For the love of Six Feet Under -- enough already, with the dead and immortals wandering around giving advice to the few characters that can see them -- the idea is only “off-beat” and “breakthrough” one time, and that coffin went down under when HBO planted it.

The recently released and criticized television drama The Book of Daniel reminds me of a strawberry daiquiri: All the things in it that are considered negative or poisonous are fundamentally unnecessary to the item’s general worth – so why the heck are they in there?

Not a classic anecdote, I’ll admit, but it’s surprisingly true. Daniel is being put through a horrific series of beat downs from religious relics and conservatives, calling it “blasphemous” and a “sacrilege” – in response to its use of a Jesus character, and multiple homosexual instances within the church. While these issues certainly stir a buzz, they are of no real benefit to the development or depth of the show. Much like how I put myself through a calorie fest, sugar headache, and a hangover from a strawberry daiquiri, when all I really want is that tasty strawberry goodness.

The conflict revolves around married Reverend Daniel (Aidan Quinn) as he balances running a church, raising a family, and dealing with the chaotic antics of his politically risqué community.

The controversy with religious relics lies in the character of Jesus Christ, played by Garret Dillahunt, who follows Daniel around through his daily speed bumps, randomly sputtering somewhat off-kilter advice. Remember NBC, controversial doesn’t necessarily mean good – check out your ratings if you don’t believe me.

Homosexuality is a huge, reoccurring theme in Daniel – again, displaying their desperation to be as subversive as possible. The viewer hopes that they eventually will branch out into less accepting and less stylish forms of rebellion. It’s the year 2006 – its cooler to be gay than it is to be straight.

There are however, some impressive performances from nobodies, who create a lot of hoo-hah with a minimal amount of rich material. Daniel’s daughter Grace’s bitter and satirical nature, played by Allison Pill, is a great compliment to Daniel’s success and almost euphoric marriage.

The center of the show, although it is yet to be discovered, is in the family and community relationships. A religious-based drama is untilled territory, and could be intriguing all on its own. However, the focus is so intensely on the more shocking aspects of the show, that viewers are missing the funny, moving and heartfelt greatness hidden beneath.

My advice: Turn your focus to finding the actual story, and stop with the Avril Lavigne act.