Jesus on NBC

The NBC network, eager for new hits to reverse a ratings slump, said on Friday it has given a mid-season 2005-06 commitment to a new drama titled "The Book of Daniel," depicting Christ as a contemporary confidant to a pill-popping priest. (I detect a pill popping programmer!)

The series stars Aidan Quinn as conflicted Episcopal minister and family man, the Rev. Daniel Webster, and Oscar-winner Ellen Burstyn as his bishop. The character of Jesus is portrayed by relative newcomer Garret Dillahunt, a regular on HBO's gritty, Emmy-nominated western "Deadwood."

NBC Entertainment President Kevin Reilly said in a statement NBC's development of the show was inspired in part by the success of religion-themed novels like the "Left Behind" series and
Mel Gibson's movie "The Passion of the Christ."

Best of luck cashing in on Christ. They have obviously forgotten NBC's animated comedy "God, the Devil and Bob," that angered many Christians and flopped several years ago.

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