HBO's BIG MISTAKE

HBO apologizes for offense, but will still air 'Big Love' temple scene

By Vince Horiuchi
The Salt Lake Tribune
Updated: 03/11/2009 10:12:34 AM MDT

The creators of HBO's controversial polygamy drama, "Big Love," defended an upcoming episode depicting a scene of a sacred and private LDS temple ceremony that has riled some members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Meanwhile, the TV network has apologized to those who may be offended by its contents.
"We therefore took great pains to depict the ceremony with the dignity and reverence it is due," according to a statement by creators Mark V. Olsen and Will Scheffer. Both were editing the season finale this week and unavailable for interviews.
The duo's unusual drama, about a modern-day Utah polygamous family, sparked controversy this week when Scheffer and Olsen announced that Sunday night's episode
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"This approach is entirely evident in the scene portrayed in this episode and certainly reflected in Jeanne Tripplehorn's beautiful and moving performance as she faces losing the church she loved so much," the creators said in the statement. "In order to assure the accuracy of the ceremony, it was thoroughly vetted by an adviser who is familiar with temple practices and rituals."
While the creators stand by the episode, HBO, which is owned by
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AOL-Time Warner, issued an apology Tuesday to "those who may be offended."
"Obviously, it was not our intention to do anything disrespectful to the church but to those who may be offended, we offer our sincere apology," according to the network's statement. "It should also be noted that throughout the series' three-year run, the writer/producers have made abundantly clear the distinction between the LDS Church and those extreme fringe groups who practice polygamy. "
Church officials declined to comment Tuesday, instead referring to a statement posted on www.LDS.org.
"Such things say much more about the insensitivities of writers, producers and TV executives than they say about Latter-day Saints," the church statement read.
News of the episode has launched many strong opinions from church members and nonmembers alike, arguing over the sanctity of temple ceremonies and whether they should be viewed -- even if they are fictional re-enactments -- by the public.
"Depicting the temple ceremony doesn't hurt the church as an institution," wrote one poster on the Salt Lake Tribune's site. "There is nothing going on inside which would shock the world. All such a re-enactment will do is to hurt the feelings of those who sincerely believe any discussion of it outside of a temple demeans something sacred."

» Statement from "Big Love" creators Mark V Olsen and Will Scheffer :
"In approaching the dramatization of the endowment ceremony, we knew we had a responsibility to be completely accurate and to show the ceremony in the proper context and with respect. We therefore took great pains to depict the ceremony with the dignity and reverence it is due. This approach is entirely evident in the scene portrayed in this episode and certainly reflected in Jeanne Tripplehorn's beautiful and moving performance as she faces losing the church she loved so much. In order to assure the accuracy of the ceremony, it was thoroughly vetted by an adviser who is familiar with temple practices and rituals. This consultant was actually on the set throughout the filming of the scenes to make sure every detail was correct."

» HBO statement:
"We know that the writers/producers of the series have gone to great lengths to be respectful and accurate in portraying the endowment ceremony. That ceremony is very much an important part of this year's story line. Obviously, it was not our intention to do anything disrespectful to the church but to those who may be offended, we offer our sincere apology. It should also be noted that throughout the series' three-year run, the writer/producers have made abundantly clear the distinction between the LDS Church and those extreme fringe groups who practice polygamy."