letterten 2003-04 fall preview

debuts Friday, Sep 26, 8:00pm

premise from	A drama about a typical family facing atypical situations -- not the least of which is their teen daughter's sudden, unexpected conversations with God in such random forms as a cute boy or the school lunch lady. [CBS link]
stars	Joe Mantegna, Mary Steenburgen, Amber Tamblyn ("The Ring," "General Hospital"), Jason Ritter, Michael Welch
producers	Barbara Hall
studio	CBS Productions, in association with Sony Pictures Television

opinions
	I like different and original, but this is a little strange for me. This seemingly ordinary girl begins to "talk" to God. It is CBS and since I don't screen anything, I wonder if this could go "Touched By An Angel" preachy on us or, will they play it serious, but fun?
	Clearly the most interesting of CBS' pilots because of its potential to go in so many different directions. Currently the "teenage girl talking to God" angle is being played way too earnestly, but clips hint at several turns the story might take to avoid a "Touched by an Angel" tone. This will be Amber Tamblyn's "My So-Called Life" and she has hints of a comic touch that could help diffuse some of the show's more weighty issues. The question will be what God will tell Joan to do on a weekly basis? Will she be helping people in need in a mawkish way? Will she be helping her police chief father solve crimes with divine assistance? The possibilities should keep the show watchable and may make its leading lady into a star.

my thoughts on "Joan of Arcadia"
	Half season, possible full. It's got a decent slot and is pure counterprogramming. Not sure if it's going to catch on.