Exploring Biblical Jordan

Jordan tends to be outshone by Israel when it comes to biblical associations, but this tiny country gave shelter to Lot as he fled Sodom; was home to Jacob as he wrestled with God by the river Jabbock; and was the backdrop for Moses as he led the great exodus. In Exploring Biblical Jordan, host David Nunn, in conjunction with the Jordan Tourism Board, visits each of these places, as well as Mount Hor, site of Aaron's burial; the plains of Moab, on which Moses gave the Israelites final instructions; Amman, where Uriah was killed, and the fabled lost city of Petra--emphasizing archaeological discoveries at each location. Unfortunately, this hybrid approach results in a confusion of focus, ultimately succeeding neither as travelogue nor religious documentary (the vague nature of the speculations--“probably in this very region” or “may have well felt the steps of Jesus”--don't help). In addition, the photography has a washed-out, overexposed quality, reinforcing the bleakness of the barren landscape, and the camerawork itself is repetitious, broadly panning over distant vistas, with awkward close-ups of camels, goats, and donkeys. Well-intentioned but poorly executed, this is not a necessary purchase. Aud: P. (J. Reed)