Guide to fall T.V.

The shows you love are back and new series are just beginning. Be aware: every episode of every show you watch has a message.


Let our guide help you think through those messages and make educated decisions about which shows you should spend your time on—and which ones you shouldn’t.

Glee
Fox
We know why you love it: Every ­episode is jam-packed with fun, creativity, wit, and most of all, MUSIC! The stars are extremely talented, and the characters are dynamic. Outsiders are accepted, and value is placed on truly being yourself. This show recognizes that high school can be brutal, but, thankfully, the campy satire, spontaneous dancing, and singing make it full of merriment. “Glee” has also managed to create an interactive viewing experience with hit songs/soundtracks, national tours, and cyber contests to select future cast members.

Upon Examination: Some of you Gleeks may be sold out, but you should be cautious of taking all of the principles on this show to heart. Following your dreams and passions is part of living an abundant life. Let “Glee” inspire you in that way. However, embracing the premarital and perverse sexuality and backstabbing the show often lifts up will do nothing but derail you from reaching your goals, in life and for God.

Modern Family
ABC
We know why you love it: Three quirky families joined together through blood, love, and matrimony. “Modern Family” is full of crazy characters of all ages going through semi-relatable situations with mockumentary style commentary. Each person is funny and every show has several LOL scenes. Along with being one of the most hilarious comedies in recent history, it has lots of heart and ends every episode with a sentimental moment and a moral theme of loving your family no matter what.

Upon Examination: It is always really refreshing to see families on television who are committed to each other and laugh together. You probably recognize several things your own family has been through in this show’s plot line. But the premise of the show (as stated clearly in the title) is to redefine what the average American nuclear family looks like. This can be really beneficial in making multicultural and blended families feel validated. It is also a slippery slope that should be approached with vigilance and contemplation, especially when one of the relationships this show pushes its audience to accept is a gay couple, something that flies in the face of Christian values. The ratings success and quality of the writing, casting, and acting in “Modern Family” have made it the front-runner for all other networks to copy. So don’t be surprised if you see similar shows popping up this season.


America’s Next Top Model
The CW
We know why you love it: A dozen gorgeous and usually way-too-skinny girls compete against each other in bizarre contests and even weirder photo shoots. Outlandish judges, including Miss “I-Know-Everything-There-Is-To-Know” Tyra Banks, critique them on super model-related skills ranging from their runway walk to their “smize.” Half of the drama comes from the competition, and the rest comes from the girls trying to live together in a chic mansion.

Upon Examination: When you really think about it, there is hardly a worse show for a girl’s self image. It is the same premise as looking through style magazines: if you start to see enough tall, bone skinny, and essentially fake women, it is hard not to compare yourself or other women to those unrealistic and ­unattainable standards. The show often tries to throw in a “petite” or “plus-size” girl. In all actuality, the short girls are not that short and the bigger girls are still smaller than average. Our advice to both guys and girls: make sure you are not allowing fashion saturation to define how you see true beauty.

The Office
NBC
We know why you love it: Kooky, relatable characters that make you think life won’t be that horrible if you end up at a 9-to-5 office job. One of the first shows to really commit to subtle, awkward humor with the best/worst boss ever, Michael Scott. Not to mention, you are almost as invested in Jim and Pam’s relationship as you are your own. It is a half hour of hilarity that never lets you down.

Upon Examination: The Office is one of the only shows to ever feature everyday, normal looking people in sensible clothes. That’s a refreshing contrast to most shows’ glitz and glamour. While the show may not have in-your-face visual vulgarity, the characters play fast and loose with morals and sexuality, Even the show’s stereotypical “Christian” character, who is always an uptight buzz kill, has premarital sex without even a mention of the contradiction. It is, however, encouraging that many employees in “The Office” have priorities including family and relationships.

We know there are a lot of options to choose from when you sit down to watch TV. But as you watch, be aware. Don’t just let the shows’ messages sink into your brain without a second thought. Think through these questions as you watch:

• What is the message?
• How are the plot, characters, director, etc. drawing my attention toward that message?
• What lifestyles, values, and points of view are being lifted up?
• How do I react to this message? How would other people react differently?
• What points are being overlooked or omitted in the show’s message?
• What does the Bible have to say about that message or the omissions?
• Does this show lead me to behave or think in ways that go against God’s standard?
• Does this show honor God? Why or why not?
• Is this a show I should spend my time on?

By Julie Sallee Partin for the September 2010 issue of ec, p. 16.