So why did my
mom, my brother, and I venture into the 20-degree weather after dark, rush down
to my granny’s house and put up with her yapping smelly dog, Baby, who insists
on sitting on our laps for two hours? We’d heard the news that the History
Channel had a new theologically-orthodox Bible series. And it was scored by the awesome Hans Zimmer. We don’t have cable, so
it was time for a pilgrimage. Was it worthwhile?
Let’s face it,
the Bible’s been done so many times that there’s not much you can do to make
sand look different. Everybody expects bearded men, rough robes, camels, and
miracles. The History Channel’s 5-part, 10-hour The Bible series is no exception. When it comes to design, though
the special effects are better than most Bible movies, there several moments
where I was thinking, I’ve Seen This
Before.
But let’s be fair
– part of the problem is that everyone has
seen this before. It’s an enormous challenge to cover a book that’s 1000+ pages
which is as familiar as the night sky. It’s made even harder by the fact that
you have no main characters; everyone gets their bit and moves on. The only
thing connecting the narrative is God and the surroundings. That said, each
part was made memorable. The story of creation and the ark are intercut, with
Noah narrating the tale of the Fall in a strong Scottish brogue (this, I love).
