TV portrayal of Mormons mean, callous

A more accurate version might have said: "The following story is loopy and ridiculous and does not depict actual Mormons or, for that matter, actual real-life humans."

The most offensive element for LDS audiences, however, is the callous treatment by the show of a delicate, sacred symbol of the LDS religion — the temple garments worn by faithful members.

Early in the show, during a flashback, 21-year-old Roy is told by his father to always wear his garments. (What? Did Roy go on a mission?)

Roy promises he will, referring to them as "garmies." His aunt also refers to the garments as "garmies" — an extremely flippant reference and not at all in keeping with the characters as they are laid out.

Worst of all is the scene where Roy is undressed on the movie-theater stage — without any resistance on his part, by the way — and we clearly see his garments.

Why would a mainstream TV show openly ridicule a sacred symbol of any religion? Would they do this with a sacred Jewish symbol? With a sacred Muslim symbol?

Of course, it's probably supposed to be funny, in keeping with the cartoon style of the performances (and some of the camera angles) in an apparent homage to "Rocky Horror," which is a purposely campy movie.

But it's not funny.

Instead, it's just one more piece of evidence regarding Hollywood's lack of respect for sacred beliefs.

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E-mail: hicks@desnews.com