It’s Showtime for a corrupt pope. The pay-cable channel will debut The Borgias in April. The historical drama stars Jeremy Irons as Rodrigo Borgia (aka Pope Alexander VI) who apparently bought his way into the papacy and whose rule is considered by many to be a prime example of corruption in the Catholic Church during the Renaissance era. 

Less than a week later Showtime will also debut Gigolos,  a half-hour “reality” series that follows “a tight-knit group of regular Vegas guys (as they) they hit the gym, balance
relationships, provide for their families — and (who) just so happen to
be high-end male escorts.” 

The shows join the channel’s already stellar line-up which includes  the serial-killer-as-hero drama Dexter, the sex-obsessed dramedy Californication, the drug-dealing mom sitcom Weeds and the dysfunctional family drama Shameless. 

IMHO: I don’t know how historically accurate Showtime’s depiction of The Borgias will actually be — but, let’s face, the show would not be happening if we were not living in an era in which the Church, largely due to its terrible handling of clergy sex abuse scandals, is again seen as corrupt and having lost its moral compass.  But, unfortunately, some in the entertainment industry at times seem less disappointed at the failures of the Church than they are almost gleeful at the opportunity those failings give to attack it.

There are, as has been pointed out here before, lots of hopeful, positive (and true) stories involving the Church and/or Christianity that are clearly marketable and waiting to be told. Unfortunately, the powers that be in Hollywood seem to prefer the cynical.

And, as the rest of Showtime’s lineup suggests, the cynicism that the industry fosters extends well beyond the Church. None of those shows are likely to lift and inspire audiences. So here’s an idea. With all the pay, cable and broadcast channels essentially seeking to out “edgy” each other, how about a premium channel that goes the other way — appealing to audiences that seek quality programming that unabashedly presents idealism and faith in a positive light. Such fare is, unfortunately, in such short supply today that many people would likely pay to support it.

I think it’s an idea whose time has come.

Meredith Baxter is proud…she’s not a Republican. Appearing on NBC’s Today Show to talk about life since coming out as a lesbian late in life, the former Family Ties star had this to say: “I realized I was so un-self-examined. I could have been a Republican but, you know, thank goodness I’m just gay. So much better, don’t you think.”  

As a Republican with nothing against gays, I wish Ms. Baxter would examine why she feels feels putting others down others is an effective means of communicating her personal happiness and/or tolerance for others. Sure, it was just a joke — but, if it had been stated in reverse, she’d be spending the next week apologizing for it. As it is, she’s just snarky.

It’s time to pull the plug on Two and a Half Man. I wrote the following just over a year ago for the entertainment industry blog The Wrap. Except for the fact that Charlie Sheen now appears to be blowing off rehab, the article practically could have been posted this morning.

Published: February 25, 2010 @ 12:32 pm

First of all, I’m not out to kick
Charlie Sheen when he’s down. I sincerely wish him Godspeed in getting past his
personal problems and turning his life around — which right now might be
viewed as a lesson in how money can’t buy happiness.

That said, I think it may be time to
pull the plug on “Two and a Half Men,” his CBS sitcom that has been shuttered
while he seeks rehab.

I admit I’m not a particular fan of
the show. Though I liked the first season, the repetitive sex and fart jokes
grew old fast. Still, there’s no denying it draws the numbers. But for how
long?

The show has been on for seven
seasons now. It’s actually at the point where a title change might be in order
(to “Three Men” or at least “Two and Three-Quarters Men”).

Title aside, though, I think it’s
quite likely that “Men” has peaked and will likely see ratings declines going
forward. CBS reportedly has already renewed the show for two more seasons. Now
may be the time to reconsider.

It’s always a bit painful to watch a
once-hit show reach the “Is that still on?” phase. It’s better to go out on
top. It’s better to be “Everybody Loves Raymond” than “According to Jim.”

Also, CBS has a ready replacement in
“The Big Bang Theory,” which is enjoying climbing ratings and currently follows
“Men” on Monday nights. Like “Men,” it’s produced by Chuck Lorre and could
easily slide into the 9 p.m. slot. Lorre’s multicamera pilot “Mike and Molly”
would be an easy choice to fill the timeslot vacated by “Big Bang.”

Both shows would likely follow the 8
p.m. hour combo of “How I Met Your Mother” and (from the creators of “HIMYM”) “Livin’ on a Prayer.”

By leasing out “Men” now and
promoting “Big Bang” to Monday’s tentpole slot, CBS can maintain the vitality
of the night’s schedule before ratings erosion takes hold.

Just a thought.

(Note: In the original post I spelled “Godspeed” with the “G” in lower case. I have since consulted with Webster and learned that it is correctly spelled with a capital “G.”)