Disappointing "Heroes"

One of my favorite internet places to hang out is Infuze Magazine. You can find it at the intersection of art and faith. Or by clicking on the link.

They do a great job of discussing movies, television, music, novels, comic books, and video games. They promote creativity from Christians, and being a portal to the entertainment world. I enjoy going there, and I have a habit of checking a few times throughout the day to get the latest updates.

One show that they have been excited about was NBC's new show Heroes. The premise is that random people around the world begin to develop "abilities" that are special. One could say...super. The tagline is "Fate chose them - Destiny will unite them". There is the Japanese corporate drone/comic book geek who seems to be able to control time, the cute Texas cheerleader who burns and falls and gets her hand caught in things like a sink disposal, but doesn't get hurt, and the tortured artist who paints the future.

Overall it looks like a very intriguing show. Since I was the type who daydreamed of flying, saving the people around, and being extraordinary, it seems like a TV show I could finally get interested in.

Except...for one thing. Another character is Niki Sanders, a single mom with a gifted child who is in trouble with the Las Vegas mob for owing money. So to make money, she does what any typical blonde, beautiful American would do: she strips. In her home. On the net. For money.

Ooooo-kay. The creators take a great concept, but apparently think that it cannot fly on its own. So! Let's introduce a character whose main purpose is to take her clothes off and titillate the audience. And she does. Not 10 minutes into the show she is down to thong underwear with her back to the camera. You may ask if the extended view of her skin adds to character development or further the plot...

I am frustrated. I don't want to be a stereotypical "family-values" person who rants and raves about Hollywood. But come on! I would really like to challenge Tinsletown: are you even capable of creating something that is interesting without resorting to the lowest common denominator of sex? As I watch TV (which is rarely anymore), even the commercials show nearly naked women - typically as victims of brutal crimes for forensics shows to focus on (let's add brutality to our sex, yeaaaah).

Yes, there is free speech and freedom of expression. But is there any such thing as "the greater good"? Just because we can push the envelope, should we? We know that sex sells. The only reason I started watching Star Trek: Voyager was, to my chagrin, the character Seven of Nine - a tall, leggy blonde in a tight catsuit. The show later caught my interest, but the only reason I stayed around was due to Seven. But I refuse to do that with Heroes. I've had it. I don't care if I'm the only one to take a stand, but I will not have pornography beamed into my house by my volition.

What does this have to do with Infuze? I hope that as a great resource site for Christians, they can spur a discussion of where people of faith and creativity go from here. I agree with them that Heroes seems like a great concept for sci-fi/comic book fans. But I can only go so far. I plan on seeing it one more time, to see where it goes next week. But I won't be drawn in by blatant images like that. I don't need it, my family doesn't need it. If it continues, goodbye Heroes.