The Gospel in 'Artful Dodger'

Dear reader, 

I recently came across a new TV show that I had never heard of, I want to pick it apart and show you what I learned while binge-watching it over 2 days. (I do not recommend doing this.) 

The show is a creative shift from the Oliver Twist novel by Charles Dickens. It focuses on Jack Dawkins and Fagin, as they delve into all sorts of trickery to ‘get by’. 

There were three themes/topics I wanted to draw out after pondering the show for quite some time. 

1. Everyone is evil. 

I am sure you have watched many shows or movies even where the hero isn’t much of a hero at all. He breaks the law numerous times, and yet you still find yourself cheering him on as he steals, flirts, and fights people. 

This is very much the case in this show, from the get-go you see that thievery, trickery, and lies upon lies, upon lies are evident at every turn in the show. 

There’s even an episode that showcases that the ‘good guys’ and the ‘bad guys’ are both doing what is right in their own eyes, and they can very well continue with how they want to live their lives. 

2. Sin is prevalent. 

The one common theme throughout the whole story was people did what was wrong to get by. Back in those days when the economic structure was separated, even more so than today, it was normal for a woman to steal food for her starving children. It was normal for a man, woman, or even child to be hung from the gallows for any crime, petty or obscene. 

This show showcased sin at its peak. Violence was rampant, and debauchery and adultery were paraded around. And the lies, deceit, and betrayal. It was honestly sickening. 

The writers of the show were very careful to make sure that all people groups were included in the writing, and that they all had their vices that they carried out. NO ONE was left with a good image. 

Whether it was a manipulative mother. 

An adultery-ridden priest. 

Or a thieving old man. 

Everyone loved to sin. 

3. Vulnerability is weakness. 

Throughout the show, the characters hide their sins, cover them up, lie about their deeds time and time again, and no one is willing to admit their fallen nature. They embrace it and accept it, as if society encourages them to do so. 

In the last 2 episodes, you finally see the three main characters be vulnerable in different capacities. 

A surgeon, unconfident in his abilities. 

An honorable woman, succumbing to a fatal illness. 

And a thief, who knows full well he’s been wrong from the start. 

Watching each of these characters break was heartwarming for me. I will admit there was no gospel transformation, that is not a theme that is encouraged, but more so mocked with different characters using God to justify their sinful actions, but the reminder for me that no matter what I do, or anyone else for that matter, they will always reach a point where they are unable to overcome the odds alone. 

We need Christ. 

We need His blood to wash us clean. 

Apart from Him, we can do nothing. 

I think it would be fantastic if these characters receive redemption for their actions, I don’t see it fully, but we serve an infinite God. 

If He wants redemption it will happen. 

I leave you with this, Jack Dawkins (AKA The Artful Dodger) is very adept in the ways of escaping the consequences of his actions, would you declare the same thing?

Sincerely,

Your Fellow Guv’ner 

-Mitchell