all know why...low ratings my %$#%@). I urge EVERYONE to buy it and hopefully the interest will spark Showtime or HBO to pick it up and run with it!! This show is not only funny, but warm, thought provoking, and incredibly acted by all the actors especially by Aidan Quinn. BRAVO!!

This was by far the best written, most innovative and incredible shows to have appeared on network TV in quite a while and they have to go and cancel it. I am pre-booking my dvd today so I can enjoy this show over and over, and I pray (no pun intended) that it gets picked up by cable and is on the dish network. BRAVO for the dvd!!!

What a wonderful joy to see "The Book of Daniel" again! I had not realized how quickly attached I had become to the characters; it was like seeing old friends. As one other reviewer noted, I too watched it all in one sitting.

Though the DVD contains only the seven episodes filmed prior to its getting the axe by NBC network execs due to protests from the Dominionistic-minded Christian Right, I am grateful for what there is. I had hoped that the episodes might contain cast or director commentaries, maybe even scripts and a photo gallery. Still, I am not complaining. My only complaint is that some other cable giant (like HBO or Showtime) has not found the nerve to pick up on this wonderful portrait of a not-so-perfect Christian world and placed it into the safer environment of cable television. If ANYONE is listening, PLEASE bring this show back to us!!

Great DVD. Great message!! Definitely worth the bucks!

I am so happy this is being released on DVD. I wish HBO or Showtime would pick this up where NBC left off. It is a shame it got cancelled because it shows humanity and that was too much for many to accept. Great great series.

The Book of Daniel was one of the most poignant TV offerings of our
time. It was prematurely canceled due in large part to pressure from
the religious right.

Telling the story of an Episcopal priest and his family, it touches on
a full compliment of social issues as the family struggles with "real"
life from a context of faith. If the viewer can keep in mind that while
it is unlikely, though not impossible, for one family to face all these
issues at the same time, there are are family's, both in and outside
the Church, that experience each of these issues...and often in
combination with others--then this show can change your life or at
least the way your view your life, faith, God and the Church in
general. Like real life, it tickles the funny bone, tugs at the heart
strings, and causes the brain to say "hhmmmmm?" Throughout the family's
struggles and joys Daniel, the priest speaks with Jesus...not just in
traditional prayer to the unseen deity, but Jesus actually appears to
Daniel... seated in the car next to him as he drives to and from
appointments...over his shoulder in the mirror as he prepares for
Sunday morning worship...even walking in the park. The character of
Jesus and his conversations with Daniel (apparently offensive to some
Christian mindsets) are at the heart of the show. It is here that
Daniel explores his own questions of faith (also offensive to some). It
is here that we see a true and real relationship between Jesus and one
of his "flock." It is here that we see the Jesus of the Bible...caring,
witty, smart, teacher, savior...at least the way I, a not-always-humble
(mainline denomination) pastor read and understand the Bible.

Watch this series! Give it chance! Let it work on your life! If it
angers you...ask "why?" If it moves you, beg for the creators to
continue the story. If you feel nothing...well...really ask "why?" I
love this show!!

This is a wonderful programme, and the DVD gives us the chance to see it all (even episodes and scenes skipped over in the all-too-short network run.) From a light hearted beginning -- a tongue in cheek portrayal of Episcopalian Christianity -- the series moves into some heart wrenching, very difficult and entirely human situations. Complicated folk (no plaster saints here) wadding through the high waters of life from the place of faith and Christian community. "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you, when you walk through fire you shall not be burned and the flame shall not consume you." (Isaiah 43.2)

As a Christian in the Episcopalian tradition, I was one of the many viewers who became immediately hooked by this well-written, beautifully-acted, intelligent show. And I was tremendously disappointed when, bowing to pressure from the religious Right (who seem to think they have the exclusive rights to Jesus), the network pulled it after airing only a few episodes.

Now, having seen the full "first" season on DVD, I'm even more saddened at the network's caving in to the forces of intolerance. Because the show just gets better and better with each episode: more powerful, more heart-wrenching, more deeply reflective about real issues of faith lived in the context of actual life. The penultimate episode, "God's Will," is one of the most extraordinary and moving episodes of television series drama I've ever seen.

Aiden Quinn, Susannah Thompson and Ellen Burstyn all give remarkable, Emmy-deserving performances. The writing is sharp and, in many instances, hilarious.

Like others, I don't understand why HBO or Showtime hasn't picked up this marvelous series and continued it. I'm ready for more!

Brilliantly written, filmed, scored, and acted, "The Book of Daniel" was the best show to be on television in many years. The intriguing storylines that tugged at the heart were such a welcome treat to intelligent viewers. The acting featured superb performances by Aidan Quinn, Ellen Burstyn, and Susannah Thompson (who should have received an Emmy). This was a rare show that made you eager to see the next episode.

In the final analysis, this show was about people, relationships, love, and suprises more than "religion." Quite simply, it was the best show on television -- ever.