One of the things I've gained in college is a deep appreciation for, of all things, adult-oriented television. Everything from Stephen Colbert's talk shows to AdultSwim's vulgar cartoons have really struck a chord with my current generation. And what makes a lot of the stuff (the good stuff) most notable is the intelligence and creativity involved. One cartoon, "Moral Orel," has decided to spend the second season going backwards through the first season and rather than debasing religious fanaticism like they use to, they now seem to be presenting an argument about life in conservative America. Or look at South Park, which has turned from little kids swearing to little kids finding themselves trying to navigate complex social issues (such as last week's episode, where it turned out that McCain and Obama actually used the election as a ploy to steal a very expensive ruby).
Yes, it's vulgar. But the cream of the crop are trying to say something. Or a lot of things. I think it's an interesting development of our current era, and it should be followed and valued for what it's presenting. And how.
Below is a clip from "Frisky Dingo," in which we find that the hero's ex-henchmen (yes, you read that right) aren't quite on the same page. Or the same area of study.
Yes, it's vulgar. But the cream of the crop are trying to say something. Or a lot of things. I think it's an interesting development of our current era, and it should be followed and valued for what it's presenting. And how.
Below is a clip from "Frisky Dingo," in which we find that the hero's ex-henchmen (yes, you read that right) aren't quite on the same page. Or the same area of study.
It's great to see others watching, and perhaps even enjoying, Moral Orel.
I find your take interesting. I saw the first season of Moral Orel slightly differently than you. Rather than "debasing religious fanaticism" I saw a rather complex set of motivations at play. The most obvious was the creator's desire to point out the hypocrisy that so often hides beneath the surface of the churches in America (and perhaps, in all religions). In fact, a writer for the show, Scott Adsit, is quoted as describing the show this way: "This is about hypocrites, it's not about Christians."
But at a deeper level, the theme of Moral Orel really seems to be a quest on the part of Orel, a sincerely devout child, to find for himself the relationship with his Deity. I believe that really comes through when we see Orel in the "Praying Bee" competition, and he connects with the spiritual in a profound way. In each episode Orel grapples with the Truth that is presented, and then must learn to separate the flawed implementation of the Truth from the Truth itself.
Perhaps that is what personal journeys of spirituality are all about. Rightly divining the Truth in a sin-filled world.