4/5 Better Than Most TV
  by Daniel Raphael
The theme of this TV series, which first aired 2003-4, is that a teenage girl, Joan, is approached by God. God appears in various human guises, male and female, and usually has instructions about what he wants Joan to do: take up piano lessons, build a boat, get a job, and so forth. God never explains why, although it's all part of "a perfect plan," which sometimes works out, and sometimes is later reviewed with a sort of folksy wisdom, like "you don't always get to see the outcome of your actions." The "assignments" get a bit tiresome after awhile, and occasionally there is overacting, but all in all, the cast does a good job of portraying stresses and strains of family life, personal foibles, and largely believable situations encompassing challenge and tragedy. Because the program is focused on their family (and Joan) there is way too much drama for one family to be going through, but it helps that the series also shows Joan at school and outside the home, and her father at his work as a Chief of Police, and later, as a detective. Her nerd brother and former-jock-now-paraplegic older brother, have significant roles. In addition to the matter of God, there is substantial portrayal of teen angst. I think there is too much use of tinkling piano and soft guitar every time there are tears (which is often), but this is a critique that does not touch the core of the presentation--it's just something that could have been less thickly laid on.

This program only lasted another year; there were many awards for its first year, but the drive for advertising revenue drove Joan of Arcadia to the drearily predictable "sexing up" and "violencing up" in the second year, in order to supposedly reach the target demographic--a typical TV wasteland outcome. In the year that it ran, I looked forward to it each week. Its portrayal of normal (mostly white, middle-class) people gave range to some human and humane expressions about the plight of gay kids raised by bigots, homeless children afraid of losing their parents, and other issues that are timely and painful. The serious core of the show did not preclude moments of humor, and there was enough tenderness to keep it from being too heavy.

I recommend this as an example of a better-than-average TV presentation...which was too good to last.

5/5 Joan's first season - what would you do if God chose you?
  by Anita M Way
We will always have critics . . . I go by the old addage, "if you can't say something positive; don't say anything at all."

I was positively happy to have this show to watch. How would others of us react to situations in life? Who knows until you are confronted by one? A number of shows giving positive entertainment are welcome in our home.

4/5 Great show- in the beginning.
  by J. E. Meredith (Louisville, KY USA)
When it first began, Joan of Arcadia was an incredibly promising television show. The show was well cast, the concept itself was interesting (God- in many human forms- appearing to an ordinary girl, giving her various tasks that not only showed her how she affected the world around her, but also showed that if we have faith, God can work things out). The storylines were captivating, as well. And, speaking as someone who was a teenager when the show aired, the romantic tension between sweet Adam and oblivious Joan was just wonderful. Though the season ended very strangely (Lyme disease???), the show could have continued on for at least a few more seasons had the second season not been botched by the writers so much. If you're a fan of television and like watching different things, you may enjoy Joan of Arcadia. The first season certainly got enough positive attention from critics.

5/5 Joan of arcadia: the first season
  by Dennis J. Glandon
Dear Sir or Madam,

Ordering this product was fast and easy. When I received the product, it was damaged. I believe the instructions were unclear and confusing on how to return the product for replacement. I returned the item, but gave the wrong information on the package. The staff was able and willing to correct my mistake, track down my down package and replace it. I appreciate all their efforts. I would respectfully suggest that they review their online procedure on returning future products and clear up any apparent problems with instructions on returns.
Thank you.

Melissa Glandon

























5/5 Great series...a shame it only lasted two seasons!
  by F. Weaver (Austin, TX)
I became a big fan of the show when it originally aired and always wanted to buy this series to add to my collection. I don't usually buy series, but I had to get this one! Great ensemble cast. The show dealt with faith in a refreshing way. I've really enjoyed looking at the episodes again (and will again and again :0). It is a show that went off the air too soon.