I'm a Christian and I find Moral Orel completely inoffensive. It's actually quite enlightening and reassuring. What the episodes criticize, in a very astute way, are the hypocrisies committed by some of the members of my religion. Orel, the lead character is a very pious and likable character. Dino Stamatopoulos and co. have found a way to reflect on some negative aspects of Faith while still keeping a carefully trained and sympathetic eye upon the positive.
In one episode, Orel shows the sweetest affection to an equally sweet puppy. In fact, the episode (entitled "Love") seems to suggest that the puppy, like Christ, is the embodiment of Love itself. There are many fresh and funny parallels comparing the puppy to Jesus himself, but there is no instance of ridiculing our Saviour. On the contrary, the greatest respect is given to Him, and the barbs are sharply pointed at the self-righteous congregation who run the town. The puppy is a threat to the status quo, much like Jesus was back in his time. Eventually, the puppy is put to death, but this is not played for shock-value laughs. What the program cleverly suggests is that, if Jesus were alive today, and anonymous, many of the "pious" would once again take his life. This is a bold statement for a fifteen minute cartoon, and one that is expertly and ferociously driven home with an equally delicate hand.
I have seen a dozen or so of these episodes, and am continually amazed by the subtlety and skill that come across in these wonderful pieces.
In another review here I read that Moral Orel does what people believe "South Park" is attempting to do: mindlessly shock and harm a segment of our population. This sentiment is ludicrous. There is nothing mindless nor harmful about Moral Orel. It is a reflection of our society and one that educates and entertains in very important ways.
In one episode, Orel shows the sweetest affection to an equally sweet puppy. In fact, the episode (entitled "Love") seems to suggest that the puppy, like Christ, is the embodiment of Love itself. There are many fresh and funny parallels comparing the puppy to Jesus himself, but there is no instance of ridiculing our Saviour. On the contrary, the greatest respect is given to Him, and the barbs are sharply pointed at the self-righteous congregation who run the town. The puppy is a threat to the status quo, much like Jesus was back in his time. Eventually, the puppy is put to death, but this is not played for shock-value laughs. What the program cleverly suggests is that, if Jesus were alive today, and anonymous, many of the "pious" would once again take his life. This is a bold statement for a fifteen minute cartoon, and one that is expertly and ferociously driven home with an equally delicate hand.
I have seen a dozen or so of these episodes, and am continually amazed by the subtlety and skill that come across in these wonderful pieces.
In another review here I read that Moral Orel does what people believe "South Park" is attempting to do: mindlessly shock and harm a segment of our population. This sentiment is ludicrous. There is nothing mindless nor harmful about Moral Orel. It is a reflection of our society and one that educates and entertains in very important ways.
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