For the moment, at least, the Catholic League's protest against the ABC series "Nothing Sacred" has failed. The network has ordered nine more episodes of the show about a priest, bringing it up to a full season's worth - 22 installments.
The ratings haven't been good, but then the time slot (Thursdays at 7 p.m.) is awful, particularly for a serious drama. And you have to wonder if ABC and Disney officials weren't at least goaded into preserving the series to prove they can't be pressured into canceling a show by a politically motivated lobbying group.The Catholic League did indeed scare off some advertisers with its boycott threats, but those advertisers have been replaced and "Nothing Sacred" is fully sponsored.
And, recently, the Catholic League has itself come under criticism for its criticism of the show.
Just to reiterate, the protests against "Nothing Sacred" are misguided. This is a thoughtful, thought-provoking show that does not defame the Catholic Church.
And keep in mind the fact that the show has not been condemned by the church - it has actually been supported by some archbishops. The Catholic League for Religious and Civil Rights is an independent organization that makes no bones about its own conservative political agenda - it doesn't dispute the fact that there are Catholics like the ones portrayed in "Nothing Sacred," it just doesn't like them.
A recent editorial in Tidings, a newspaper published by the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Los Angeles, took on Catholic League leader William Donohue.
"Mr. Donohue's view of American Catholicism is but one of many," the editorial read. "Today Catholics come in all stripes and colors. Today we are challenged to discuss our differences in the context of Common Ground. . . . Mr. Donohue: Millions upon millions of good, faithful Catholics have a different experience of the church than you, and many resent your self-appointment as the censor librorum of Hollywood."
And, just last week, a group called Catholics Speak Out bought a full-page ad in the trade publication Advertising Age that attacked the Catholic League.
"As concerned Catholic leaders, we cannot in good conscience stand by while a wonderful television show is unfairly maligned," the ad read. "There are many voices of Catholicism in America. Over 60 million. The Catholic League, which has orchestrated an advertiser boycott of the program, does not represent them all."
The ad called on advertisers to support "Nothing Sacred."
Thus far, the controversy has not translated into ratings for the show. But there's still hope.
Whatever the reason ABC is hanging on to "Nothing Sacred," it is to be congratulated for its decision. We need all the quality dramas we can get.
PAST ITS PEAK: Speaking of controversial shows on ABC, let's take a look at what has happened to "Ellen."
You may recall that, what with the persistent blare of hype, last spring's episode in which Ellen came out of the closet topped the Nielsen ratings, pulling in a whopping 23.4 rating.
This past week, "Ellen" finished in a tie for 37th and garnered a 10.1 rating.
Much more significantly, the show is averaging about 14.3 million viewers each week this season - down from about 16.8 million a week at the same point last season.
That's a significant drop, particularly when you consider that "Ellen's" average was boosted greatly by the last three episodes of last season.
As expected, once the novelty wore off "Ellen" remains just a rather unfunny little sitcom.
MORE MOUSE: For the first time in almost 40 years, Disney is planning an animated TV series featuring new Mickey Mouse cartoons.
"MouseWorks," a weekly half-hour show, will feature cartoons that run for six to 12 minutes in length. It will be the first time Mickey Mouse material has been produced for television since the original "Mickey Mouse Club" went off the air in 1959.
The new series is scheduled to debut in January 1999. Where, exactly, it will be seen has not been determined - it could end up on Disney-owned ABC, cable's Disney Channel or in national syndication.
BELIEVE IT OR NOT: The following comes directly from a Fox press release about upcoming holiday programming:
" `Melrose Place' residents are hit with divorce papers, a drug overdose, thievery, blackmail and romantic rejection in the new holiday episode."
I am not making this up.
Actually, it gets even weirder. The network's publicity machine goes on to tell us that "December movies on Fox also add to the holiday spirit."
What movies are these, you ask? Would you believe the Pauly Shore idiot comedy "Son-in-Law"; the idiot comedy "The Beverly Hillbillies"; and the horror films "Bram Stoker's Dracula" and "Something Wicked This Way Comes"?
Gee, let's gather 'round to feel the true spirit of Christmas.