'Such Flawed Humans'

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"It would have to be pretty bland not to offend anyone," says Ellen Burstyn, who plays Bishop Beatrice Congreve. "The whole idea of doing a series where the context allowed for the exploration of some moral issues and a look at our values in 2005 in America seemed like a worthy playground to play in."

Burstyn says she was attracted to the idea of playing a character who is "both political and spiritual."

"She's someone who is not only a spiritual leader, but she's somebody who has risen through the crystal ceiling of the hierarchy of the church," she says. "I liked the idea of playing a bishop, because I think other churches need to be encouraged to think of women as part of the hierarchy, and the more we can put that out there in the consciousness, I think it's a good thing."

That "Daniel" is set in an Episcopal church, rather than in some unnamed Protestant community, was a deliberate choice by Kenny, the series' creator, Quinn says.

"His being impressed with the Episcopalian church and their inclusiveness and the conflict that's going on within it as far as social issues, I think, is what attracted him to set this family in the midst of that church," Quinn says.

To get the details right--especially for scenes that take place during worship--Kenny consulted with an Episcopal priest. But, the actors say, viewers shouldn't get too caught up in the Episcoplian setting.

"I think the details of the Episcopal church are imperative, but I think the rest of it is very universal in terms of religion, spirituality, and faith being a back-drop," says Susanna Thompson, who plays Judith, Daniel's wife.

Her character remains haunted by the death of their son Jim, often turning to alcohol for solace. As a pastor's wife, she has a public role in the church, and also takes steps to start working outside of their home for the first time in many years.

"In terms of the spirituality and faith, I don't think it's any different than most of us living our lives, aside from the very public side of her, through her husband," Thompson says of playing a pastor's wife. "She's been through a lot of loss, and I think that certainly, through that journey, most humans go through a testing of faith and spirituality, so I think it's constantly challenged in her, but I think it's always a place to come back to."

And in addition to the show's church politics, sexual intrigue, and family crises, "The Book of Daniel" leaves room for the characters to develop their own spiritual lives. It depicts the complicated, often testy, relationship between the bishop and the priest, the leaders who set the tone for their faith community.

"Very often, because she's Daniel's boss, she's correcting him and is in a kind of authoritative position over him," Burstyn says. "But we have had moments in the series, in certain episodes, where we do connect on a spiritual level, where Daniel actually turns to me for solace and comfort."

Consulting with members of the clergy in preparation for her role, Burstyn says she learned much more than the technicalities of Episcopalian worship--the experience taught her what it means to "go into religion as a profession."

"Not only throughout life, but throughout each day and each moment, they're always trying to stay true to their inner voice," she says. "They're always trying to connect to what is morally right, with each momentary choice, no matter how small it is."

But at the same time, Burstyn continues, she learned that pastors cannot just focus on their internal lives and personal spirituality.

"The other impulse is always to be going out and thinking of others, to be sharing whatever grace can be found and to be thinking in terms of helping others. So it's like a two-way direction all the time, checking each moment for inner guidance and reaching out in each moment and forgetting self and helping others," Burstyn says.

It's a combination that these actors hope will imbue their characters with depth and meaning--and give them high enough ratings to ensure that "The Book of Daniel" is inscribed in NBC's Book of TV Life for a long time.

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