Vidthoughts by Joe Coughlin: "Mr. Deity"

I've seen "Mr. Deity" listed on iTunes for awhile now, but I've never had the courage to click on it. I guess I was afraid it would be one of those shows that looks like a fun show, but then sucks you into a crazy Kirk Cameron "Way of the Master" rant about why intelligent design is the way the world was created by God because man can hold a banana.

Fortunately, I've now found that this is not the case.

"Mr. Deity" is a video podcast created, written and starring Brian Keith Dalton as the title character, a distracted, lazy version of the Christian God. He's surrounded by his assistant Larry, son Jesus (though he keeps calling him Jesse), and on-again, off-again girlfriend Lucy (aka Lucifer). Larry's charged with the thankless task of keeping the inconsistencies of Mr. D consistent. Jesus is just hoping for crucifixion coverage on his health insurance and working on his miracles in his spare time (and to save money). Lucy is continually outraged at how women are portrayed in "the script.. Oh, and she forbids him to do anything else with virgins. She's jealous.

I would think that believers would be just as scared seeing noted atheists Michael Shermer and Julia Sweeney giving the show glowing reviews on the front page of the website as I was when I thought it was an extension of Mike Seaver's ministry. But I don't think that many believers will find anything that offensive. The humor is gentle and it never tries to make anyone feel bad for believing.

The writing is sharp and the editing spot-on. While the whole of the series consists of people speaking to each other, there's rarely a static two shot that goes on long enough for you to notice. Quick cuts and great reaction shots add to the feeling that the show is longer than its listed 3-4 minute runtime. Sadly, the biggest problem of the show is one it cannot help. It takes time to make episodes that look so good and are written so well. So unfortunately there are only 20 episodes of the show and you can quickly run through them. The second season recently ended, so here's hoping the third isn't too far away. I can't wait to see what they do with the other member of the Trinity, the Holy Ghost/Spirit (I'm sure they're focus grouping the name as we speak).

[Comments and suggestions for future columns are welcome. I can be reached at inturnaround at gmail]

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