The "coming out of the closet" episode of "Ellen" (ABC) was rated TV-14.
This is a classic illustration that Elder L. Tom Perry was correct in his April general conference address when he asked us if we can trust anyone to create a TV ratings system.It is already apparent that we cannot trust the broadcasters' association. They are quite unwilling to assign mature ratings to mature subjects.
In early April, I monitored three television series that illustrate how unwilling the broadcasters are to assign the mature rating to network programming for mature audiences. These examples also illustrate how useless the TV rating system is to viewers.
"Sabrina" (ABC), a comedy about witchcraft, is rated TV-G for general audiences. Since when has the occult been a general topic?
The writers of "The Sentinel" (UPN) seem to hold contests to see how many bodies they can pile up and how much of Vancouver they can destroy in 50 minutes. Instead of a mature rating, it is rated TV-PG.
"Spin City" (ABC) featured an episode in which the main character has sex with a woman who somehow manages to collect his sperm and hold it hostage. She threatens to artificially inseminate herself with it. This is a comedy, mind you, a comedy that received a TV-PG rating.
The new ratings system illustrates the importance the broadcasters place on what seems to be done, rather than on what actually is done.
The system also favors the needs of advertisers, not viewers.
The more specific warning titles that the producers of "N.Y.P.D. Blue" place at the beginning of their episodes are more useful than the new ratings system.
The TV ratings system should warn us in plain language at the beginning that the episode has psychological or physical violence, implied or graphic sexual content or vulgar or profane language.
Rick Soulier
Provo