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* "Father Dowling: I Am Heartily Sorry" by Uncle Mike (sitcom parody) 10, 10, 10
http://www.dejanews.com/getdoc.xp?AN=382436480
http://www.dejanews.com/getdoc.xp?AN=382436502


* "Father Dowling: I Am Heartily Sorry" by Uncle Mike
(fr582@cleveland.Freenet.Edu).
http://www.dejanews.com/getdoc.xp?AN=382436480
http://www.dejanews.com/getdoc.xp?AN=382436502

I have never watched an entire episode of "Father Dowling." I may be wrong,
but I had the impression that it had something to do with a priest and nun
working together to solve crimes; but this story has no detective work in it.
Since I know so little, I won't try to comment any further than that on how
well this story works as a parody.

The story focuses on Father Prestwick, who is hearing confessions. Most of
the penitents are old ladies and children, whose "sins" are boring; but then
in comes Mrs. Klimaszewski, the woman in her early 30's who wears no bra and
whose husband is out of town and who confesses her sins of masturbating and
getting it on with the newspaper boy. Since that session has already turned
him on, Father feels predisposed to prod a little when Sister Stephanie
comes in to confess her sins; and pretty soon Sister Steve has another sin -
or several sins, depending on how you count - to confess the next time she
drops by the confessional.

I honestly believe that Catholic priests have gotten a bad rap in recent
years. I think they are every bit as upright and virtuous, although certainly
not as intelligent, as English teachers; and I really don't think they are any
more likely to behave unprofessionally than other people who work closely with
people. I really doubt that the sort of thing described in this story happens
very often. But it sure makes a good story!

Ratings for "Father Dowling"
Athena (technical quality): 10
Venus (plot & character): 10
Celeste (appeal to reviewer): 10