Popular Culture Review Volume 30, Number 2, Summer 2019 | Page 270

Book Review : Religions Across Television Genres
the stone tablets at the Israelites who have turned their back on God ). The framing of Rick as slightly above the backdrop of the stained glass windows , a visual symbol of the Church itself , enhances the notion that his justice is replacing God ’ s justice . ( 111 )
Rick ’ s character arc is an unforgettable and deeply shattering moment , and Valenzano and Engstrom remind viewers of the show ’ s symbolic power and imaginative risk-taking . After all , we are meant to simultaneously cry for Rick and cheer him on , which in some ways changes us , too .
Finally , the least critically acclaimed ( and arguably most teen-oriented ) show of the bunch : Supernatural . Valenzano and Engstrom summarize it smartly as “ one of the most popular shows you might never have heard of .” Indeed , if you ’ re a professor , your students are likely addicted to the series while your peers will respond : “ Super-what ?” In any case , there is no condescension expressed toward the show ’ s ridiculous premise : two brothers , Sam and Dean , hit the hidden highways of America to fight vampires and other monsters . ( Think of it as Route 66 crossed with Bram Stoker ’ s Dracula .) Instead , Valenzano and Engstrom dig deeply into subplots and character motivations to reveal the philosophical and theological riches that Supernatural offers viewers . Whether addressing the brothers ’ heartfelt search for God or their sibling conflict ( Cain and Abel , right ?) or the way in which Supernatural “ subtly , though powerfully , upends traditional depictions of the Almighty ” ( 128 ), the authors will make the most skeptical reader curious enough to check out an episode , which you most definitely will after finishing this chapter .
Valenzano and Engstrom ’ s conclusion isn ’ t surprising for anyone who enjoys teaching World Literature�or at least the
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