Critique of "Living Biblically" on CBS

"Living Biblically" is a new sitcom on CBS this season, and the single most amazing thing about it, is that it is an actual sitcom on a major national television network in this day and age. It's refreshing, lively, and the religious characters- priest, rabbi- are actually strong, smart people.  The main character, Chip, is the most interesting, and probably the most difficult to write for, and perhaps, to play.  Kooky, goofy, and off-the-wall are adjectives that should never describe him.  The producers and actor should really put all their energy into making him quirky, smart, charming and quizzical. This is a delicate dance, no doubt.

Here's some other thoughts about making the show better-- each episode should open with Chip reading a Bible verse- and Chip can kind of have a humorous monologue about it, (or dialogue with God) and then the show is based on that verse (as is currently the situation).  And at the end, Chip should reflect on the episode's theme and end with a short prayer.  Think about Robin Williams' monologue to his dear leader at the end of  "Mork and Mindy."

The season pilot was strong throughout- but I didn't get what the Rabbi was talking about at the end of the bar scene.  The second episode was OK, but soon devolved into debased sitcom humor about peeing and blood and other cheap jokes.  All right.  I get it.  It's not easy to be smart and funny at the same time.  Throw religion and the Bible into the mix, and the writers and producers are walking a very fine edge.

I'm really rooting for this show, and want to see it succeed in a big way.  So here's some other advice- allow God to have the last word in the re-writes.  Make time for spiritual growth for all cast members, crew, writers and producers.  Start meetings with prayer.  End meetings with prayer.  Forgive those who have wronged you.  Be each others' biggest fans.  And read the Bible from cover to cover.  Many great writers stole whole stories straight from its gracious pages.  (Mark Twain - with Huckleberry Finn; Herman Melville- with Moby Dick)

Some things I'd like to see:  One of the characters have a near-death experience, and each of the characters come to terms with it.  A re-telling of the Genesis story of Joseph, within the show, in these times.

One of the reason's why AJ Jacob's book was so successful- people could relate to what he was doing, how he was digging deep into new, unfamiliar territory.  And he was honest with himself, with God and with the reader.  This is how Chip's character must be.  He should be truthful, slightly flawed- or maybe even deeply flawed. It's a tough character.  There's not another one out there in our modern world- going through a spiritual awakening.  Maybe George Bailey in "It's a Wonderful Life", but his awakening came at the very end of the story.  Tevye from "Fiddler on the Roof" is someone who was pious, but his life was an eternal struggle with G-d- as parent and father, and granter of both the good and the bad in life.  Perhaps a new character like Tevye could help the dialogue or move the story along?

I pray for the success of this show. It's important.  And I haven't successfully watched a sitcom week-in, week-out since Seinfeld.  So, I am with the workers of "Living Biblically" in spirit.  G-d bless you all.