For months, rumors went around the internet that a Christian Desperate Housewives show was going to air on ABC. The show was to depict Christians in very unflattering and negative ways. Then, the hype died down, until last Sunday.
‘GCB’ aired premiered and was certainly full of drama… was it Christian drama? Well, you be the judge.
The show was originally named, “Good Christian Bi*ches,” proved to be offensive to some so the series was changed to “Good Christian Belles.” GCB is based on a book with the same ugly title (the B-word word one with seven letters). I’m really looking for the words to describe this show and I cannot find them. So, I’ll use someone who is keyed into Hollywood and who gives a better description:
After mom Amanda Vaughn loses her Ponzi-scheming husband in a sexual rendezvous-induced car accident, the former “mean girl” moves with her two children from California to her “God-often-speaks-to-me-through-Gucci” mother’s house in Dallas.
Amanda Vaughn, played by Leslie Bibb, gives a warning — disguised as a prayer — in church.In a town full of hair-sprayed holy rollers, Texas-sized cattiness ensues.
“GCB” is one part Church Lady, one part Desperate Dallas Housewives.
Kristin Chenoweth (a Christian), from ‘Wicked’ fame, is one of the show’s antagonists, who gives us such pithy one-liners as, “We all hope you’re here for good and not for evil.”
What is the show about? Well, in a few words, a number of self-serving people (Belles) find themselves in some ridiculous hometown drama. There are some really over the top moments. When one of the characters, Carlene’s husband must face questions from Carlene about owning a Hooters-type establishment, he attempts to talk his wife into the idea by holding up a Bible and says, “There is nothing in this book that says you can’t own a booby bar.”
Many Christians will be upset with this show, but it is clearly satire. The stereotypes on the show are not about all Christians, but about self-serving and shallow Christians. I really hope this show can do two things for the Christian community. First, understand that in some ways, we can look like GCB’s when we become so fake and self-centered. Two, laugh through satire when Christians miss the mark. But, GCB is on the edge between satire and outright offensive.
What is the future for GCB? I don’t know, but check it out on Sunday nights 9:00 p.m. on ABC in order to see if it becomes unholy or wholly funny.
4 Comments
I wondered just what GCB stood for! Caught part of the show; clearly satirecly & over the top, some funny bits but overall a waste of time. Do we really need another show about unreasonable excess that unfortunately; too many people will take to heart and maybe even try to emmulate?
I’m ok with it. Just had to let the idea digest for a minute. It is instantly shocking. One of the issues with Christianity is that the name “Christ” is within the name of the religion. Unlike Islam, Buddahism, Hindu, or even Jewish. When you say Christ and B*tches in the same sentence, it automatically slaps your conscience. But if it were called Good Jewish B*tches, I don’t think it would be as shocking or as offensive. I’m sure some Jewish people would be offended, but overall, it would be received like Jewish American Princesses or JAPS.
[…] set within themes of southern culture and religion. Fellow blogger and colleague, Alan Rudnick, wrote a great summary post about its plot and what the title GCB actually stands for. I would suggest that you check out his […]
I didn’t see it yet, but I generally appreciate satire… The title of the show seems to be the typical confusion that exists between “shock value” and “genuine cleverness” nowadays – but a good narrative can overcome a bad title.
I’ll check it out… Are we talking satire along the lines of “Saved!” ? If so I’ll probably appreciate it.