CBS series poses questions about God

Paula Doyle/CNS

WESTWOCDD, Calif. — Inspired TVReview as a child by the girl "icon," St. Joan of Arc, Barbara Hall grew up to She believes that depression and eventually create and produce the alienatinn occur when people'be- acclaimed CBS television series, come "separated frym their nature "Joan of Arcadia," a contemporary. and purpose in life. drama,about a teenage girl's visits WhiiJe no one religion is held up from God. oyer any otlrert one on the show, The show was both "jinxed and clergy from various denominations unstoppable," Hall said in a talk at show up to guide Joan as she tries to St. Paul the Apostle Church in West- fulfill God's sometimes confusing wood to members of Open Call, an requests. entertainment industry spirituality "It's not going to happen that we group. do a show about God and not men­ •Hall, an award-wi'nning writer tion religion," said Hall, who stood and producer of such'television her ground with industry execu­ shows as "Chicago Hope" and tives wanting a religion-free show. "Judging Amy," said she got the Hall.believes the show's "across- idea for the show thinking about the-board appeal" comes from each how her daughter would talk to God CBS/CNS episode's unpredictability an"d, per-, if she met the creator in person. She haps, the portrayals of God by would probably argue, Hall figured. Joan (Amber Tamblyn) and "Little Girl God" (Juliette Goglia), right, are pic­ rhales and females, dog walkers and When Hall went to pitch the show tured in a scene from the CBS show "Joan of Arcadia." punk rockers alike! to CBS, she had no more than three "The main thing people like isit's sentences out of her mouth before Coincidentally, the script was ney where she studied every .major not what they thought it would be," network executives said they want­ written just days before the death world religion. A couple of years said Hall. ed the show. of Ritter's father, popular actor ago she became a Catholic. The quick acceptance, however, John Ritter of "Three's Company" She decided to "make the leap preceded a number of production and "Eight Simple Rules." and figure everything out later," challenges, including casting the "I wanted the series to be as dark she said. F demanding part of "Joan" (played as life is,"'said Hall. "The show is An underlying principle of "Joan har lie's by Amber Tamblyn) and coping mainly about questions, not an­ of Arcadia" is the belief that God is RESTAURANTS with disasters that occurred during swers." available to everyone all the time, 552 Rt 104, Ontario the filming of the pilot episode, in­ When Joan sees God, appearing Hall explained. Another central "l 843 Empire Blvd., Webster cluding the heart attack a crew theme is self-discovery. in different disguises, ages and gen­ Routes 5 & 20 Canandaigua member suffered. ders, she wrestles with the assign­ "The most important thing about Just as bad things happen to good ments- she is given, many of which 'Joan of Arcadia' to me is the idea ~1~ ~ ~ $2"TO OFF" people in real life, "Joan of Arca­ don't immediately make any sense. that everybody is here (on earth) to' •*V LARGE OAFISH FRY dia" mirrors the kinds of tragedies -"I have more questions about God fulfill their true nature," said Hall. OR $1.00 OFF REGULAR that people encounter. Joan's broth­ than answers," sai'd Hall. er, Kevin, played by Jason Ritter, Raised Methodist, Hall as a young FRYE'C'HARUEBUR'GEY lives life in a wheelchair because of adult was not affiliated with any re­ BUY 1 (jwfttf. CHARLIEBURGER injuries he suffered in a car acci­ ligious denomination. Seven years ,-^5»- GET! 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