Lift Up Your Hearts!

I'll say more later about the extraordinary television show NCIS, which has captivated me in recent months, but can't wait for a major review to comment on yesterday's show, House Rules.  This is the 12th season of NCIS, so there have been many, many episodes, and with the exception of a couple of this season's, we've seen them all.  House Rules ranks as one of the all-time most beautiful.  It was their Christmas show, and I don't believe I've ever seen a show that captured the basics of the holiday more effectively, efficiently, and beautifully.  It's all there:  law, grace, repentance, redemption, fatherly love.  It's really an amazing show.  The only thing that keeps me from unequivocally recommending it is that I fear that much of the effect would be lost on those who are not long-time viewers.  The flashbacks and tie-ins to previous shows that are part of what makes it so powerful would seem disjointed and confusing to those without the proper background.

But I'm in awe of the writers and actors who made it happen, and glad we took time out of a busy holiday schedule to experience it.