TV REVIEWS : ‘CBS Schoolbreak’ Probes Religion

Just about any issue, no matter how controversial--from abortion and alcoholism to homosexuality and steroid abuse--can be found daily in sitcoms, episodic dramas, talk shows and, in particular, those after-school drama series aimed at teens.

But today’s “CBS Schoolbreak Special”--”If I Die Before I Wake” (3 p.m., Channels 2 and 8)--seriously tackles one of TV’s rarest and touchiest subjects: religious beliefs.

When a cracked rib sidelines high school senior Charlie (Matthew Fox) from his track team’s flight to the state finals, his best friend Joey takes his place. The plane crashes with no survivors and Charlie, who had never thought about religion one way or another, is overwhelmed by the need to find some answers to help him deal with the tragedy.

He is deeply affected by the steadfast faith of Joey’s Christian girlfriend, Leanne (Dina Spybey), who takes comfort in her belief that Joey “is with the Lord.” As Charlie gradually finds his own faith, his search is the catalyst for those closest to him to explore their own feelings and prejudices.

Writer/director/executive producer Susan Rohrer avoids polemic, for the most part, although she does make clear an antipathy for the lack of public-school education about religious concepts.