The District 2000-04 (89 episodes)

Usually Okay—My husband and I enjoy watching The District. I was especially impressed with the episode that aired on Saturday, Jan. 4th, 2003. This episode dealt with the issue of Catholic priests who molest children. I thought the topic was handled well, with sensitivity. I truly appreciated the scenes where the main characters were interviewed and expressed their views on faith, Jesus, religion and God. How wonderful to hear these topics discussed on prime time television!

Usually Okay—…I've been a fan of the show from the beginning and started watching it because I enjoy Craig T Nelson's acting. The show airs on Saturday nights at 9PM ET. It stars Craig T Nelson as the Chief of Police in Washington DC. The show has seemed to maintain a conservative slant as it tends to take current events and mold them into the show. Most of the shows have given at least some moments to religious ideas because one of the main characters, Temple Page (played by Sean Patrick Thomas), is a devout Christian. In this past Saturday's episode, the writers brought the recent pedophilia problems of the Catholic Church under fire. While most of Hollywood would have used this to show that organized religion, and Christianity specifically, is no better than all the rest of the secular world, the writers of The District took a different approach. In my opinion, the show upheld and defended the belief in Christ. As a matter of fact, while many shows don't shy away from the use of the name God, especially when making light of the name or using it in vain, I can't recall the last television show I saw that used the name Jesus. Not even on "Touched by and Angel" have I heard them use the name of our savior. The District, however, did just that. In stark contrast to the usual format of the show, at different intervals, they pulled the actors into a setting where they were talking directly into the camera… to the audience, about their religious convictions. During his sequence, Temple Page said something to the affect that while he was saddened by what had happened in the Catholic Church, he wasn't discouraged because the priests are men of flesh and he didn't worship a man, he worshipped our Lord Jesus. And he continued by saying that as Jesus was dying on the cross he begged the Father, "Forgive them for they know not what they do." In another scene, Jack Manion, played by Craig T Nelson, confronts a priest who is guilty of pedophilia. He picks up a Bible and reads Matthew 18:6 "But whosoever shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea." I don't know who the producers or writers of this show are and I don't know the personal religious convictions of the actors, but I certainly wish there was a way that we could say THANK YOU for giving us something good to watch!

Usually Okay—In my opinion, this is a fantastic show. It gives a great Christian perspective in Temple Page (Sean Patrick Thomas) and doesn't just nurture it. The writers put people who are against Christianity in the show, and it really helps to see how they think. My favourite episode is “Faith” where Father Debreno gets shot and they uncover the ring of pedophiling priests. It shows some of the problems that arise in Christianity, but they also have all the main characters conduct a self interview where they give their opinions on faith and God. It's great.

Usually Okay—In almost every episode of this show, there are themes of faith and God within the story line. One of the characters is a Christian and has pledged abstinence until he and his girlfriend are married. He and others have been shown praying and going to church. The best part is, Christians are not put down for their faith in this show. Although it is really not a “family” show, adults should support this great police drama. Tell your friends.

Usually Okay—I watch the District with my husband on Saturday nights. It's his favorite show. I have heard Craig T. Nelson's character give several references to the Bible. I find the shows touching. I grew up in the area surrounding D.C. and my father died in the line of duty as a fireman in D.C. 13 years ago. I know of the dangers of the city. I think the show depicts these dangers, while at the same time showing compassion that the characters have for one another. I especially liked the episode where Craig's character spoke in the church.