Perspectives on a supernatural drama - 1

Starting with the name of The Merciful, this series of articles explores ‘Coma’, a supernatural drama broadcast on ifilm; the review will include evil as a theme in the drama. The ideas in the first few episodes of the review are those of the theology adviser to the screenplay development.

The first episode in the series dealt with the identity of the strange character, Elyas. In this part, and the several future installments, there will be talk of man’s most conspicuous enemy, the Devil.

Reproduction

The interviewers had already talked to Alireza Barazesh, the screenwriter. He had previously penned ‘It was an Angel’, and had extensively answered journalists’ questions. But this time, he had introduced a different face of Satan, who has impacted the audience right at the onset.

The screenwriter has got a good memory, and frequently recalls verses from The Quran, and sayings of the infallibles of Prophet Mohammad’s household (Peace Be Upon Them All).

Asked he had once been questioned (2 years before) about whether he’d seen the Devil, and that there was a change in his answer, he started to reply. The following topics address excerpts from the interview.

I remember I told you, in response to your question 2 years ago, that Satan comes in both the Jinn and human Satan. Needless to say that a human Satan is one who performs vice, and the deed instills in his system; (smiling) and possibly we’ve changed to one ourselves.

Jinn

I haven’t seen one; though it’s possible that one notices something around them, and finds out that he saw one of them. Let me draw an analogy. You sometimes pray, and your prayer is accepted, though you might yourself not have noticed. In some supplications, especially the ones by the 4th Shia Imam (AS), the prayer reads that God, please accept my prayer, and show me you’ve done so. That means please send me a message. That’s even better than acceptance of your supplication. In this case, you might have seen something, but haven’t noticed it yourself.

Asked if he’s not sure he’s seen one, Barazesh simply smiled.

To be continued in the next episode, including the main topic of this episode, i.e. reproduction of devils.

Stay with ifilm on the supernatural side of ‘Coma’.

MF/MF