‘The Monastery’, TLC’s new entry in the world of reality TV, premiered Sunday night. Airing at the odd time of 10 pm Eastern, it was calm, almost conflict free hour, a peaceful nightcap to the Lord’s Day. This might be in keeping with the show’s theme of continual prayer and spiritual growth, but will most likely predict death for a show that is already bucking the trend of adrenaline heavy shows featuring women in bikinis, wet T-shirts, or eating worms. When America decides they want some feel-good TV, they want it dished up with a side of a shirtless Ty Pennington. Hooded monks generally don’t figure in to the equation.
It’s too bad, really, because this show has a lot to offer. Instead of the typical cardboard cutout, unrealistically attractive stars usually featured on these shows, the main players have depth. Five men. An assortment of robed monks. No women, although they are on the guy’s minds.
Alex Nicoll, 23, lost his leg in Iraq, and is struggling to find a new place in the world. Tom Kramer, 46, is a recovering alcoholic with graying hair and lots of advice for our soldier. Seems he almost died horribly at the age of 23, and tries to make a connection with Alex. Warren Huber, 24, is the ultimate geek. A former martial arts instructor and sci-fi fan, he heard a voice telling him to become a priest. This seems to be serving as a final retreat before entering the Episcopal seminary. William Morales is an ex-con who escaped the Boston gang scene and now works to keep kids out of them. He’s been ignoring his family as he struggles to single-handedly save America’s youth and is looking for more balance and a way to come to terms with his brother’s death. Rounding out the group of men is cynical Jonathon Willoughby, 30, a firefighter and paramedic with a wicked tongue. He, too, struggles to find God when he is faced with death and tragedy every day.
It’s not a competition, and there are no prizes at stake. The men have pledged to follow Abbot Philip Lawrence’s instructions for 40 days and 40 nights. That’s the same timetable as the traditional Christian season of Lent, and symbolizes penance. In the initial episode, the men struggle to get accustomed to monastic life, rising at 3:30 am, spending a total of 8 hours in church throughout the day, working hard and keeping silent in the halls.
The monks are not actors – they’re the real deal. They are not serious, stern men with nothing to say. Brother Rodrigo, Alex’s favorite, like ping pong and espresso – but watch how you talk about Christ’s mother, Mary, in his presence! Prior Christian, the second in command, is a life-long Catholic whose study of iconography is apparent in the décor of the monastery. Abbot Philip has a philosophy of understanding compassion, and is less drill sergeant than father figure.
Alex seems to be generating the most controversy, refusing to stand during prayers and bolting from the church as soon as services are over. The monks are formulating a plan to help him – if he’ll let them. The other men miss their families, their old life, but seem to get along. Overall, The Monastery is quite a peaceful place.
The filmography is beautiful, with wind sculpted cliffs providing a stark backdrop for the simple adobe buildings. The fact remains, however, that TV is a visual medium and it’s hard to show spiritual growth. Without more conflict, this series is destined to blow away like sand in the wind, a pity because it’s finally a reality show worth watching.
