CURRENTLY IN TELEVISION: A party of empty lives

Lorraine Redekop

Commencing its fourth season, Fox's Party of Five is currently one of television's most popular prime time dramas, especially among youth. The series focusses on the turbulent lives of the five orphaned Salinger kids, aged four to thirty-something. Dramatic plotlines, attractive stars and a hip soundtrack make this show a hit with teens. Recent episodes have dealt with such issues as drug abuse, alcoholism, infidelity and teenage pregnancy.

The characters' lives are unbelievably complicated: The eldest Salinger, Charlie, is a philandering womanizer, while Bailey, a college student, struggles with alcoholism, and 17-year-old Julia has already survived a pregnancy and miscarriage. These soap opera storylines are part of Party of Five's appeal--some family member is always going through a major emotional crisis. Throughout all of these ups and downs, one central philosophy emerges: Live life your own way; do whatever feels right for you; and don't worry about the consequences.

As a Christian, I find Party of Five's hedonistic philosophy disturbing. The spiritually-devoid characters rarely account for their behaviour, even when their actions result in disaster. The entire program advocates the "feel good" lifestyle that too many young people already espouse. As a young adult, I am bothered by the fact that the Salingers and their friends, who lack integrity, morality and, most importantly, God, are supposed to be examples for my generation. If these characters personify today's youth, then tomorrow's adults are in trouble.

While Party of Five may have fast-paced storylines, appealing actors and catchy tunes, it reflects the empty values that our world embraces. The Christian, in contrast is called to a life modelled on Jesus.

Lorraine Redekop is a student at Queen's University and attends Bethel Associated Gospel Church in Kingson, Ont.

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