Episode 7: "Color and Light"

"Cameras are tools designed to capture images. In truth, they can capture so much more. "

Cameras weave the stories together this week. The theme in this epiosode was only mildly developed, but the writers moved the plot forward with almost all of the characters. And since there isn't much to talk about other than what happened with the ladies on Wysteria Lane, I have a chance to rabbit trail off into another favorite topic of mine: film.

Does anyone know what the original camera was? Before there were actual cameras? Stories. For centuries, stories have enabled people to discover truths about themselves. As we listen to a story about someone else, there is no condemnation, no commitment. We have the freedom to apply what we have seen to ourselves or deny its relevance in our lives. We aren't forced to do anything with the information because no one is accusing or holding us accountable. The trouble is that we usually do feel an obligation to process that information. We hold ourselves accountable of our own volition, and that is why stories are so powerful.

I believe that's why Christ used parables to teach. It is our nature to apply truth as we discover it. When we can see ourselves from the outside (as if we were strangers looking in), we are less threatened and better able to come to terms with what's inside. We are willing to deal with our issues because no one is watching or expecting.

The effect of story is so powerful that I am practically consumed with the idea. It is why I love to write. Presenting truth in a non-threatening way, a way that can be experienced vicariously, will impact people far more effectively than simple, straight talk. That's why I love film so dog-gone much. Dog-gone. Wow. It's late. :) At any rate, I am perpetually surprised at the number of people who shut themselves off from films because they object to immoral content. Immoral content is everywhere: in our homes, at the office, on the street, at the gym, in our e-mail boxes, in our hobbyist clubs...you name it, it's there. That's the nature of life. But a good story that has depth and meaning isn't so readily available.

When a good film comes out, and sometimes when a bad film comes out, conversations abound. Stories affect us on such a subconsicious level, it's amazing. I often see a film and walk away loving something about it, something that I can't put my finger on for several days. The Punisher was like that for me. I loved something about that heinously violent movie, and it wasn't until later that I realized what it was (not enough space to explain it here, check out the review). Many people connect to films on a subconscious level, thinking to themselves, "There was something really great about that film." But then they go to work or school the next day and never give it another thought.

If we were able to bring to consciousness what we loved or hated about those films, my, wouldn't we have something compelling to talk about! Skip the conversations about weather and career, let's talk about movies! Jesus talked about stories his whole life. He told them and then expounded on them. He explained their relevance and the natural application of the principles. I think we should all make a practice of doing that, regardless of what the story is about.

It is a mystery to me that I spent 20 years watching television and film without realizing that every story had a moral, be it good or bad. But a film media class in college changed my world forever. Star Trek changed my world forever. After watching those filmmakers develop a theme in every episode, I was hooked. I knew instantly that I wanted to be part of that world. I knew it was the universal language.

Cameras. Film. Stories. Universal language. Enough said.

Episode 6: "I Wish I Could Forget You"

Wow!! What a fantastic episode!! Marriage seems to be the topic of the day for DH fans.

Although the final scene with Susan running down the middle of the street in a wedding dress was way over-the-top, the rest of the episode was fantastic. As we look at the relationships within the bounds of marriage, we see that there are many things that make it work.

For Mike, honesty is most important. When a trust is broken with lies or deception, Mike feels that a person has one chance and then it's over. So naturally when Susan screws up, he's out the door. It's true that no relationship could survive under those restrictions. The reality of life is that people disappoint. People lie. They break trust, and forgiveness is necessary to press on in a relationship. For now, it looks like Mike is gone. But, perhaps he will learn a little from others who have forgiven him and come back in a later episode.

For Bree, we discover that relationships carry on even after loss. Although death separated Bree and Rex, I also thought of people who have been divorced and those whose relationships have fallen apart after many years. Whether people die or leave our lives for other reasons, we suffer the loss of those years invested. Relationships are forever. People make a lasting impression on our lives, regardless of how long we live with them. The same is true for us. It is important, then, to choose carefully how we treat one another in the time that we have together. Last week, Bree was appalled that Rex could have thought she killed him. She thought that her years of service and love for Rex didn't deserve such an accusation. However, it was the very last year of their lives together that had the greatest impact on Rex's beliefs, not the twenty years of faithfulness. Clearly, the actions and attitudes we take toward our loved ones leave an indelible impression on them. That's why Christ emphasized so much that we love one another. Our love for one another ultimately reflects his love for us, which is unconditional. Although we tend to place many conditions on our love, those times that we do love each other are a great reminder of the kind of relationship God wants to have with us.

Gabrielle makes a huge leap in this episode and I love her character so much more after the stunt she pulls on the lawyer. Seeing through the lies and exposing others' deception is another element that keeps relationships alive. Many times we suffer from the "grass is greener on the other side" syndrome, but it's usually a lie. Everyone has problems, and switching partners often only means switching problems. I like to say, "New levels, new devils." It's just the nature of relationships. In Gabrielle's case, she recognizes that the new lawyer only has his own interests in mind, which is the case for most extramarital affairs. Any legitimate relationship will do what is best to benefit the other person. Although it's best to avoid conversations about marriage with someone who is attractive, these conversations happen. In those cases, a true friend will encourage the struggling person to work through the problems they have with their spouse rather than help them justify an escape. 1 Corinthians 13:4 says, "Love is patient, love is kind....it is not self-seeking...love does not delight in evil but rejoices iwth the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres."

Lastly, Lynette and her hubby recognize that a little self-indulgence can help a relationship make it through the toddler years. The toddler years are arguably the most difficult, frustrating years of a person's life. At a time when parents are being spent to the very last, cultivating some self-esteem can help them make it through another day. It is dangerous to neglect ourselves and our relationships for the sake of kids. If we fail to be well-balanced individuals, we cannot possibly impact them for the greatest good. While self indulgent purchases like new suits and golf clubs can be effective, they are ultimately bandaid approaches. I'm not knocking them, though. I'll admit that a trip to the mall or a box of chocolates in the middle of summer can be very fulfilling for me! But, true strength and renewal comes from maintaining our relationships with God. Christ taught that we are to love God first, and then love others. How can we love others when our own "love tank" is empty? As we maintain that relationship with God, it is a kind of self-indulgence like no other. A few moments alone with my Bible can often encourage me for several weeks while that trip to the mall only lasts a day.

This episode was a lot of fun and I think it had a lot to say about relationships. It's interesting to note that the Bible uses marriage as a metaphor for the relationship between Christ and believers. I think the same things that make marriages work on earth can make our spiritual relationships thrive: trusting God, receiving forgiveness, cultivating a loving relationship with our God (as opposed to one that is driven by fear or guilt), exposing lies that would draw us away from Christ, and indulging ourselves with time in the Word of God.