THE SHARDS: Episode 1.1
A show that pushes an agenda.
Should You See It?
No one should watch this episode. From the very first moments of the pilot episode, a glaring moral flaw reveals itself at the heart of the series. The main character and his friends smoke, use drugs, have sex, and commit acts of violence without facing correction or consequences. This lifestyle quickly becomes the "status quo." The main character loves another teenage boy, and the show depicts their sexual relationship. This representation grotesquely violates God's design. The show consistently promotes a homosexual worldview throughout the entire episode.
God calls us to glorify Him in everything we do, including our viewing choices. The time spent on this show, or even just the pilot episode, carries no value beyond mere gross entertainment. Scripture reminds us: "Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life" - Proverbs 4:23.
The Story
NO SPOILERS — WE KEEP THE SURPRISESBrett Ellis, a teenage boy in his senior year of high school in LA, enjoys the good life with his friends. His wealthy parents remain out of town, leaving him on his own. He spends most of his time partying and hanging out with his close friends, Thom, Susan, and his girlfriend Debbie. One day, he watches a movie alone and notices a teenage boy walk into the theater and sit down. Captivated by the boy, Brett cannot take his eyes off him. When the boy stands up and leaves, Brett searches for him but cannot find him. Little does he know that this encounter won’t be the last, and strange events await Brett and his friends.
Is It Any Good?
Three stars means the episode is a complete trainwreck in terms of its worldview and content, but it features decent filming and acting. Brett portrays a slow yet calculating character filled with mystery and depth. Many other characters share this complexity. This development builds anticipation for future episodes as viewers watch their roles unfold in the series. The episode moves slowly and stretches scenes, yet it remains engaging; this approach heightens suspense and mystique. The film showcases straightforward shots and bland, unvibrant coloring, creating a simpler, less cinematic feel reminiscent of 80s films.
The Worldview
This one presents a clear worldview, one that demands attention. The creators intentionally display this worldview right from the pilot's opening scenes. The episode showcases numerous immoral themes, vividly highlighting and promoting them from all sides.
The debut episide portrays a lifestyle centered around homosexuality, drug use, sex, and nudity. Characters engage in these acts repeatedly throughout the episode, lacking any reconciliation, condemnation, or consequences. The absence of any wholesome elements makes it difficult to find redeeming qualities in the episode, as the creators didn't intend to include them.
The Content Guide
The specifics — spoilers included by nature — so you can judge for your own family.
Strong humanist and anti-biblical worldview that promotes the lusts of the flesh. Sexual perversion, homosexuality, langauge and other perversions abound throughout the episode with no condemnation, reconciliation, or consequences
Strong foul language. 14 obscenities, including 10 "f" bombs. At least 9 profanities
Strong violence. A girl is knocked out and kidnapped. Multiple murdered bodies are seen covered in blood
A teenage boy is attracted to another boy. Two boys have graphic sex in bed, with kissing. A boy and girl have sex at a party, and the girl uses vulgar language to communicate her strong sexual desire for him. A boy and girl strip down for sex, and her private parts are skimpily covered. A boy is seen masturbating in bed. A girl says she is horny and tells a boy to meet her in her bedroom. A woman, using very sexually vulgar language, asks someone if her husband has been with a guy. Sex and orgasm are talked about along with homosexuality
Scantily clad girls. Upper male nudity
Undgerage drinking throughput. A woman gets drunk
Teenagers smoke cigarettes and use drugs throughout
Lying, kidnapping, revenge, anger, and dysfunctional families are all seen and heard throughout the episode.
Talk About It
Questions for the drive home, the dinner table, or the youth group.
Brett's parents left overseas indefinitly and aren't really a part of his life. How does the impact of his parents being gone most likely effect him? For good? For bad? Proverbs 22:6
The Final Word
The lust of the flesh and is not something that will benefit or help us bear fruit as Christians. It seeks to go against and foolishly tear down the foundation of God's design, with grotesquely and graphically showing sin through sexual scenes and verbal usage. So our answer is simple: this one is a hard pass. What's good in it can't buy back what's wrong with it.
