I haven't seen the episode in question yet, of course. (Although I did listen to a podcast interview with the show's creators' a little while back in which they did talk about Don exploring religion a bit this season, because Rob Morrow was really interested in doing that.) But I find this response entertaining and kind of cool, because I think that Numb3rs, in general, is one of the few shows that does a non-theist character absolutely right, at least as far as I've watched. Come to that, Larry's whole spiritual-seeker thing is remarkably well-characterized, too.

So maybe they deserve a thumbs-up on this all the way around. :)

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I agree that they deserve a general thumbs-up all the way around, since Charlie's non-theism and Larry's openness have been a staple on the show since early days. Sometimes a show that manages that doesn't always manage to get the other side, though, and Numb3rs is knocking it out of the park. I won't spoil you, but Charlie and Larry (and Alan) all play interesting roles in this ongoing subplot.

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and Numb3rs is knocking it out of the park.

Considering that, according to said podcast interview, the producers of the show are both atheists, I'm particularly pleased to hear that. (See, world! We're not all ignorant and hostile when it comes to the subject of religion, not by a long shot! ;))

but Charlie and Larry (and Alan) all play interesting roles in this ongoing subplot.

I would hope for nothing less! It seems like a subject on which those particular characters could have some interesting conversations.

As of the end of S4, I don't recall much being said about Alan's religious sensibilities (other than the fact that he raised his kids without much in the way of religion), but he seems very much a humanistic kind of person to me, much more concerned with social justice in the here and now than with anything divine or mystical. Which is also very well-portrayed; it's an appealing characteristic in him, IMO. I'll be interested to see what he has to contribute.

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according to said podcast interview, the producers of the show are both atheists

I wasn't sure of that, but it makes sense given some other things they have said in interviews. I believe one of the writers (also a producer level, at this point), Ken Sanzel, is Jewish, and that may be helping this storyline.

[Alan] seems very much a humanistic kind of person to me, much more concerned with social justice in the here and now than with anything divine or mystical.

Yeah, I'd say that's entirely accurate. Which makes his reaction to Don's storyline very interesting, and not entirely expected, for me, coming from a place rather far from my own experience.

I love Alan in general, to be honest. And I do hope he has more to contribute as this storyline is ongoing....

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I believe one of the writers (also a producer level, at this point), Ken Sanzel, is Jewish, and that may be helping this storyline.

And possibly they got a fair amount of input from Morrow, since he was the one who was really interested in going in that particular direction.

I love Alan in general, to be honest.

So do I. He's such a genuinely nice guy.

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Can't wait to seeee!

I was thinking the other day that I should look into keeping up with N3 more or less currently. It doesn't eat my brain and make me devour fic like SPN does but I'd like to be able to participate on real_numb3rs and chat with you guys. I wonder if they're on hulu. *wanders off to check*

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It doesn't eat my brain and make me devour fic like SPN does

Very few things have the brain-devouring appetite that SPN has. For realz.

Sarah, I knew you'd love this ep. And to answer your Daniel question, yes indeedy, I noticed.

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There is fic waiting! Yes indeedy! Shhh, brain, I have other things to do tonight. Seriously. Shhhh!

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